Description
Craving a dessert that’s refreshingly tart, creamy, and bursting with berry goodness? This Frozen Lemonade Pie with Berries is a delightful no-bake pie (with a quick crust bake) that combines a tangy lemonade filling with a buttery graham cracker crust and a vibrant mixed berry topping.
Ingredients
With nine ingredients, this recipe highlights the bright flavor of lemonade and fresh berries. Use quality frozen lemonade concentrate for the best taste.
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Crust:
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2 cups (240 g) graham cracker crumbs: Forms a buttery, crunchy base.
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7 tablespoons (100 g) unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust for a firm texture.
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¼ cup (50 g) white sugar: Sweetens the crust lightly.
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Filling:
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2 cups (480 mL) heavy whipping cream: Creates a light, fluffy filling.
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1 (14-ounce / 397 g) can sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and creaminess.
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1 (6-ounce / 177 mL) can frozen lemonade concentrate, not thawed: Provides a tart, lemony punch.
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Topping:
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1 cup (150 g) sliced strawberries: Adds sweet, juicy flavor.
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½ cup (70 g) fresh blackberries: Brings tart depth.
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½ cup (60 g) fresh raspberries: Offers a delicate, tangy note.
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2 tablespoons (30 mL) lemon juice: Enhances the berries’ flavor.
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2 tablespoons (25 g) white sugar: Sweetens the berry topping.
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Substitutions and Variations:
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, vegan butter, and dairy-free condensed milk (coconut-based).
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Gluten-Free: Swap graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour crust.
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Lower Sugar: Reduce sweetened condensed milk to 10 ounces (300 g) with a splash of plant-based milk, and use a sugar substitute for the crust and topping.
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Flavor Twist: Use frozen limeade concentrate for a lime pie, or add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the filling for extra zing.
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Topping Swap: Replace berries with sliced peaches, mangoes, or a mixed fruit compote.
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Why These Ingredients Matter: The graham cracker crust provides a crunchy foundation, the lemonade-infused filling delivers a creamy, tart core, and the fresh berry topping adds vibrant color and flavor, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Place a glass or metal mixing bowl in the refrigerator to chill for the whipped cream.
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In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 7 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and ¼ cup white sugar until well-mixed and crumbly.
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Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate, using a spoon or flat-bottomed glass to compact it.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 7 minutes until firm. Let cool completely, about 20 minutes.
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Tip: Press the crust evenly to avoid crumbling, and cool fully to ensure the filling sets properly.
Step 2: Make the Filling
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In the chilled bowl, beat 2 cups heavy whipping cream with a hand mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2–3 minutes.
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In a separate large bowl, stir together 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk and 1 (6-ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate (not thawed) until fully combined.
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Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemonade mixture with a spatula until smooth and uniform.
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Tip: Chill the bowl and beaters for faster whipping, and fold gently to maintain the filling’s airy texture. Ensure the lemonade concentrate is mixed thoroughly to avoid icy patches.
Step 3: Assemble
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Pour the lemonade filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
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Tip: Tap the pie plate gently on the counter to remove air bubbles and ensure a level filling.
Step 4: Freeze
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Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil.
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Freeze for 8 hours or overnight until fully set and firm.
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Tip: Ensure the freezer is at 0°F (-18°C) or colder to achieve a solid, sliceable texture.
Step 5: Prepare the Berry Topping
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In a medium bowl, toss 1 cup sliced strawberries, ½ cup blackberries, and ½ cup raspberries with 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 2 tablespoons white sugar until well-coated.
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Let the berries sit for 5–10 minutes to release juices, stirring occasionally.
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Tip: Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor, and prepare the topping just before serving to keep it vibrant.
Step 6: Serve
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Remove the pie from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly for easier slicing.
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Slice into 8 equal portions using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry.
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Top each slice with a spoonful of the mixed berry topping and serve immediately.
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Tip: Serve frozen for a refreshing texture, and add the berry topping just before serving to prevent it from soaking into the pie.