Description
This Indulgent Lemon Cream Pie is a luscious dessert featuring a crisp, buttery Nilla Wafer crust filled with a rich, creamy lemon-flavored filling. Topped with fluffy whipped cream sweetened to perfection, this pie melts in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet creaminess that’s ideal for any special occasion or a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 60 pieces Nilla Wafers
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
Filling
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Crush 60 Nilla Wafers into fine crumbs using a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. Mix the wafer crumbs with 1/3 cup melted butter and 1/4 cup sugar until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Bake the crust for 6-8 minutes until it is slightly golden and fragrant. Remove from oven and allow to cool before refrigerating for at least 1 hour.
- Whip the cream for filling: In a mixing bowl, beat 1 1/4 cups heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form, about 4-5 minutes. Set aside.
- Make the lemon filling: In a separate bowl, blend 12 ounces softened cream cheese, 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Gently fold the whipped cream into this mixture to maintain its light texture.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the lemon cream filling evenly into the chilled crust, spreading carefully to reach the edges for a neat presentation. Return the pie to the refrigerator while preparing the topping.
- Prepare the whipped topping: In a clean bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks develop, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add topping and chill: Spread or pipe the whipped cream topping over the filled pie. Refrigerate the completed lemon cream pie for at least 1 hour to set. When ready, slice and serve the pie, enjoying its creamy texture paired with the crisp crust.
Notes
- Substitute graham crackers for Nilla Wafers in the crust for a different but still tasty base.
- Use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free crust alternative.
- For a vegan version, try dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped topping alternatives.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest yield the best flavor compared to bottled alternatives.
- Refrigeration time is essential to allow the filling to firm up before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemon cream pie, no-bake lemon pie, creamy lemon dessert, easy pie recipe, Nilla Wafer crust, whipped cream topping
