Old Fashioned Lemon Icebox Pie

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There’s something undeniably delightful about an Old Fashioned Lemon Icebox Pie. This simple yet delicious dessert combines the tangy zest of lemons with creamy, sweet ingredients, resulting in a pie that’s both refreshing and comforting. It’s a perfect treat for lemon lovers and anyone who appreciates a classic dessert that feels like a sweet hug from the past. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to make this delightful lemon meringue pie, step by step.

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When my mom visits, it’s like going back to my childhood. She usually brings recipes for sweet treats that our whole family loved during the holidays. Cooking these together brings back great memories of our house full of family, with my mom and her siblings busy in the kitchen. One family favorite is her Lemon Icebox Pie. She’s amazing at making it, and it’s always a big hit. Today, I finally learned how to make it too.

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Lemon Icebox Pie

Pie Crust

Eight-Inch Pie Crust

Typically, a graham cracker crust is used for its sweet flavor and crumbly texture, which complements the creamy filling. You can use a pre-made crust for convenience or make your own homemade graham cracker crust by combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and pressing the mixture into a pie plate.

Filling

Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz)

This is the main ingredient for the filling, providing a rich, creamy texture and sweet base. Its thick consistency helps set the filling once chilled.  You can make your own or opt for store bough like the eagle brand. 

Lemon Juice (1/2 cup)

Lemon juice is crucial for imparting a bright, tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the condensed milk. It also reacts with the condensed milk to thicken the filling.

Grated Lemon Rind (1 tsp, optional)

Grating the rind of fresh lemons adds additional lemon zest for an enhanced citrus flavor throughout the pie. It introduces a slight texture and aromatic element to the filling.

Egg Yolks (2)

Egg yolks enrich the filling, giving it a smooth, custard-like consistency. They help thicken the filling as it bakes, ensuring it sets properly once cooled.

Meringue Topping

Egg Whites (2)

These are the base of the meringue topping. When beaten, egg whites fluff up and form peaks, creating a light, airy texture for the topping.

Cream of Tartar (1/4 tsp)

A stabilizer for the egg whites that helps them hold their shape and maintain volume when whipped. It prevents the proteins in the egg whites from sticking together, which can cause the meringue to deflate.

Sugar (1/4 cup)

Gradually beaten into the egg whites to sweeten the meringue. It also helps stabilize the whipped egg whites to form stiff, glossy peaks that are essential for a successful meringue.

Optional Ingredients

Whipped Cream

For serving, a dollop of whipped cream on each slice adds a lush, creamy texture.

Additional Lemon Zest

Sprinkling additional zest atop the pie before serving can enhance the visual appeal and add a burst of lemon flavor.

Equipment Needed for Lemon Icebox Pie

• Large Bowl: For mixing the filling.
• Medium Bowl: For making the meringue.
• Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for achieving soft peaks in your egg whites.
• Pie Plate or Pie Pan: To hold your crust and filling if you decide to make it from scratch.

Detailed Instructions for Old Fashioned Lemon Icebox Pie

Prepare the Pie Crust

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and optional grated lemon rind.  The lemon rind enhances the pie’s citrus flavor, making it even more vibrant. You can use a stand mixer or hand mixer for this step.

Add Egg Yolks

Incorporate the egg yolks into the lemon mixture. Whisk vigorously or use an electric mixer on low speed to ensure the mixture is homogenous. The egg yolks will help thicken the filling as it bakes, creating a smooth and creamy texture.

Assemble the Pie

Fill the Crust

Pour the custard filling into your prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Make sure the filling is smooth on top to create a nice base for the meringue.

Make the Meringue Topping

Whip Egg Whites

In a clean medium bowl, start beating the egg whites with cream of tartar. The cream of tartar stabilizes the egg whites, helping them form soft peaks. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form, then gradually add the sugar while increasing the speed to high.

Achieve Stiff Peaks

Continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Stiff peaks are achieved when the peaks stand straight up when the beaters are lifted from the mixture. This will ensure that the meringue holds its shape atop the pie.  Once you have achieved stiff peaks, spread the meringue on top of the pie.

Bake the Pie

Preheat the Oven

Ensure your oven is preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit for even baking.

Bake the Pie

Carefully place the pie in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch closely toward the end of the baking time; the meringue should turn a golden brown but not burn.

Cool and Serve

Cooling

Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven. Let it cool on a wire rack until it reaches room temperature to prevent the filling from being too runny.

Chilling

Transfer the pie to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This step is crucial as it allows the filling to set properly, making the pie easier to slice. And trust me, this one is definitely better the next day!

Serving

Serve the pie chilled. Before serving, you can add a sprinkle of lemon zest or a few thin lemon slices on top for decoration and an extra pop of lemon flavor. 

Why You’ll Love This Easy Lemon Icebox Pie

The Old Fashioned Lemon Icebox Pie is not only a breeze to make but also a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect dessert for those who love the fresh, citrusy flavor of lemon combined with a sweet, creamy texture. The pie’s classic graham cracker crust provides a crunchy contrast to the smooth filling and fluffy meringue topping. It’s an ideal dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a summer picnic, or a quiet evening at home.

This original recipe holds a special place in Southern cooking, often bringing back fond memories of family meals and gatherings. It’s a timeless recipe that’s sure to create some sweet memories for you and your loved ones as well. Give it a try the next time you crave something sweet and citrusy – it’s sure to satisfy!

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