Cream Cheese Lemonade Pie: A Refreshing Citrus Delight

Posted by BMA24

Enjoy a taste of sunshine with this Cream Cheese Lemonade Pie recipe. This dessert, with its creamy texture, tangy lemon flavor, and buttery graham cracker crust, is a refreshing treat suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue, a family gathering, or simply craving a sweet and citrusy treat, this pie will satisfy your cravings. Join me as we walk through the simple steps to make this delicious dessert that will brighten your day.

Ingredients:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Lemonade Filling:

  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Yellow food coloring (optional)

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Garnish (optional):

  • Lemon slices
  • Fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined.
  2. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to firmly press the mixture into place.
  3. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the Lemonade Filling:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, beating until smooth and well combined. If desired, add a few drops of yellow food coloring to enhance the lemony hue of the filling.

3. Assemble the Pie:

  1. Pour the lemonade filling into the chilled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  2. Smooth the top of the filling with the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to create an even surface.

4. Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping:

  1. In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.

5. Garnish and Serve:

  1. Spread the whipped cream topping over the chilled lemonade filling, creating decorative swirls with a spoon or piping bag if desired.
  2. Garnish the pie with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for a vibrant and refreshing finish.

6. Chill and Serve:

  1. Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is set.
  2. Slice the Cream Cheese Lemonade Pie into servings and serve chilled. Enjoy!

Tips:

  • For a variation, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust or a shortbread crust instead of making your own.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to suit your taste preferences. For a more intense lemon flavor, you can add additional lemon juice or zest.
  • For a lighter filling, you can substitute whipped topping (such as Cool Whip) for the homemade whipped cream topping.

Cream Cheese Lemonade Pie is a delicious dessert that marries the creamy richness of cream cheese with the tangy brightness of lemonade. With its buttery graham cracker crust and fluffy whipped cream topping, it’s a show-stopping dessert. Whether served at a summer picnic, a backyard barbecue, or a casual dinner party, this pie will be a big hit with family and friends. So, why not make a batch today and get a taste of sunshine in every bite?