This Cream Cheese Lemonade Pie is a cool, creamy, and tangy dessert that’s perfect for hot days or when I want something light and refreshing. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious lemony filling, it’s one of those no-bake pies that I find hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this pie because it’s incredibly simple to make and packed with flavor. The combination of cream cheese and lemonade concentrate gives it a creamy texture with a bright citrus zing. It’s a no-bake dessert, which makes it ideal when I don’t want to turn on the oven. Plus, it’s always a crowd-pleaser at picnics, potlucks, or family dinners.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
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1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
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1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
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1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
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1/2 cup frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
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1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra punch)
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1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
Topping (optional):
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Whipped cream
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Lemon slices or curls
Directions
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I start by preparing the crust. In a medium bowl, I mix the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar together. Then, I stir in the melted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand. I press this into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan and chill it in the fridge while I make the filling.
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In a large bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. I gradually mix in the sweetened condensed milk until fully combined and creamy.
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I stir in the thawed lemonade concentrate and lemon zest (if using). Once everything is smooth and blended, I gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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I pour the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
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I refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm enough to slice. Before serving, I like to add a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with lemon slices or curls for a pretty presentation.
Servings and timing
This pie makes 8 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Variations
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I sometimes swap the lemonade concentrate for limeade for a tart twist.
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If I want a more decadent version, I mix in a little vanilla extract or even a few crushed berries.
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For a lighter option, I use low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping without sacrificing flavor.
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If I don’t have graham crackers, I use vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits for the crust.
Storage/Reheating
I store this pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
It doesn’t require reheating, but if it’s been frozen, I let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
I’ve also frozen slices individually, and they make a delicious frozen treat straight from the freezer in summer.
FAQs
How tart is this pie?
The tartness depends on the lemonade concentrate. I find it has a nice balance between sweet and tangy, especially when I add a touch of zest.
Can I freeze Cream Cheese Lemonade Pie?
Yes, I freeze it for up to 1 month. I recommend wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely. I’ve used freshly whipped cream, and it works beautifully. I just make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks before folding in.
Is it okay to use reduced-fat cream cheese?
Yes, I’ve made it with reduced-fat cream cheese, and it turns out just as creamy and tasty.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Definitely. I often make it a day ahead and keep it chilled until serving. It actually sets up better that way.
Conclusion
This Cream Cheese Lemonade Pie is one of my favorite no-bake desserts. It’s light, creamy, and bursting with lemony goodness. Whether I’m hosting a summer get-together or just want something quick and sweet, this pie never disappoints.
Print
Cream Cheese Lemonade Pie
This no-bake Cream Cheese Lemonade Pie is a refreshing dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy, citrusy filling made from cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and lemonade concentrate. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings or anytime you need a quick, cool treat.
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Filling:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- Optional Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Lemon slices or curls
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
- Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan and refrigerate.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually mix in sweetened condensed milk until fully combined.
- Stir in thawed lemonade concentrate and lemon zest (if using).
- Fold in whipped topping gently until light and fluffy.
- Pour filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Before serving, top with whipped cream and garnish with lemon slices or curls, if desired.
Notes
- Swap lemonade concentrate with limeade for a tart variation.
- Add vanilla extract or crushed berries for extra flavor.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping for a lighter version.
- Crust can be made with vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers.
- Freeze individual slices for a delicious frozen treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg