This 4-Ingredient No-Bake Lemon Cloud Pie is a dreamy dessert that’s as light and refreshing as its name suggests.
With a tangy lemon flavor, creamy texture, and effortless preparation, it’s perfect for warm days when you want a sweet treat without turning on the oven. Whether it’s for a family gathering, holiday party, or a simple weeknight dessert, this pie is guaranteed to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- 9-inch (23cm) pie dish
Ingredients
- 1 premade graham cracker crust (or homemade crust)
- 1 can (14 oz/396g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tub (8 oz/227g) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
Directions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and fresh lemon juice. Whisk or beat with a hand mixer until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the light texture.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the lemon filling into the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Chill: Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled. Garnish with lemon zest, fresh berries, or whipped cream if desired.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Chill Time
4 hours
Total Time
4 hours 10 minutes
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 28g
Expert Tips
- Extra Lemon Flavor: Add 1 tsp of lemon zest to the filling for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.
- Homemade Crust: For a homemade touch, mix 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs with 6 tbsp (85g) melted butter and press into a pie dish. Chill before filling.
- Make-Ahead Dessert: This pie can be made a day in advance for convenience.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Yes, but fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I use a different crust?
Absolutely! A vanilla wafer or shortbread crust would pair beautifully with the lemon filling.
How long does this pie last?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storing & Reheating
- Storing: Keep covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Reheating: No reheating needed—serve chilled.
Substitutions & Variations
- Lime Version: Substitute lime juice for lemon juice for a zesty lime cloud pie.
- Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free whipped topping and reduced-sugar condensed milk.
- Tropical Twist: Add a tablespoon of pineapple juice to the filling for a tropical flavor.
4-Ingredient No-Bake Lemon Cloud Pie
This 4-Ingredient No-Bake Lemon Cloud Pie is a dreamy dessert that’s as light and refreshing as its name suggests. With a tangy lemon flavor, creamy texture, and effortless preparation, it’s perfect for warm days when you want a sweet treat without turning on the oven.
Equipment
- - Mixing bowl
- - Hand mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- - 9-inch (23cm) pie dish
Ingredients
- - 1 premade graham cracker crust or homemade crust
- - 1 can 14 oz/396g sweetened condensed milk
- - 1/2 cup 120ml fresh lemon juice
- - 1 tub 8 oz/227g whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
Instructions
- **Prepare the Filling:** In a large mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and fresh lemon juice. Whisk or beat with a hand mixer until well combined and slightly thickened.
- **Fold in Whipped Topping:** Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the light texture.
- **Assemble the Pie:** Pour the lemon filling into the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- **Chill:** Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- **Serve:** Slice and serve chilled. Garnish with lemon zest, fresh berries, or whipped cream if desired.
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