When the warm weather calls for a refreshing dessert, nothing hits the spot quite like a Lemonade Pie. This delightful treat is the perfect blend of tangy lemonade flavor and creamy sweetness, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic, a family gathering, or just indulging in a slice on a sunny afternoon, this Lemonade Pie is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 10 whole graham crackers
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
Lemonade Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
- 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is optional if you prefer a no-bake crust, but baking the crust for a few minutes will help set it and enhance the flavor.
- Crush the Graham Crackers: Place the graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until they form fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Combine with Sugar and Butter: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, light brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press into Pie Dish: Transfer the crumb mixture into a 9-inch pie dish. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press the crumbs evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the dish.
- Bake (Optional): If you’re baking the crust, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the filling.
2. Prepare the Lemonade Filling:
The filling is what gives this pie its signature tart and creamy flavor, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the condensed milk with the zesty lemonade.
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This step ensures that the filling is lump-free and velvety.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gradually add the can of sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese, beating until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
- Mix in Lemonade Concentrate: Pour in the thawed lemonade concentrate. Make sure it’s thawed completely to avoid any lumps or inconsistencies in the filling. Beat until the lemonade is fully mixed in and the filling is smooth.
- Fold in the Cool Whip: Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the filling light and airy. The Cool Whip adds a delightful creaminess and helps to lighten the texture of the filling.
3. Assemble the Pie:
Now that the filling is ready and the crust has cooled, it’s time to assemble your Lemonade Pie.
- Pour the Filling: Pour the lemonade filling into the prepared graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring that the filling reaches all the edges of the crust.
- Chill the Pie: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is set. For best results, you can let it chill overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the filling to firm up perfectly.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your Lemonade Pie is fully chilled, it’s ready to be served.
- Garnish (Optional): Before serving, you can garnish the pie with a few thin lemon slices, a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance.
- Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to slice the pie into wedges. Make sure to wipe the knife clean between slices for neat, smooth cuts. Serve the slices cold, and watch as your guests delight in the tangy, creamy flavor.
Tips for a Perfect Lemonade Pie:
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This ensures a smooth filling without lumps.
- Thaw the Lemonade Concentrate: Allow the lemonade concentrate to thaw completely before adding it to the filling. This helps in evenly distributing the flavor throughout the pie.
- Chill Time: Give the pie ample time to chill and set. Rushing this step might result in a filling that is too soft.
- Variations: If you want to mix things up, try substituting the lemonade concentrate with limeade or pink lemonade for a different flavor profile.
This Refreshing Lemonade Pie is a dessert that embodies the essence of summer. Its creamy texture and bright, citrusy flavor make it a perfect treat for warm weather. The simplicity of the recipe means you can whip it up with minimal effort, yet the result is a dessert that feels special and indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to impress at your next gathering or simply want to treat yourself to something delicious, this Lemonade Pie is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy every bite of this cool, creamy delight!
