Lemonade Cream Cheese Pie Delight:
Bright, tangy, and creamy, this no-bake Lemonade Cream Cheese Pie Delight is a refreshing dessert perfect for warm weather gatherings. It combines a buttery, crisp crust with a luscious cream cheese filling balanced by zesty lemonade. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults, ideal for potlucks, parties, or simple family treats.
Equipment
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula
- Plastic wrap or foil
- Measuring cup or glass (for pressing crust)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or sugar cookie crumbs)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup lemonade concentrate (frozen or refrigerated) or freshly squeezed lemonade, adjusted to taste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 ½ cups whipped topping or freshly whipped cream
- Optional garnishes: fresh lemon slices, mint leaves, fresh berries, powdered sugar, toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to compact and smooth the crust. Chill the crust for at least 30 minutes or pre-bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes for extra crispness. Let cool completely.
- Make the filling: Beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add lemonade concentrate and vanilla extract (if using), mixing gently until well combined.
- Fold in whipped topping: Carefully fold in whipped topping or freshly whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture. Fold gently until fully combined, maintaining a light and fluffy texture.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the filling into the chilled crust. Smooth the top evenly with a spatula. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, preferably overnight, until the filling is firm and set.
- Serve: Garnish with optional lemon slices, fresh berries, mint, or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving. Slice with a warm knife for clean edges.
Notes
- For a firmer filling, dissolve 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin in 2 tablespoons warm water and add it to the cream cheese mixture before folding in whipped topping.
- Substitute gluten-free crumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Freshly squeezed lemonade offers brighter flavor than concentrate but adjust sweetness to your preference.
- Avoid overmixing whipped topping to maintain a light, airy filling.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.