in

Lemon Supreme Pie

Save this recipe on:

Sunny, silky, and impossibly creamy, Lemon Supreme Pie is the dessert that makes everyone pause mid-bite and say, “Wow.” It layers a crunchy buttery crust, a cloud-like vanilla cream cheese filling, and a bright, glossy lemon topping that tastes just like sunshine on a plate.

Pin this Recipe
Lemon Supreme Pie

This pie feels bakery-fancy but is secretly simple. The lemon layer is cooked on the stovetop in just a few minutes, then poured over a cool, pillowy cream layer and chilled until sliceable. It’s make-ahead friendly, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving a showstopping lemon dessert.


What Kind of Crust Works Best for Lemon Supreme Pie?

For this pie, you want a crust that can stand up to two generous creamy layers without turning soggy. A classic graham cracker crust is the perfect choice: it’s sturdy, buttery, and adds a caramelized crunch that balances all that tangy, sweet filling.

If you prefer, you can swap in a vanilla wafer or shortbread cookie crust for a slightly sweeter, more dessert-forward base. The most important thing is pressing the crumbs firmly up the sides of the pie plate and baking (or chilling) them long enough to set so every slice holds its shape.


Ingredients for Lemon Supreme Pie

Graham cracker crumbs – Form the buttery, crunchy base that supports all the creamy layers.

Granulated sugar – Sweetens the crust and the lemon layer so the tart citrus flavor tastes bright, not harsh.

Unsalted butter – Binds the crumbs into a cohesive crust and adds rich flavor to both the base and the lemon topping.

Cream cheese – Creates the tangy, velvety middle layer that feels like a light cheesecake underneath the lemon.

Powdered sugar – Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese mixture without adding graininess.

Heavy whipping cream – Whips into soft peaks to lighten the cream cheese layer and to pipe on top for a bakery-style finish.

Vanilla extract – Rounds out the dairy flavors and makes the cream layer taste like classic cheesecake.

Fresh lemons – You’ll use both zest and juice for a bold, authentic lemon flavor in the topping and a hint in the cream.

Cornstarch – Thickens the lemon layer so it slices cleanly while staying silky and soft.

Egg yolks – Enrich the lemon topping, giving it a custard-like texture and that gorgeous, glossy finish.

Salt – Just a pinch sharpens the flavors and keeps the sweetness in balance.

Whipped cream topping – Optional but highly recommended for a pretty, bakery-style swirl around the edges.


How To Make the Lemon Supreme Pie

Step 1: Build the Buttery Graham Cracker Crust

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and combine them with sugar, a pinch of salt, and melted butter until the mixture looks like damp sand. Press the crumbs firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake briefly to set the crust or chill it until firm if you’d rather skip the oven. Let it cool completely before adding any filling.

Step 2: Whip the Fluffy Cream Cheese Layer

Beat softened cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a bit of fresh lemon zest, mixing until creamy. In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream to soft peaks, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Spread this airy filling into the cooled crust, smoothing it into an even layer. Chill while you prepare the lemon topping so it can firm up.

Step 3: Cook the Silky Lemon Supreme Topping

In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt, then slowly stir in water until no lumps remain. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken. Temper the egg yolks with some of the hot mixture, then whisk them back into the pan. Cook for another minute or two until glossy and thick, then remove from the heat and stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter until smooth.

Step 4: Layer and Chill

Let the lemon mixture cool for several minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t form a skin. Pour it gently over the chilled cream cheese layer, spreading it all the way to the crust so every slice gets a full hit of lemon. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until completely set and chilled through.

Step 5: Add Whipped Cream and Serve

Just before serving, whip more cold heavy cream with a little powdered sugar and vanilla until it holds medium-firm peaks. Pipe or spoon the whipped cream around the edge of the pie and garnish with thin strips of lemon zest. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for picture-perfect wedges.


Serving and Storing Lemon Supreme Pie

Lemon Supreme Pie is best served well-chilled so the layers stay distinct: a crisp crust, a pillowy cream center, and a cool, custardy lemon crown. For clean slices, refrigerate the pie overnight or at least 4 hours before cutting. Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts to keep the lemon layer looking smooth.

Leftovers should be covered and stored in the refrigerator. The pie will keep its texture for about 3 days, though the crust will gradually soften. If you want extra insurance against sogginess, you can brush the crust with a thin layer of melted white chocolate before adding the filling. Avoid freezing this pie, as the creamy layers can turn grainy once thawed.


What to Serve With Lemon Supreme Pie?

Fresh Berries and Mint

A small bowl of fresh raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries with a sprinkle of sugar and torn mint leaves complements the citrusy pie without adding heaviness.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream next to your slice slowly melts into the crust and cream layer, creating a dreamy, sundae-meets-pie situation.

