If you’re looking for the ultimate no-bake, sunshine-in-every-bite dessert, my Frozen Lemonade Pie is here to make your summer dreams come true! This creamy, tangy treat sits inside a buttery graham cracker crust, bursting with vibrant lemon flavor and a chill that’s nothing short of refreshing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Baking Required: Whip up a dessert that’s cool, creamy, and delightfully fuss-free—no oven needed, just your freezer.
- Bright, Zingy Flavor: The stolen show here is frozen lemonade concentrate, which brings that beautiful lemony tang with every forkful.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Make-Ahead: Ideal for picnics, birthday bashes, or weeknight sweet cravings; this pie is happiest made ahead and ready whenever you are.
- Super Simple Ingredients: Just six easy-to-find ingredients come together, delivering results that taste like a gourmet treat from your favorite diner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Frozen Lemonade Pie is all about highlighting the magic that simple, classic ingredients can create together. Each one plays its part—bringing luscious texture, tangy brightness, and a dreamy, cloud-like finish.
- Prepared Graham Cracker Crust: A buttery base that holds everything together and adds that nostalgic sweet crunch.
- Cream Cheese (at room temperature): Adds creamy richness and helps the filling firm up in the freezer—just make sure it’s soft for easy blending!
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Brings sweetness, a velvety texture, and a little bit of magic that makes this pie slice absolutely dreamy.
- Frozen Lemonade Concentrate (mostly thawed): The star ingredient—packed with bright, tart lemon flavor condensed into a tiny can. This is your flavor booster!
- Lemon Zest: Adds pops of fresh, aromatic citrus that make the pie taste extra vibrant and homemade.
- Whipped Topping (thawed): Folds in lightness and creates that perfect, cloud-like creaminess everyone loves in a frozen pie.
Variations
One of the best things about a Frozen Lemonade Pie? It’s endlessly customizable! You can tweak it to match your favorite flavors, or adjust for dietary preferences with a few easy swaps.
- Berry Lemonade Pie: Add a swirl of raspberry or blueberry preserves into the filling for a burst of berrylicious flavor and a gorgeous marbled look.
- Creamy Coconut Lemonade Pie: Use coconut whipped topping and sprinkle shredded coconut over the top for a tropical twist.
- Gluten-Free Pie: Swap in a gluten-free graham cracker crust—store-bought or homemade—so everyone can enjoy a slice.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan cream cheese, coconut condensed milk, and your favorite dairy-free whipped topping to make the pie completely plant-based.
How to Make Frozen Lemonade Pie
Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Lemon Filling
Start by combining the room-temperature cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and mostly thawed frozen lemonade concentrate in a large mixing bowl. Use a handheld electric mixer to beat everything until the mixture is silky-smooth and completely free of lumps—about two minutes. This is where the magic begins, blending tang and creaminess into dreamy harmony.
Step 2: Brighten with Lemon Zest
Add in the fresh lemon zest and give it another quick mix. The zest brings an extra layer of sunshiney flavor—tiny bursts of citrus oil that make every bite taste fresh-from-the-orchard good.
Step 3: Fold in Whipped Topping for Fluffiness
Now comes the cloud-like finishing touch! Gently fold (or slowly beat on the lowest speed) the thawed whipped topping into your lemony mixture, making sure it’s fully combined but still light and airy. Take your time; this is where the pie filling gets its signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Fill the Crust and Freeze
Pour the finished filling into your prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula so it’s even from edge to edge. Pop the pie in the freezer—make sure it’s level!—and let it chill for at least 8 hours, but overnight is perfect for that ultra-sliceable, creamy-firm consistency.
Pro Tips for Making Frozen Lemonade Pie
- Soft Cream Cheese, Always: Let your cream cheese come to room temperature so it’s easy to blend and guarantees a silky-smooth filling—no lumps allowed!
- Don’t Overmix the Whipped Topping: Gently fold rather than whip it in—this keeps the filling delightfully fluffy and light, just like it should be.
