🍋 Cream Cheese Lemonade Pie – Cool, Creamy Slice of Summer

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Light, tangy, and effortlessly indulgent—this no-bake lemonade pie blends silky cream cheese with lemony gelatin and a buttery graham cracker crust. The ultimate warm-weather dessert!

🕒 Servings & Timing

  • Yield: One 9-inch pie (8–10 slices)

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

  • Dietary Tags: No-Bake | Kid-Friendly | Make-Ahead | Vegetarian

📝 Ingredients Checklist

For the Crust:

  • Graham cracker crumbs – 1½ cups

  • Granulated sugar – ¼ cup

  • Unsalted butter, melted – ½ cup

For the Filling:

  • Cream cheese (softened) – 8 oz

  • Sweetened condensed milk – 1 can (14 oz)

  • Whipped cream or Cool Whip – 1 cup (8 oz)

For the Lemon Gelatin Layer:

  • Lemon gelatin powder (Jell-O or similar) – 1 small box (3 oz)

  • Boiling water – ½ cup

  • Cold water – ½ cup

  • Fresh lemon juice (optional, but recommended) – 2–3 tbsp

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

🥣 Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

  • Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.

  • Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, covering the bottom and sides.

  • Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.

💡 Tip: Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the crust evenly and firmly.

🍰 Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

  • In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping until smooth and fluffy (2–3 minutes with electric mixer).

  • Spoon mixture into the chilled crust and smooth out evenly.

  • Return to fridge to chill while preparing gelatin.

💡 Kristy’s Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is room temperature—no one likes lumps in their filling!

🍋 Step 3: Make the Lemon Gelatin Layer

  • Dissolve gelatin in ½ cup boiling water.

  • Stir in ½ cup cold water and 2–3 tbsp of lemon juice if using.

  • Cool slightly, then gently pour over the cream cheese layer.

  • Chill the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set.

💡 Pro Tip: Tilt the pie gently to ensure even gelatin coverage.

🌟 Optional Garnishes

  • Whipped cream swirls

  • Fresh lemon zest

  • Thin lemon slices or fresh mint

  • Crushed graham cracker bits

  • Fresh raspberries or strawberries

🧂 Ingredient Tips & Swaps

  • Crust:

    • Swap graham crackers for crushed vanilla wafers or gluten-free biscuits.

  • Filling:

    • Use low-fat cream cheese or light whipped topping for a W-W friendly version.

    • Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped topping.

  • Gelatin Layer:

    • Try strawberry or raspberry gelatin for a fruit twist.

    • Skip the lemon juice for a milder flavor or go bold with lemon zest.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Variations

  • Summer BBQ Dessert: Slice and serve with a cold glass of iced tea.

  • Mini Pies: Press crust into muffin tins for individual servings.

  • Layer It: Use clear glasses for a parfait-style presentation with layers of crust, filling, and gelatin.

🗃️ Storage & Make-Ahead

📦 Storage

  • Store covered in the fridge up to 3 days.

  • Best texture after 8–12 hours chill time.

❄️ Freezer Friendly?

  • Technically yes, but the gelatin layer may become watery upon thawing. Better enjoyed fresh from the fridge!

📊 Nutrition Estimate (Per Slice – 1/10 of pie)

Nutrient Amount
Calories ~320 kcal
Fat ~18g
Carbs ~35g
Sugar ~26g
Protein ~5g
Sodium ~180mg

Tags: No-Bake | Make-Ahead | Sweet & Tart | Kid-Friendly

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes! Make it up to 24 hours ahead—it slices even better the next day.

Q: What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped between slices.

Q: Can I skip the gelatin layer?
You can, but it gives the pie that signature lemonade punch and beautiful yellow finish.

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Yes, but fresh lemon juice has a brighter, cleaner taste.

📝 Kristy’s Note

This pie feels like sunshine in dessert form. I first made it for a summer cookout, and not a crumb was left—it was love at first bite. The texture is creamy, light, and refreshing, and that lemon gelatin layer? Pure nostalgia. It’s now a summer staple in my house, and I know it’ll be a hit in yours too.

🍋 More Cool Summer Desserts to Try

  • Crustless Coconut Cream Pie

  • W-W Lemon Yogurt Bars

  • Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Bites

  • No-Bake Banana Pudding Cups

📣 Call to Action

Tried this Cream Cheese Lemonade Pie? I’d LOVE to see your sunny creations—tag me @KristyCooksW-W and let me know what twist you added! Don’t forget to pin it and share it with your lemon-loving friends. ☀️🍰

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