Hot Coffee or Espresso

The rich bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the lemon topping, making this an ideal dessert for after-dinner entertaining.

Iced Tea or Lemonade

Lean into the citrus theme by pairing the pie with lightly sweetened iced tea or a sparkling lemonade for a refreshing warm-weather treat.

Salty Snack Board

If you’re serving Lemon Supreme Pie at a party, contrast the sweetness with a small tray of nuts, pretzels, and cheese cubes for guests to nibble between bites.

Light Grilled Chicken or Fish

Turn this dessert into the grand finale of a summer meal by serving it after something simple like grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish with vegetables.


Want More Lemon Dessert Ideas?

If Lemon Supreme Pie has earned a permanent spot on your dessert list, you’ll love exploring more citrusy and creamy treats from ChefAlchemy:


Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Lemon Supreme Pie to your Pinterest dessert board so you can find it whenever a citrus craving hits.

When you make it, come back and share how yours turned out. Did you add extra zest for more tang? Did you decorate with whipped cream swirls or keep it simple and sleek?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are always welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter and have more fun in the kitchen.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on ChefAlchemy’s recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great! And if you’re hungry for even more daily inspiration, you can follow along on Pinterest here: https://www.pinterest.com/chefalchemy/


Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Lemon Supreme Pie

Lemon Supreme Pie


  • Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
  • Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 slices
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Bright, creamy, and impossibly smooth, this Lemon Supreme Pie layers a buttery graham cracker crust, a fluffy cheesecake-style cream filling, and a glossy lemon custard topping for the ultimate citrus dessert. It’s an easy recipe that looks bakery-worthy yet comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Make it ahead for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you need quick dessert ideas to wow your guests. Whether you’re planning a sweet finish for a casual family dinner, searching for impressive party food ideas, or just love easy recipes that feel special, this pie delivers major flavor with minimal effort and fits right in with your favorite quick breakfast, healthy snack, and dinner ideas in your recipe box.


Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

8 ounces cream cheese softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest

1 cup heavy whipping cream cold

1 cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 1/4 cups water

3 large egg yolks lightly beaten

1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 cup heavy whipping cream cold

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon lemon zest curls for garnish


Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Stir in 6 tablespoons melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened and look like wet sand.

2. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate, using the bottom of a measuring cup to compact it well.

3. Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, just until fragrant and lightly golden, then cool completely on a wire rack. (Alternatively, chill the pressed crust for 30 minutes if you prefer not to bake it.)

4. Make the cream cheese layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely smooth and creamy.

5. Add 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the cream cheese. Beat until the mixture is fluffy and no lumps remain, scraping down the bowl as needed.

6. In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream to soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two additions until fully combined and airy.

7. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly into the cooled crust, smoothing the top with an offset spatula. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the lemon layer.

8. Make the lemon topping: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

9. Gradually whisk in 1 1/4 cups water until the mixture is smooth with no dry pockets of cornstarch.

10. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a gentle boil and thickens to a glossy, pudding-like consistency, 3–5 minutes.

11. Place the 3 lightly beaten egg yolks in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot sugar mixture to temper the yolks, stirring constantly so they don’t scramble.

12. Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan while whisking. Continue cooking over medium heat for 1–2 minutes more, still stirring, until the lemon mixture is thick and smooth.

13. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons butter until fully melted and incorporated.

14. Let the lemon mixture cool for about 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to release steam and prevent a skin from forming. It should remain pourable but not hot.

15. Gently pour the warm lemon topping over the chilled cream cheese layer, spreading it all the way to the crust so the surface is level.

16. Cover the pie loosely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully chilled and the layers are firm enough to slice cleanly.

17. Make the whipped cream topping: In a chilled bowl, beat 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until medium-firm peaks form. Do not overbeat.

18. Pipe or spoon the whipped cream around the edge of the chilled pie. Garnish with lemon zest curls for a bright, pretty finish.

19. Slice the Lemon Supreme Pie with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts, and serve immediately.

20. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

For the cleanest slices, refrigerate the pie overnight and warm your knife in hot water, wiping it dry between each cut so the lemon layer stays smooth.

To help keep the crust extra crisp, you can brush the cooled baked crust with a very thin layer of melted white chocolate before adding the cream cheese filling.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake; Stovetop; Baked crust
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 740
  • Sugar: 65
  • Sodium: 320
  • Fat: 48
  • Saturated Fat: 28
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 75
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 8
  • Cholesterol: 215

Keywords: lemon supreme pie, lemon dessert, no bake dessert, cheesecake pie, easy recipe, pie recipe, quick dessert, summer dessert

Save this recipe on: