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Old-Fashioned Lemon Icebox Pie: A Cool, Creamy Southern Classic
There’s something truly timeless about a dessert that requires no baking, tastes like sunshine in a slice, and brings back sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen. That’s exactly what you get with an Old-Fashioned Lemon Icebox Pie. This Southern classic is known for its silky texture, bright lemon flavor, and irresistible graham cracker crust. It’s refreshingly cool, delightfully tart, and so simple to make that it’s no wonder it’s remained a favorite across generations.
Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, a holiday gathering, or just looking for an easy make-ahead dessert, this pie delivers charm and flavor in every chilled, creamy bite.
🥄 What Is Lemon Icebox Pie?
Lemon Icebox Pie is a traditional Southern dessert that got its name from the “icebox” era—before modern refrigerators, desserts like this one were kept cool in the icebox. The pie itself is a no-fuss combination of sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and egg yolks (or sometimes whipped topping), poured into a graham cracker crust and chilled until set.
The result? A dessert that’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and perfectly balanced—ideal for hot days or anytime you want something cool and comforting.
🍋 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required (in most versions): Perfect for warm weather or busy days.
- Bright, fresh flavor: The lemon juice adds zing, balanced beautifully by the creamy filling.
- Simple ingredients: Just a few pantry staples come together for something spectacular.
- Make-ahead magic: It’s even better the next day, making it great for prep-ahead entertaining.
🧂 Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Lemon Icebox Pie
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional, but adds extra zing)
For topping (optional but heavenly):
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 How to Make Lemon Icebox Pie
1. Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are well coated. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. For a firmer crust, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes,
