Grandma Betty's Lemon Icebox Pie
This Lemon Icebox Pie Recipe is a Southern no-bake dream! Creamy lemon meets a buttery graham cracker crust. Easy peasy and oh-so-delicious. Try it today! ... Indulgent Treats
Recipe Introduction
Ever find yourself craving something tangy and sweet? this lemon icebox pie recipe is your new best friend. think of it as a ray of sunshine in pie form.
I swear, it’s like a vacation for your taste buds.
A Taste of the South
This classic lemon icebox pie recipe hails from the american south. it’s a cold pie recipe that’s been passed down through generations.
It’s seriously easy lemon pie recipe ! it is also one of my favourite no bake desserts with graham cracker crust .
Prep takes about 20 mins. Then you just chill it for at least 4 hours. This recipe makes 8 servings. Perfect for sharing... or not!
Why You'll Love This Pie
This pie isn't just delicious. it’s also kinda healthy-ish! lemons are packed with vitamin c. plus, it's the perfect dessert with graham cracker crust for a hot summer day.
What makes this classic lemon icebox pie special? it's the perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet condensed milk. honestly, it's addictive.
Some people called also paula deen lemon icebox pie .
Ready to get started? Let’s gather those ingredients! I swear this is a quick pie recipe .
Alright, wanna make grandma betty's lemon icebox pie ? it's proper lush and so easy, even i can't mess it up.
Think of it as sunshine on a plate – a classic southern lemon icebox pie that’s perfect for a summer barbie.
This easy lemon pie recipe is pure comfort food, like a hug from paula deen . it's one of those no bake desserts with graham cracker crust that everyone goes mad for.
Let's dive into what you need.
Grandma Betty's Lemon Icebox Pie Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Getting Your Kit and Kaboodle Sorted
Before we crack on, let’s sort out the gear and grub. remember, this is more of a "chuck it all together and chill" kind of bake.
Don't stress too much if you don't have exactly the right thing.
Main Ingredients for Our Lemon Dream
For that Crumbly Base:
- 1 ½ cups (150g) of graham cracker crumbs. Biscuits work too!
- 5 tablespoons (70g) of melted unsalted butter. Go for the proper stuff, it makes a difference.
- ¼ cup (50g) of granulated sugar.
For the Zingy Filling:
- 1 (14 ounce) can (397g) of sweetened condensed milk. Essential for that creamy sweetness.
- ½ cup (120ml) of fresh lemon juice. That's about 3-4 lemons. Bottled stuff? Nah, go fresh.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) of lemon zest. Adds a bit of zing!
- 1 cup (240ml) of chilled heavy cream. Double cream will do the trick.
Honestly, using fresh lemons makes all the difference. once i tried using that bottled lemon juice... never again! the pie just tasted wrong .
Fresh lemon juice, that's where the magic happens for this lemon pie with condensed milk .
Seasoning Notes – Time to Get Jazzy!
Want to take this classic lemon icebox pie up a notch? a tiny pinch of sea salt in the crust balances the sweetness.
Don't skip the lemon zest! it's all about that citrusy fragrance. if you fancy, add a dash of vanilla extract to the filling, like 1/2 teaspoon .
It adds a lovely warmth.
Equipment – Keep it Simple!
You don't need fancy kit for this quick pie recipe . Just the basics:
- A 9-inch pie plate .
- Mixing bowls.
- An electric mixer. A whisk works, but your arm might ache!
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A lemon zester and juicer.
- A rubber spatula.
Grandma Betty's Lemon Icebox Pie : No Bake for the Win!
Oh my gosh, have i got a treat for you! this lemon icebox pie recipe is straight from my grandma betty's recipe box.
Seriously, this pie screams southern comfort. it's the perfect no bake dessert with graham cracker crust . it is also perfect for those hot summer days.
Think of it as paula deen lemon icebox pie 's lighter, brighter cousin.
Prep Steps
Okay, let's get our stuff together. This is where the "mise en place" magic happens!
- Essential mise en place: Get all your ingredients measured out. You know, the graham crackers, butter, sugar, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream.
- Time-saving organization tips: I always melt the butter while I'm crushing the graham crackers. It’s like multitasking level 100.
- Safety reminders: It's a no-bake recipe , so no danger there!
Step-by-Step: Lemon Icebox Pie Edition
This recipe is seriously easy.
- Crush those graham crackers! Mix with melted butter and sugar.
- Press the mixture into a pie plate. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes .
- Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Honestly, the smell alone is amazing.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Use an electric mixer here to save your arms!
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture. Be gentle!
- Pour the filling into your chilled crust.
- Cover and chill for at least 4 hours . Overnight is even better!
- Slice and serve! You'll have amazing results from this easy lemon pie recipe .
Pro Tips: From My Kitchen to Yours
Alright, let's talk secrets. These tips will seriously up your lemon icebox pie game.
- Expert tip: Fresh lemon juice is a must! Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it.
