Description
This Quick and Easy Homemade Dessert: No-Bake Lemon Vanilla Custard is everything we love about a sweet treat—bright lemon flavor, smooth vanilla notes, and a creamy texture that sets like a dream without ever turning on the oven. Made with sweetened condensed milk, whipped cream, and fresh lemon juice, this custard chills to perfection and tastes like sunshine in a spoon. Fast to prep, easy to love, and perfect for making ahead.
Ingredients
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1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
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½ cup fresh lemon juice
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1 tsp lemon zest
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1 tsp vanilla extract or ½ tsp vanilla bean paste
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1 cup cold heavy cream
Optional toppings:
Crushed vanilla wafers, extra lemon zest, whipped cream, fresh berries, mint sprigs
Instructions
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Mix the Lemon Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until fully combined and slightly thickened. -
Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to medium peaks using a hand mixer (or whisk with a little muscle!). -
Fold It In
Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture in two batches, using a spatula. Mix just until smooth and fully incorporated. -
Chill to Set
Spoon the mixture into ramekins, jars, or dessert glasses. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight for best results).
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Garnish and Serve
Top with lemon zest, cookies, or fresh fruit, and serve chilled.
Notes
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Don’t overwhip the cream—medium peaks make the lightest custard
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Fresh lemon juice is best for bright flavor (bottled can be too harsh)
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For a dairy-free version, use coconut condensed milk and coconut whipped cream
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Want to layer it like a trifle? Add crushed cookies or lemon curd between layers!
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This is a great make-ahead dessert for parties or brunch
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Quick and Easy Homemade Dessert