Ingredients
1 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs [1]
1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups whipping cream
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest (or zest from half of a lemon)
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
2 drops lemon yellow food color gel [2] or equal (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoon lemon flavor [3] (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees if you wish to bake your crumb crust. Baking helps hold the crust together but is not necessary.
- In a 9-inch springform pan [4], mix the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Make a well in the center of the crumbs and pour in the melted butter. Using a whisk mix together the crumbs and butter until moistened. Shape the crust with the edge of a cup pressing the crumbs against the bottom and sides of the pan. If you choose, bake the crust for 6 to 8 minutes or until the edges are barely browned. Set aside to cool.
- In a mixer, beat the whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Add flavor if desired. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix the juice and gelatin until dissolved. Remove from heat. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk. Add flavor, if desired. Add food coloring, if desired. (Make it darker than you think you should. You will be folding it into the whipped cream therefore lightening the color.) Allow to cool slightly.
- Fold the juice mixture into the whipped cream until smooth using a whisk if necessary. Pour filling into the crumb crust. Refrigerate until set for at least 45 minutes. (You can speed up the process by putting it in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes.)
Serve cold with whipped cream and a lemon wedge for garnish.
Cream Cheese Variation
Whip only 1 3/4 cup of cream, instead of 2 cups, and add 8 ounces of softened cream cheese. Continue beating until fluffy. Continue with the recipe.
Discover More Desserts Like This You Can Make
- Get our Perfect Pie e-book [5]. It’s free and has really good recipes and instructions. It will tell you how to make fruit pies with juice concentrates.
- To learn how to make chiffon pies [6] with fruit juice concentrate, read “The Search for the Best Chiffon Pie Recipes.
- Subscribe to our newsletter [7]. Get free recipes, craft projects, and advice.
- Download How to Bake [8]. This free 250 page book explains the art and science of baking and includes supporting recipes.