- Common mistakes: Don't overmix the filling! Gentle is the name of the game.
- Make-ahead option: This pie is all about making it ahead. It needs that chill time, so it's perfect for parties. It's one of the quick pie recipes .
Honestly, this southern lemon icebox pie is pure sunshine on a plate. plus, it’s the perfect dessert with graham cracker crust ! whip up this classic lemon icebox pie today and let me know what you think.
You'll never look at cold pie recipes the same way again! this no-bake lemon dessert is a winner, every time! this lemon pie with condensed milk is something else!.
Recipe Notes for Your Perfect Pie
So, you're about to tackle grandma betty's lemon icebox pie ? awesome! before you dive in, let's chat about a few things.
These are tips and tricks i've picked up from making this pie more times than i can count. trust me, these will help you nail it! a lemon icebox pie recipe is a breeze, but the little things make all the difference.
It's one of the easy lemon pie recipe, and perfect for these no bake desserts with graham cracker crust.
Serving it Up Right
Okay, so you've got this beautiful pie. Time to show it off!
- Plating and Presentation Ideas: A simple slice on a plate is great. But, a swirl of whipped cream and a few lemon slices? Chef's kiss . Trust me; it elevates the whole experience. Especially with some cold pie recipes.
- Complementary Sides or Beverages: Honestly, this pie screams for a tall glass of iced tea. Or even a crisp, dry white wine if you're feeling fancy. For sides? Nothing needed. The pie is the star!
Storage Secrets
Leftovers? What leftovers? Just kidding, if you somehow don't devour the whole thing...
- Refrigeration Guidelines: Keep it in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. After that, it might get a bit soggy.
- Freezing Options: Freezing isn't ideal because the texture can change, but in a pinch, you can freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight.
- Reheating Instructions: It is a cold pie, so just grab a slice straight from the fridge.
Tweaking the Recipe
Want to put your own spin on this classic lemon icebox pie ? Go for it!
- Dietary Adaptations: Use gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version. You can sub in coconut cream for the heavy cream, making it a no bake lemon dessert.
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the summer, throw in some fresh berries on top. In the fall, a sprinkle of cinnamon on the crust is lovely. This is one of the quick pie recipes, so don't over think it.
Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, let's get real. This isn't exactly a health food.
- Simplified Nutrition Information: Think moderate calories, high sugar, and some healthy fats from the cream. But hey, it's dessert!
- Key Health Benefits: Okay, okay, no real health benefits. But it'll make you happy, and that's important!
So there you have it! all my paula deen lemon icebox pie secrets. get in the kitchen and whip up this southern lemon icebox pie .
Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun. and if it doesn't turn out perfectly the first time? so what! that's how you learn.
You've got this! and you'll have some awesome desserts with graham cracker crust. a lemon pie with condensed milk always delivers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the lemon icebox pie recipe ahead of time? Like, Mary Berry levels of prepared?
Absolutely! In fact, it's better to make this pie ahead of time. The lemon icebox pie needs at least 4 hours to chill, but overnight is ideal. This allows the filling to fully set, resulting in a perfectly sliceable and flavorful dessert. Think of it as giving the flavors a chance to properly mingle, like a good cup of builder's tea needs time to brew!
My lemon icebox pie filling isn't setting! What did I do wrong?
Don't panic, it happens to the best of us! The most common culprit is not chilling the pie long enough. Make sure you've given it at least 4 hours, and preferably overnight, in the fridge. Also, ensure you used enough lemon juice – the acidity helps the filling set. Using fresh lemon juice as specified in this lemon icebox pie recipe is essential, as bottled juice can sometimes lack the necessary acidity.
How long does lemon icebox pie last, and what's the best way to store it?
Lemon Icebox Pie is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Store it covered tightly in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other flavors from the fridge. If you have any leftovers after a few days, it's best to make the pie again for optimal flavor.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in this lemon icebox pie recipe? I'm trying to be a bit healthier (or dairy-free)!
You can try using a light whipped topping, but be aware that it will change the flavor and texture slightly. For a dairy-free option, chilled coconut cream (the thick part from a can of refrigerated full-fat coconut milk) can be whipped until stiff peaks form and used as a substitute for heavy cream. The flavor will be subtly coconut-y, but it's a delicious twist!
My graham cracker crust is always soggy. Any tips to prevent that?
A soggy crust is a pie-maker's nightmare! Make sure you're using enough melted butter to thoroughly moisten the graham cracker crumbs. Press the crust firmly and evenly into the pie plate. For an extra-crisp crust, consider blind-baking it for 8-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) before adding the filling. This will help to seal the crust and prevent it from absorbing too much moisture.
Can I freeze lemon icebox pie?
While you can freeze lemon icebox pie, the texture of the filling may change slightly upon thawing. It might become a little less smooth and creamy. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 1-2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and be aware it might not be quite as "fresh" as a newly made pie.
