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.

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🧾 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	¾ cup
	Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
	Lemon zest	1 tablespoon (divided)
Topping	Sour cream	1 cup
	Granulated sugar	¼ cup
	Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon

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👨‍🍳 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.

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✨ 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).