The 3 Simple Ingredients You Need For A Rich, No-Bake Lemon Pie

Some people want a veritable smorgasbord of luscious desserts, but it's also nice to experience a departure from all that richness with something citrusy to break up the chocolate monopoly. When that dessert consists of just three ingredients, that's the icing on the cake.

The first two ingredients that compose this pie are 8 ounces of lemon juice and two cans of condensed milk. Combine these in a mixing bowl and whisk vigorously until both are blended. Then, reach for your third ingredient: a pre-made graham cracker pie crust. Fill the 9 to 10-inch crust with your freshly whisked filling and smooth over any rough spots on the surface with a spatula. Place it in the fridge to set. This will admittedly take several hours, so it's best to put it in overnight and dream of the lemony goodness you will be enjoying the next day. Scale back the sweetness by swapping out one can of condensed milk for one 8-ounce block of cream cheese. Use the microwave technique to soften the cream cheese so it can be more easily incorporated.

Don't be fooled by the simplicity of this citrusy confection; it is rich and sweet, just like all the chocolate that proliferates during the colder months of the year. However, if sweetness itself is something you need a break from, there is one more component you can incorporate to create more savory bites while still being able to enjoy vibrant, refreshing citrus.

Once you pull the pie out of the refrigerator, it might look incomplete. While it's enjoyable as-is, consider adding medium or stiff peaks of whipped cream. You can easily accomplish this with a store-bought whipped topping or a homemade version, depending on how involved you want the pie-making process to become. A garnish of candied lemon is another nice visual touch, as is a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Unfortunately, some ingredient swaps are going to be tricky. Coconut condensed milk won't work with this recipe as it will prevent the filling from firming up in the fridge. If you were hoping to make the no-bake pie taste a touch more tropical, instead grab some shredded coconut, gently toast it, and sprinkle it onto the top of the dessert. If you want to upgrade its visual appeal and add some texture to break up the richness, other garnishes like crunchy cookie crumbles or fresh berries also go far in boosting the pie.