Condensed Milk Lemon Pie Recipe

Easy Condensed Milk Lemon Pie Recipe: Tangy Sweet Perfection

Sweet condensed milk crafts ordinary lemon pie into a creamy, tantalizing dessert that dances between zesty and smooth.

Bright citrus notes weave through a silky custard base, creating an irresistible contrast of flavors.

Bakers love how this simple recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of sweet and tart sensations that tingles your taste buds.

Smooth, velvety textures meld perfectly with a buttery crust that crumbles delicately.

Elegant yet approachable, this pie brings restaurant-quality dessert right to your kitchen without complicated techniques.

Sunshine on a plate awaits you.

Condensed Milk Lemon Pie That’s Creamy and Tart

  • Burst with Citrusy Freshness: Tangy lemon juice and zesty lemon zest create a bright, vibrant flavor that dances on your taste buds, delivering a refreshing punch in every single bite.
  • Super Simple Baking Magic: Requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making this pie a perfect dessert for beginners or anyone wanting a quick and impressive sweet treat without complicated techniques.
  • Creamy Dreamy Texture Delight: The combination of sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks produces an incredibly smooth, silky filling that melts in your mouth with a luxurious, velvety consistency.
  • Perfect for Any Celebration: Versatile dessert that works wonderfully for summer gatherings, potlucks, family dinners, or as a sophisticated ending to a special meal with its elegant yet approachable appeal.

What Goes Into Condensed Milk Lemon Pie

Pie Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base with sweet, sandy texture that provides a delightful contrast to the creamy filling.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
  • Butter (Melted): Helps create a cohesive and crisp crust with rich flavor.
Pie Filling:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy, thick base that provides sweetness and smooth texture to the pie.
  • Egg Yolks: Helps thicken the filling and gives a rich, luxurious consistency.
  • Lemon Zest: Provides bright, intense citrus aroma and enhances overall lemon flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds tangy freshness and helps set the filling with its acidic properties.
Garnish (Optional):
  • Whipped Cream: Light, airy topping that complements the pie's rich and tangy flavor.
  • Lemon Slices: Fresh decoration that hints at the pie's citrus profile.
  • Lemon Zest: Extra burst of citrus flavor sprinkled on top.
  • Sliced Almonds: Crunchy element that adds texture and nutty undertone.

Instructions for a Smooth and Zesty Lemon Pie

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Slide the oven rack to the center position and warm it to 350°F. Grab a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan, ready for deliciousness.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Sugar
  • Melted butter

Stir until the mixture looks like damp sand. Press firmly into the pie pan, covering bottom and sides completely.

Step 3: Whip Up the Silky Filling

In a large bowl, blend together:
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Egg yolks
  • Fresh lemon zest

Squeeze in lemon juice and whisk with energy until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the lemony filling into the prepared crust. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The edges should look set, with a slight wobble in the center.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack. Cover and refrigerate for 3-6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the filling firms up beautifully.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Before serving, top with:
  • Fluffy whipped cream
  • Thin lemon slices
  • Extra lemon zest sprinkle
  • Sliced almonds (optional)

Step 7: Enjoy and Store

Slice into 10-12 wedges of pure citrusy bliss. Keep any leftovers refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Tips for a Firm Yet Creamy Lemon Pie Texture

  • Zest Like a Pro: Use a microplane or fine grater to extract maximum lemon flavor without the bitter white pith.
  • Crumb Crust Secrets: Press graham cracker mixture evenly and firmly into the pan, using the bottom of a measuring cup for a compact base.
  • Whisking Wisdom: Whisk egg yolks and condensed milk thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky smooth filling.
  • Baking Precision: Watch the pie closely during the last 5 minutes of baking to avoid overcooking; a slightly jiggly center indicates perfect doneness.
  • Chilling Technique: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain a clean, crisp texture.

Storage Tips for Condensed Milk Lemon Pie

  • Refrigerate Properly: Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors. Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator for maximum freshness.
  • Preserve Texture: Keep the pie in its original pie dish or transfer to an airtight container to maintain its creamy consistency and prevent moisture loss.
  • Reheat Gently: Enjoy the pie chilled, as reheating may cause the filling to separate or become watery. If desired, let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Ideal Pairings for Lemon Pie

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the pie's bright lemon flavors, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the citrusy notes.
  • Serve with Lavender Earl Grey Tea: The floral and bergamot undertones of this tea create a delightful contrast with the rich, tangy pie, offering a sophisticated and refreshing palate cleansing experience.
  • Garnish with Fresh Berry Compote: Add a small side of mixed berry sauce featuring raspberries or strawberries to introduce a tart and vibrant counterpoint to the creamy, smooth pie texture, creating a dynamic flavor profile.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth, cold vanilla ice cream alongside the pie provides a classic creamy complement that balances the pie's intense lemon flavor and adds a luxurious touch to the dessert.

Different Crust and Topping Options for Lemon Pie

  • Tropical Fruit Fusion: Replace lemon juice with passion fruit or key lime juice for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile that transports taste buds to a sunny paradise.
  • Nutty Coconut Crunch: Swap graham cracker crust with crushed macadamia nuts and shredded coconut, adding a rich, tropical texture and complementary island-inspired taste.
  • Lavender Lemon Dream: Incorporate dried lavender buds into the filling for a subtle floral note that enhances the citrusy brightness and creates an elegant dessert experience.
  • Berry Burst Variation: Swirl fresh raspberry or blueberry compote into the lemon filling before baking, creating a beautiful marbled effect and adding natural fruity sweetness.
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Condensed Milk Lemon Pie Recipe

Condensed Milk Lemon Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy condensed milk lemon pie offers a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Rich, zesty filling nestled in a buttery crust promises a refreshing dessert adventure you won’t want to miss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 14-ounce (880 grams) cans sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) fresh lemon juice
  • 6 large egg yolks

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (200 grams / 7 ounces) graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup (50 grams / 1.8 ounces) granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams / 3 ounces) butter, melted

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Position the oven rack centrally and warm to 350°F, creating an ideal baking environment for the pie.
  2. Crush graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs and blend thoroughly with melted butter and sugar until the mixture resembles damp sand.
  3. Carefully press the cracker mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring an even, compact layer covering the bottom and sides of the pan.
  4. Separate egg yolks and whisk them gently with sweetened condensed milk, incorporating fragrant lemon zest to infuse bright, citrusy notes.
  5. Pour fresh lemon juice into the milk mixture, stirring vigorously until the filling transforms into a smooth, thickened consistency with a silky texture.
  6. Transfer the luscious lemon filling into the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly to create a perfect golden surface.
  7. Slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, watching for the edges to set and the center to maintain a subtle wobble.
  8. Remove the pie and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack, helping it stabilize and set properly.
  9. Refrigerate the cooled pie for 3-6 hours, enabling the filling to firm up and develop a rich, creamy texture.
  10. Before serving, embellish with delicate dollops of whipped cream, fresh lemon slices, a sprinkle of zest, and optional toasted almonds for added elegance.
  11. Slice into 10-12 portions and serve chilled, storing any remaining pie in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • This zesty dessert combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a silky smooth lemon filling, creating a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.
  • Chilling the pie for at least 3 hours allows the filling to set completely, ensuring a clean slice and optimal texture when serving.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant and bright citrus flavor that makes this pie truly exceptional.
  • The condensed milk provides a rich, creamy base that softens the lemon’s tartness and creates a luxurious, smooth filling.
  • Avoid overbaking the pie; a slightly jiggly center indicates the perfect consistency when removed from the oven.
  • Store the pie covered in the refrigerator, and it will maintain its delicious taste and texture for up to 5 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 365
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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