This incredibly simple yet utterly delicious 3-ingredient dessert features a creamy, tangy, and light filling topped with a buttery, crumbly texture. It’s a no-bake treat that comes together quickly and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for last-minute cravings or when you need a fast and satisfying dessert. The base is a smooth and refreshing lemon-flavored custard-like mixture, often made with condensed milk and lemon juice, which provides a delightful sweet-tart balance. The topping is typically crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers mixed with melted butter, adding a contrasting texture and a hint of buttery richness. This dessert is often served chilled and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser due to its ease of preparation and irresistible flavor combination. It embodies simplicity without compromising on taste and satisfaction.
Ingredients:
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (adjust to taste for desired tartness)
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers (plus more for topping, if desired)
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted (for the topping)
Optional Ingredients for Enhanced Flavor/Texture:
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup whipped cream (folded in for a lighter texture)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crumb Topping:
- If you are using vanilla wafers or graham crackers for both the base and topping, set aside about 1/4 cup of the crushed crumbs for later.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers with the melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Create the Creamy Filling:
- In a medium bowl, pour in the can of sweetened condensed milk.
- Gradually whisk in the fresh lemon juice until the mixture thickens. The acid in the lemon juice reacts with the condensed milk, causing it to set up into a thick, custard-like consistency.
- (Optional Flavor Enhancement): If desired, stir in the lemon zest for a more intense lemon flavor.
- (Optional Lighter Texture): For a lighter and airier dessert, gently fold in the whipped cream into the thickened lemon mixture until just combined.
- Assemble the Dessert:
- In a serving dish (a pie plate, an 8×8 inch square dish, or individual serving glasses as shown in some variations), spread half of the buttered crumbs evenly over the bottom of the dish to create a simple base layer. You can skip this base layer if you prefer the creamy filling to be the main focus.
- Pour the creamy lemon filling over the crumb base (or directly into the serving dish if you skipped the base).
- Sprinkle the remaining buttered crumbs evenly over the top of the lemon filling. If you set aside extra plain crushed crumbs, you can sprinkle those on top as well for a slightly different texture.
- Chill to Set:
- Cover the serving dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the dessert to fully chill and set. The chilling time helps the lemon mixture to firm up completely.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once chilled, the creamy 3-ingredient dessert is ready to serve. Spoon it out of the serving dish or individual glasses. The contrast between the smooth, tangy filling and the crumbly topping makes each bite a delightful experience.
Tips and Notes:
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the best and brightest flavor. Bottled lemon juice can also be used, but the taste may differ slightly. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your preference for tartness.
- Crumb Options: Vanilla wafers and graham crackers are the most common choices for the crumb topping, but you can experiment with other crushed cookies like shortbread or digestive biscuits.
- Serving Dishes: This dessert is versatile and can be assembled in a variety of dishes, from a large family-style dish to individual portions.
- Sweetness Adjustment: The sweetness of this dessert primarily comes from the sweetened condensed milk. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can try using a combination of fresh cream cheese and a less sweet condensed milk alternative, though this will change the basic 3-ingredient nature of the recipe.
- Flavor Variations: While lemon is classic, you can experiment with other citrus juices like lime or orange for a different flavor profile. Adjust the zest accordingly.
- Storage: Leftover dessert should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The crumb topping may soften slightly over time.
Enjoy this incredibly easy and satisfying creamy 3-ingredient dessert! Its simplicity belies its deliciousness, making it a go-to recipe for quick and tasty treats.