This easy lemon cream cheese pie is hands down one of the most delicious desserts you’ll ever make! Creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion — from casual family dinners to special celebrations.
Every time I make this pie, it’s an instant crowd-pleaser. The smooth, velvety cream cheese filling combined with the bright zest of fresh lemons creates a taste that simply melts in your mouth.
What’s even better? This pie is almost no-bake and super simple to prepare. No fancy baking skills or expensive ingredients required—just cream cheese, fresh lemons, and a little love.
This recipe yields about 8 generous slices — perfect for sharing. Plus, here’s a little secret: it tastes even better the next day, making it great for prepping ahead!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Pie
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Super creamy texture: Rich and silky cream cheese filling that feels like cheesecake but is much easier to make.
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Fresh lemon zing: Real lemon zest adds a bright, sunny flavor without being too tart — ideal for spring and summer.
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Quick and easy: Just 15 minutes of prep, then the oven does the rest. Perfect for busy days!
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Budget-friendly: Made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Graham cracker crust: Store-bought works great and saves time—usually found near pie fillings.
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Cream cheese: Use full-fat for best results. Let it soften at room temperature for about an hour before starting.
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Fresh lemons: Zest from about 2 medium lemons. Be sure to wash them thoroughly before zesting.
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Large eggs: Room temperature is best. If needed, warm them in water for 5 minutes.
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Sugar: Regular white sugar, used in both filling and topping.
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Sour cream: Creates a beautiful white topping that gives a professional finish—don’t skip it!
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Vanilla extract: Just a splash adds depth. Pure vanilla is ideal, but imitation works fine too.
How to Make This Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Pie
Step 1: Preheat oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure cream cheese is soft enough to press with your finger.
Step 2: Prepare filling
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, sugar, vanilla, and half the lemon zest. Mix until creamy and lump-free.
Step 3: Fill crust
Pour filling into the graham cracker crust and spread evenly.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes. The edges should be firm, but the center may jiggle slightly—that’s perfect! It will set as it cools.
Step 5: Make topping
While baking, mix sour cream, remaining sugar, vanilla, and the rest of the lemon zest.
Step 6: Add topping
Remove pie from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Increase oven temp to 450°F (230°C). Spread sour cream mixture evenly over pie.
Step 7: Quick second bake
Bake for 5 more minutes to set the topping.
Step 8: Cool and chill
Let pie cool completely on the counter, then refrigerate at least 4 hours. Patience is key for the best texture!
Pro Tips for a Perfect Pie
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