Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Pie (Almost No-Bake Bliss!)

Some desserts don’t just satisfy—they stop the room. You know the ones: a hush falls over the table, forks hover midair, and someone inevitably says, “Oh wow…” That’s exactly what happens when you serve this Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Pie.

It’s smooth and luscious with the tang of fresh lemon, just enough sweetness, and that irresistible buttery graham cracker crust. And the kicker? It’s almost no-bake, ridiculously easy, and the kind of recipe you can make with one hand tied behind your back (though I do recommend both hands for safety).

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless prep – No complicated steps or strange ingredients.
Tangy-meets-creamy perfection – The lemon brightens the richness of the cream cheese.
Crowd pleaser – This pie disappears faster than you can say “Just one more slice…”.
Make ahead magic – It’s even better after chilling overnight.

What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine the velvety smoothness of cheesecake, but lighter. The lemon zest brings a sunny, citrusy lift, while the sour cream topping adds a mellow, creamy finish. It’s refreshing without being overly sweet—exactly the kind of dessert you want after a good meal.

Benefits of This Recipe

Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and everyday dairy.
Foolproof: No need for baking experience.
Customizable: Add berries, chocolate drizzle, or different citrus.

Ingredients

For the Pie Filling

1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon zest (divided in half)

For the Sour Cream Topping

1 cup sour cream
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups & spoons
Oven

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

Crust: Try chocolate wafer crumbs for a decadent twist.
Citrus: Swap lemon zest for lime or orange for a new flavor profile.
Add-ins: Fold in blueberries, raspberries, or white chocolate chips before baking.