Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Pie
🍋 Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Pie
You know that moment when a dessert stops the table mid-bite? This creamy lemon cheesecake pie is that dessert. Silky, tangy, just-sweet-enough, and nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust — it’s simple, stunning, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
And here’s the kicker: it’s almost no-bake. No fancy tools, no hard-to-find ingredients. Just a few basics and a foolproof process. Make it today, chill it overnight, and watch tomorrow’s self thank you.
🧾 Ingredients Breakdown
| 🧂 Component | 🍽️ Ingredient | 📏 Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pie Base | Graham cracker crust | 1 (9-inch pre-made) |
| Creamy Filling | Cream cheese, softened | 2 packages (8 oz each) |
| Large eggs | 2 | |
| Granulated sugar | Âľ cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Lemon zest | 1 tablespoon (divided) | |
| Topping | Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | ÂĽ cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Soften
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened — it should be easy to spread and silky smooth when mixed.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until creamy. Add eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and half the lemon zest. Blend until smooth and glossy, with no lumps.
Step 3: Assemble the Base
Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust and gently smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Place in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. The edges should look set, while the center remains slightly jiggly. It’ll finish setting as it cools.
Step 5: Mix the Topping
In a small bowl, stir together sour cream, the remaining sugar, vanilla, and the rest of the lemon zest.
Step 6: Add the Topping
Remove pie from the oven and raise the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C). Spread the sour cream topping evenly over the surface of the pie.
Step 7: Finish Baking
Return the pie to the oven for 5 minutes—just enough to gently set the topping.
Step 8: Cool & Chill
Let the pie cool on the counter, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours. For best results (and flavor!), chill overnight.
✨ Serving Suggestions
- Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers or curls of candied lemon zest for a decorative touch.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a handful of fresh berries to brighten the plate.
- Yields 8 generous slices — perfect for sharing (or savoring one piece at a time over a few dreamy days).
