Refreshing No-Bake Lemonade Pie
No-Bake Lemonade Pie
No-Bake Lemonade Pie is a delicious, refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It combines the sweet and tangy flavors of lemonade with a creamy texture, all in a crunchy graham cracker crust. It doesn’t require baking, which makes it a great choice for those hot summer days or any time when you want a quick and easy treat. This pie is not only simple to make, but it also brings a taste of sunshine to your table!
Why Make This Recipe
Making No-Bake Lemonade Pie is a fantastic idea for several reasons. First, it is incredibly easy to prepare and does not require any baking. This means you can whip it up quickly and save time in the kitchen. Second, the tartness of the lemon paired with a creamy filling creates a delightful balance that will please everyone. It’s a perfect dessert for gatherings, picnics, or just to enjoy at home. Lastly, it keeps well in the refrigerator, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert.
How to Make No-Bake Lemonade Pie
To make No-Bake Lemonade Pie, you will need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
Ingredients:
- 1 (5 oz) can of evaporated milk
- 1 (3.4 oz) box of instant lemon pudding mix
- 2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese
- 3/4 cup of frozen lemonade concentrate
- 2 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup of sugar
- 2/3 cup of butter, melted
- 1 pre-made 9-inch graham cracker crust (optional)
Directions:
- Crafting the Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until crumbly. Press the mixture firmly into a deep-dish pie plate, covering the bottom and sides. If you choose to make a homemade crust, preheat the oven to 175°C and bake for 10-12 minutes until set and golden. Let it cool completely before use. For a no-bake crust, you can skip the baking step.
- Preparing the Creamy Lemonade Filling: In a bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk and lemon pudding mix until it thickens, about 2 minutes. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy, around 3 minutes. Gradually incorporate the lemonade concentrate and the pudding mixture, blending until smooth. Spoon this creamy filling into your cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Chilling and Serving: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours before serving. This allows it to set properly. Serve chilled and feel free to garnish with whipped cream or lemon slices if you’d like!
How to Serve No-Bake Lemonade Pie
When serving No-Bake Lemonade Pie, slicing it into wedges is the best way. You can top each slice with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or additional lemon zest for a nice touch. It’s also great on a hot summer day as a light, refreshing dessert.
How to Store No-Bake Lemonade Pie
Store any leftover No-Bake Lemonade Pie in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It should last for about 3-5 days in the fridge, making it a wonderful dessert to prepare in advance.
Tips to Make No-Bake Lemonade Pie
- Make sure to let the cream cheese come to room temperature before you start mixing. This helps it blend smoothly.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to the crust.
- If you like a stronger lemon flavor, consider adding some lemon juice or zest to the filling.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, consider adding berries like raspberries or blueberries to the filling for a fruity twist. Another option is to use other flavor concentrates, like orange or lime, to change the pie’s flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of frozen lemonade concentrate?
Yes, you can substitute fresh lemon juice, but you may need to adjust the sugar to taste since fresh lemon juice can be more tart.
2. How long does it take for the pie to set?
The pie needs to be refrigerated for at least 4 hours to set properly, but overnight is even better for a firmer texture.
3. Can I use a store-bought crust?
Absolutely! Using a pre-made graham cracker crust can save time and make the process even easier.
Enjoy creating your No-Bake Lemonade Pie and share it with family and friends! This easy recipe is sure to be a hit!
No-Bake Lemonade Pie
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2.5 cups graham cracker crumbs Use for homemade crust
- 1/3 cup sugar Adjust sweetness to taste
- 2/3 cup butter, melted Melt before mixing
- 1 9-inch pre-made graham cracker crust Optional, for a quicker prep
For the filling
- 1 can (5 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant lemon pudding mix
- 2 packages (8 oz) cream cheese Let come to room temperature for easier mixing
- 3/4 cup frozen lemonade concentrate Can substitute with fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Crafting the Crust
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Press the mixture firmly into a deep-dish pie plate, covering the bottom and sides.
- If making a homemade crust, preheat the oven to 175°C and bake for 10-12 minutes until set and golden. Let it cool completely before use.
- For a no-bake crust, you can skip the baking step.
Preparing the Creamy Lemonade Filling
- In a bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk and lemon pudding mix until it thickens, about 2 minutes.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy, around 3 minutes.
- Gradually incorporate the lemonade concentrate and the pudding mixture, blending until smooth.
- Spoon this creamy filling into your cooled crust and smooth the top.
Chilling and Serving
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours before serving to allow it to set properly.
- Serve chilled and garnish with whipped cream or lemon slices if desired.
