Easy No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie (in a Mason Jar)

This easy no-bake lemon icebox pie is super cute in mason jars and makes the perfect summer dessert! Made with a simple graham cracker crust and a creamy, tart lemon pie filling, it can be prepared in just 15 minutes. No need to turn on the oven, this pie is perfect for those hot summer days!

It’s light, creamy, and just perfect for an afternoon treat or family get-together. Plus, doesn’t everything taste better when served in a mason jar?

You know I’m all about quick and easy desserts! That way you have more time to spend enjoying friends and family.

My strawberry shortcake trifle below was such a hit, that I decided to share this lemon icebox pie for a yummy dessert.

Trust me when I say this will be a hit with your guests! If you are not a fan of lemon you can easily switch it out for another fruit filling. Don’t you love recipes that are versatile?

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Icebox Pie

• It’s no-bake
• Can be made in advance 
• Single size mason jar
• Light, creamy, and yummy
• Simple ingredients

Equipment Needed To Make Lemon Icebox Pie

• Mixing Bowls
• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
• Kitchen Knife
• Mason Jars with handles

Ingredients for No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie

Serving Size: 1 Mason Jar Cup
Number of Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Additional Time: 0-2 minutes
The serving size and number of servings depend on your container size and the amount you use

• 8oz pkg light cream cheese, softened
• ¼ C powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
• 1 pack of graham crackers
• Lemon Pie Filling/Topping
• 1-pint strawberries (optional)

How to Make No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie

Step 1.

Beat cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar for about 1 minute.

You can use a hand mixer or Kitchen Aid stand mixer like mine HERE.

Step 2.

Crush graham crackers into small pieces. A mallet works great!

Quick TIP:

Keep the graham crackers in the package, unopened, and gently hit with a mallet until crushed. Be careful though, the sides may open, so do it slowly, a little at a time.

Alternatively, you can put graham crackers in a plastic baggie and use a rolling pin to crush them.

If you want the graham crackers fine, you can put them into a food processor and pulse them for a few seconds.

Optionally, you can add a couple of tablespoons of sugar and a few tablespoons of melted butter to these graham cracker crumbs to make a delectable crumble.

Step 3.

Open a can of lemon pie filling or make a delicious lemon curd (quick and easy recipe is further down).

Wash, dry, and cut strawberries at this time if you decide to add them.

Step 4.

Sprinkle a layer of crushed graham crackers into the bottom of clean mason jars. Don’t be tempted to overfill. Add just enough crumbs to cover the bottom.

Step 4.

Add a few tablespoons of lemon pie filling or lemon curd using a spatula or large spoon. Try to be careful to avoid the sides of the mason jar as you add the filling in so that you end up with a pretty presentation when you’re finished.

Step 5.

Sprinkle in another layer of graham crackers making sure to cover the layer of lemon pie filling or curd completely.

Step 6.

Generously spoon in the cream cheese mixture and use the back of the spoon to spread.
Add strawberries at this time if desired or more graham crackers and then lemon pie filling.

Finish the top with non-dairy whipped topping or homemade whipping cream, some graham cracker crumbles, and a slice of lemon, a sprig of mint, or pretty strawberry for garnishing.

Your delicious lemon icebox pie is ready to be served! If you don’t plan to serve immediately, then transfer your mason jars to the refrigerator to chill.

See how easy that was?

PIN FOR LATER!

Tips for Making Lemon Icebox Pie in Mason Jars

• Use vanilla extract in place of vanilla bean paste if you don’t have it.
• If you would like to make this recipe for more people, keep the same amount of strawberries, pie filling, and graham crackers, but put less of each in each mason jar, and double or triple the cream cheese mixture as needed.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called icebox pie?

Icebox pies are no-bake pies including ice cream pies, chiffon pies, and classic cream pies. They are cold desserts, especially popular with southerners who may love to bake but don’t want to heat up their kitchens in the spring and summer months.

What is Eagle Brand Lemon Icebox pie?

You can find the recipe for Eagle Brand Lemon Icebox Pie HERE. It is considered to be the “original” icebox pie and uses sweetened condensed milk for a rich and creamy texture.

Can I use lemon curd instead of lemon pie filling?

Yes! The best substitute for lemon pie filling is lemon curd, which is also available in cans or jars. You can also make your own lemon curd with this quick and easy lemon curd recipe below.

Quick and Easy Lemon Curd

• 4 eggs (you can use whole eggs or just yolks)
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 -1 1/2 lemons)
• 1 Tablespoon lemon zest from one lemon
• 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter cubed

Use a hand mixer on low for 2 minutes until the consistency is smooth and silky. Cook on low heat whisking constantly until mixture sticks to the back of a spoon. Chill 2 hrs and use just like you would pie filling.

This makes 2 cups. The curd will last for 1-2 weeks in the fridge or can be frozen for 3 months.

Don’t Forget To Come Back And Let Me Know How Your Icebox Pie Turned Out!

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• Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake
• Easy Oreo Truffles
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Fudge
• 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge