3 Ingredient Lemon Pie (No Bake Lemon Icebox Pie with Condensed Milk)

Name: 3 Ingredient Lemon Pie (No Bake Lemon Icebox Pie)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk; 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice; 1 Tbsp lemon zest (optional); 9- inch prepared Graham Cracker Crust

This 3 Ingredient Lemon Pie is creamy, tangy, and incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. It’s a no bake lemon icebox pie that comes together in minutes and chills into the perfect refreshing dessert.

This is one of those recipes I keep coming back to, especially in the spring and summer.

It’s the kind of dessert you can throw together in 10 minutes when you need something quick, but it still tastes like you put in way more effort. The combination of cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh lemon juice creates the creamiest, tangiest filling — and it sets up beautifully in the fridge without any baking.

If you’re a fan of lemon desserts like lemon bars or glazed lemon blossoms, you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with this pie too!

What is 3 Ingredient Lemon Pie?
Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Lemon Pie Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make 3-Ingredient Lemon Pie
Tips for the Best Lemon Pie
Variations and Add-ins
How to Store Lemon Pie with Eagle Brand Milk
Frequently Asked Questions
Try More Lemon and No Bake Desserts

What is 3 Ingredient Lemon Pie?

Lemon icebox pie is a classic no bake dessert made with a creamy lemon filling that sets in the refrigerator instead of the oven.

This 3 ingredient lemon pie is a simplified version of a traditional lemon icebox pie, using cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk to create a rich, smooth texture without any baking required.

Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Lemon Pie Recipe

This is one of those recipes that’s as easy as it gets, but still feels special enough to serve to guests.

Only 3 main ingredients
Completely no bake
Perfect for last-minute desserts
Creamy, smooth, and perfectly tangy
Tastes like a classic lemon icebox pie
Made with sweetened condensed milk for the perfect texture

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this pie couldn’t be easier.

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and why they’re essential:

Cream Cheese: This gives the pie its creamy, rich texture. If you’re lactose intolerant or prefer a vegan option, you can substitute with dairy-free cream cheese.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and helps to thicken the pie filling. A great substitute would be coconut condensed milk for a unique twist.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides that quintessential zesty flavor that makes the pie so refreshing. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
Optional Lemon Zest: Elevates the lemony flavor to new heights. You can skip this if you prefer a milder lemon taste.
Prepared Graham Cracker Crust: It’s the ideal base that complements the tangy filling. You can also use a store-bought digestive biscuit crust or even make your own.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Lemon Pie

Creating this pie is as easy as pie! Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Use a hand mixer to blend together the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
Step 2: Add the lemon juice and zest, mixing thoroughly to combine.
Step 3: Pour the mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust.
Step 4: Refrigerate for at least two hours to set.
Step 5: Serve the pie cold and enjoy!

3 Ingredient Lemon Pie: lemon pie recipe with 3 ingredients

Tips for the Best Lemon Pie

Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor (bottled won’t be as bright)

Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps

Chill long enough — this is what helps the pie set properly

Add extra lemon zest if you want a stronger lemon flavor

Variations and Add-ins

This recipe is simple, but you can easily customize it:

Add extra lemon juice for a more tart pie
Add whipped topping for a lighter texture
Use a vanilla wafer crust instead of graham cracker
Top with fresh berries or whipped cream

How to Store Lemon Pie with Eagle Brand Milk

Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Serve cold straight from the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make 3 ingredient lemon pie with condensed milk?

Yes! Sweetened condensed milk is a key ingredient in this recipe. It helps create the creamy texture and balances the tartness of the lemon juice.

Is this a no bake lemon pie?

Yes, this is a completely no bake recipe. The pie sets in the refrigerator, making it perfect for warm weather or when you don’t want to turn on the oven.

Can I make this lemon pie without cream cheese?

This version uses cream cheese for a richer texture. Traditional lemon icebox pie recipes sometimes skip it, but the cream cheese makes this version extra creamy and stable.

What is the difference between lemon pie and lemon icebox pie?

Lemon pie can refer to baked versions, while lemon icebox pie is typically no bake and chilled until set. This recipe falls into the lemon icebox pie category.

How long does lemon pie need to chill?

At least 2 hours, but 4 hours is even better for clean slices.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

You can, but fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor and makes a big difference in the final result.

This 3 Ingredient Lemon Pie is one of the easiest desserts you can make, but it never feels basic. It’s creamy, refreshing, and perfect for everything from weeknight treats to holiday gatherings.

If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think — leave a comment below or let me know if you added your own twist!