- Level Your Pie in the Freezer: When freezing, set the pie on a flat surface in your freezer so the filling stays even and beautiful for serving.
- Zest Before You Juice: If you want extra lemon flavor, zest your lemon before extracting any juice for garnish or another recipe—it’s much easier and you won’t waste a drop of citrus goodness!
How to Serve Frozen Lemonade Pie
Garnishes
For a show-stopping finish, sprinkle a little extra lemon zest over the top, add thin lemon slices, or pile on a cloud of more whipped topping. A handful of fresh berries or a sprig of mint adds gorgeous color and a hint of fragrance—absolutely irresistible!
Side Dishes
Frozen Lemonade Pie is perfectly refreshing on its own, but if you’re hosting a barbecue or picnic, pair it with grilled chicken, light salads, or a big platter of summer fruit. For a fun twist, serve mini pies alongside other chilled desserts like fruit sorbet or icebox cakes.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this pie into individual parfaits by layering the filling in small jars with crushed graham crackers. You can also freeze the filling in popsicle molds for a hand-held frozen treat, or serve thin slices in vintage tea cups for a retro-chic dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Frozen Lemonade Pie should be kept covered in the freezer. Use plastic wrap or pop the entire pie (still in its dish) in an airtight container—this helps lock in flavor and keep ice crystals away.
Freezing
This pie thrives in the freezer! Store it for up to two weeks for the best flavor and texture. If you’re making it ahead, leave off garnishes until just before serving for the freshest look.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat—just let the pie sit out for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly before slicing, if you prefer a creamier texture. The slices cut perfectly when icy-cold, so serve straight from the freezer for that signature “frozen lemonade” effect.
FAQs
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Can I use regular lemonade instead of frozen concentrate?
Yes, you can substitute prepared lemonade in a pinch, but the frozen concentrate packs a much brighter and more intense lemon flavor for Frozen Lemonade Pie. If using regular lemonade, the pie may be a bit softer and slightly less tangy.
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Do I need to bake the graham cracker crust?
No—one of the best parts about this pie is that it’s completely no-bake! Most store-bought graham cracker crusts are ready to use right out of the package. If you’re making your own and like a crunchier base, you can bake it for a few minutes, but it’s optional.
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How long does Frozen Lemonade Pie need to freeze before serving?
Plan for at least 8 hours in the freezer, though overnight is even better. This gives the filling plenty of time to firm up for the easiest, cleanest slices.
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Can I make Frozen Lemonade Pie ahead for a party?
Absolutely! This pie is actually better the longer it chills. Make it up to two days ahead—just keep it well-covered in the freezer and garnish right before serving for the prettiest results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about slicing into a Frozen Lemonade Pie on a warm day—this dessert is pure, creamy citrus bliss! I hope you whip this up soon and share it with your favorite people. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s become a freezer staple in my kitchen. Enjoy every frosty, lemony forkful!
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Frozen Lemonade Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Frozen Lemonade Pie is a delightful and refreshing dessert perfect for warm days. It combines the tangy flavors of lemonade with a creamy, smooth texture in a graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
- One (9″ round) prepared graham cracker crust
- 4 ounces (1/2 of a package) cream cheese at room temperature
- 14 ounces (one small can) sweetened condensed milk
- 6 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate mostly thawed
- Zest of one lemon
- 8 ounces (one tub) whipped topping thawed
Frozen Lemonade Pie:
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add in the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and lemonade concentrate and beat with a handheld electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add in the zest and beat to combine.
- Lastly, slowly beat or fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated. Pour the filling into the prepared graham cracker crust and smooth out the top.
- Freeze for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, before cutting into slices. Pie must stay in the freezer, but it can be eaten straight from the freezer or slightly softened at room temperature (about 10-15 min out of the freezer).
Notes
- The frozen lemonade concentrate comes in a little can in the freezer section, often near the frozen fruit or frozen juice/cocktail mixer section of the grocery store.
- In a pinch, you can use prepared lemonade.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
