Here’s a beloved old-fashioned dessert that’s as simple as it is delicious: Magic Lemon Pie. It gets its name from the “magic” that happens when a few basic ingredients — especially sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice — combine to create a smooth, tangy, custard-like filling without any need for cooking the filling on the stovetop!
🍋 Magic Lemon Pie
🕒 Total Time: 4+ hours (including chilling)
🍽️ Serves: 8
Ingredients
For the Crust:
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1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 crackers)
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¼ cup sugar
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6 tbsp melted butter
Or use a store-bought 9-inch graham cracker crust for convenience.
For the Filling:
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1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
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3 large egg yolks
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½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
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1 tbsp lemon zest (optional but adds flavor)
For the Topping (Optional):
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3 large egg whites
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¼ cup sugar
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½ tsp vanilla extract
OR use whipped cream instead of meringue
Instructions
1. Make the Crust
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
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Press into a 9-inch pie pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.
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Let cool slightly.
2. Make the Magic Lemon Filling
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In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth.
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Add lemon juice and zest. The mixture will thicken slightly — that’s the “magic”!
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Pour into the baked pie crust.
3. Optional: Add Meringue
If using meringue topping:
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Beat egg whites until foamy.
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Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
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Add vanilla.
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Spread over pie filling, sealing to the edges.
4. Bake
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Bake the pie at 350°F for 15 minutes (with or without meringue topping).
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Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours (overnight is even better) until fully set.
🥧 To Serve
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Top with whipped cream or a lemon twist if not using meringue.
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Slice and serve chilled.
✅ Tips & Variations
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No-bake version: Use a ready crust, skip the baking, and chill for at least 6 hours (note: skip the egg yolks or use pasteurized).
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Extra lemony: Add an extra teaspoon of zest for bold flavor.
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Key lime pie variation: Swap lemon juice/zest with lime for a tropical twist.