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When my lemon tree is bursting, the only thing I want to make is a real lemon pie. Truly, there’s no better dessert than a classic pie. It feels nostalgic and cozy, and this one is packed with fresh, tangy lemon flavor in a buttery graham cracker crust.
So many of you have made and loved this pie, and I totally get why. It’s creamy, tangy, and made with real lemon juice and zest. No condensed milk, no shortcuts. If you’re a lemon lover, this one’s for you.
If you’re looking for more pie recipes try my Strawberry Lemon Pie, Key Lime Pie, Old-Fashioned Coconut Pie, and Canned Peach Pie.
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Pin ItA Homemade Lemon Pie Recipe
Creamy texture (without condensed milk). You’d never guess this pie has no condensed milk or cream. It’s smooth, rich, and beautifully set with just real ingredients.
Buttery graham cracker crust. The graham cracker crust adds just the right crunch and sweetness to balance the citrus filling, and it comes together in minutes.
Fresh, real lemon flavor. Made with real lemon juice and zest for that pure, tangy flavor you only get from the real thing.
So simple to make. This pie feels fancy but it’s quietly simple. Just pantry staples, fresh lemons, and a quick bake.
Lemon Pie Ingredients
Graham Crackers: Perfect for a buttery, crunchy crust that complements the tangy filling.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemons.
Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the filling to the perfect consistency.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Only freshly squeezed juice will give your pie the bright citrus flavor it needs. It’s the same reason it makes my Lemon Gooey Butter Cake so good.
Egg Yolks: These create a creamy, rich filling and add structure to the pie.
Unsalted Butter: Adds a touch of richness and smoothness to the filling.
Lemon Zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with a bright, aromatic touch.
How to Make a Real Lemon Pie
- Prepare the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a pie dish and bake until golden.
- Make the Filling: Whisk sugar, cornstarch, salt, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan. Cook until thickened.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: Gradually add a bit of the hot mixture to beaten egg yolks, then return it to the saucepan.
- Finish the Filling: Stir in butter and lemon zest until smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling into the crust and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Chill: Cool the pie, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Lemon Pie Recipe Tips
Fruit Additions: Add a layer of fresh berries on top of the filling for extra flavor and a pop of color.
Intensify Lemon Flavor: Use extra lemon zest in the filling for a stronger citrus taste.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice delivers the best flavor—avoid bottled juice.
Watch the Filling: Stir constantly while cooking to prevent burning, and ensure the filling thickens enough to pour smoothly into the crust.
Refrigeration is Key: Let the pie chill in the refrigerator for several hours (preferably overnight) to fully set and thicken.
Allow for Setting Time: Every pie sets differently—check to ensure the filling is firm enough to slice before serving.
How to Store Lemon Pie
- Refrigerator: Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the pie tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
Lemon pie filling is made of sugar, cornstarch, salt, cold water, lemon juice, egg yolks, unsalted butter, boiling water, and lemon zest.
Usually two reasons. The filling didn’t cook long enough on the stove (it should coat the back of a spoon before going in the crust), or the pie didn’t chill long enough — at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, for it to fully set.
You can swap in flour or tapioca starch in a pinch, though the texture will be slightly different. Cornstarch gives the cleanest, glossiest set.
It will keep for 3 to 4 days in the fridge, covered.
Yes, you can prepare a meringue topping and bake it until golden brown for a classic lemon meringue pie variation.
Most lemon pies rely on sweetened condensed milk for a quick set, but the result can taste overly sweet and mask the real lemon flavor. This version uses egg yolks, cornstarch, and fresh lemon juice for a brighter, more balanced pie that tastes like actual lemons.
More Lemon Desserts
A few more lemon desserts you’ll love: Lemon Elderflower Cake Recipe, Thyme and Lemon Shortbread Cookies, Lemon Cupcakes.
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Real Lemon Pie Recipe (No Condensed Milk)
Ingredients
Lemon Pie Filling
- 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp corn starch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup lemon juice, fresh squeezed
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 2 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare and make your pie crust. You can use a pre-made graham cracker pie crust or a homemade one. I pre-bake my crust.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prep your ingredients.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, 6 tbsp cornstarch, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Gradually add in 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 cup cold water, and 3 lightly beaten egg yolks. Give it a stir.
- Add 2 tbsp cubed unsalted butter.
- Add 1 1/2 cups boiling water to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a full boil for 4 minutes, stirring constantly or it will burn.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This will help thicken the filling. Once the mixture coats the back of a spoon, turn off the heat. You don't want to heat it too much because it can "over-thicken" and it still has to bake.
- Add 2 tsp lemon zest and whisk.
- Pour the lemon pie filling into the prepared crust and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Once the pie is done baking, it needs to be left to thicken. You must leave it in the refrigerator for 6 hours or overnight.
Video
Notes
- This pie must be boiled, baked, and refrigerated to become thick.
- If you want an intense lemon flavor, add more lemon zest to the recipe.
- When cooking the filling, ensure you’re watching it and stirring so it doesn’t burn on the bottom. The filling should be thick but still able to pour into the prepared pie crust.
- Let the pie cool completely in the refrigerator before serving. This will help the filling to set up and thicken. I recommend that you allow it to sit overnight if you can.
- Make sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice. This will give the pie the best flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Lovely recipe, easy to make.
The Graham cracker crust was much thicker than I usually make but it was still worked well with this pie. This one is a keeper.
I’m making it now and wonder if you let the pie come to room temperature before putting it in the fridge?
Yes, you can let it come to room temp before placing it the fridge.
How much hot water is needed?
The recipe says 1 1/2 cups of boiling water.
Making this lovely pie for Easter!
How long does the pie generally need to cool after baking, before putting into the refrigerator for 6 plus hrs?
Thank you!
Mine did not thicken so I had to add more cornstarch but I think all that boiling for 3 minutes then an extra 5 minutes of simmering doesn’t really help. I’m hoping when it cools it will thicken up some.
Did you bake the pie? The simmering is one part, then the pie needs to bake in the oven and it also has to be refrigerated for at least 6 hours or overnight before it will be thick.
My pie didn’t thicken 🤔
I followed the recipe to a tee!
You never indicated at what temperature the oven should be! Your recipe says to “preheat the oven” but fails to give the oven temperature! NOWHERE in all those instructions did you note this!
Thanks, Janet! You are the best for letting us know! It has now been fixed 🙂
It says pre heat to 350°
Heavenly!! Graham cracker crusts are my favorite!! The lemon filling is so creamy & refreshing. This pie is a hit!
Can you tell me if you are to back the crust first? If you want meringue on it how do you do that.
Thank you
So fresh and delicious! Love everything lemon flavor, especially in pies!
This turned out so amazing with all the lemon loving flavor I could hope for.