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:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined.
- 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.
- Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Lemonade Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- 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:
- Pour the lemonade filling into the chilled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- 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:
- In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Spread the whipped cream topping over the chilled lemonade filling, creating decorative swirls with a spoon or piping bag if desired.
- Garnish the pie with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for a vibrant and refreshing finish.
6. Chill and Serve:
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is set.
- 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?