Lemonade Pie

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I first discovered Lemonade Pie on a hot summer day when I was craving something refreshing but didn’t want to turn on the oven. The bright citrus flavor combined with a cool, creamy texture instantly won me over. It was light, effortless, and completely satisfying—just the kind of dessert you want to serve after a backyard barbecue or enjoy as a midday treat. Ever since that first bite, this pie has become my go-to for warm weather desserts.

The best part? It only takes a handful of ingredients and very little effort to whip up. I’ve made it so many times that I could practically do it with my eyes closed. Whether you’re hosting friends or just need a quick fix for a sweet tooth, this Lemonade Pie is guaranteed to please.

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Why You’ll Love This Lemonade Pie

This pie is all about simplicity and sunshine. It’s a no-bake dessert that comes together in minutes and chills to perfection in the fridge. The flavor is tart, sweet, and silky smooth thanks to a blend of frozen lemonade concentrate and sweetened condensed milk. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a cloud-like topping of whipped cream, it offers the perfect balance of creamy and crisp.

Plus, it looks beautiful on the table. The pale yellow filling, garnished with lemon slices and mint, makes it as pretty as it is delicious.

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What Kind of Lemonade Should I Use?

The star of this pie is frozen lemonade concentrate, which gives it that vibrant citrus flavor. I always go with the classic unsweetened version to avoid making the pie overly sweet. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try pink lemonade for a fun twist or even limeade for a citrusy spin.

Just be sure the concentrate is fully thawed before mixing it in—this ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.

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Options for Substitutions

If you don’t have frozen lemonade concentrate, you can swap in freshly squeezed lemon juice mixed with a bit of sugar. Aim for about 3/4 cup of lemon juice and adjust the sweetness to taste.

For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream in place of whipped topping and a vegan sweetened condensed milk. You can also switch up the crust by using crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies instead of graham crackers. This pie is very forgiving—play with the flavors until you find your favorite combo.

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Ingredients for this Lemonade Pie

• Graham Cracker Crust – Provides a buttery, slightly crunchy base that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling. You can use a store-bought crust or make your own by mixing crushed graham crackers with melted butter and sugar.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds rich, creamy sweetness and helps create the pie’s silky smooth texture. It also acts as a binding agent when mixed with the lemonade concentrate.
• Frozen Lemonade Concentrate – The heart of the flavor profile. It brings a tangy, citrus punch that’s both refreshing and bright.
• Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip) – Gives the pie its light and airy consistency. It balances out the tartness of the lemonade and makes the filling fluffy.
• Lemon Slices and Mint Leaves (optional) – For garnish. They make the pie look fresh and vibrant.

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Step 1: Prepare the Crust

If you’re using a homemade crust, combine 1 1/2 cups of crushed graham crackers, 1/3 cup of sugar, and 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to firm up. You can also use a pre-made graham cracker crust to save time.

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Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, pour in one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk. Add 6 ounces of thawed frozen lemonade concentrate and mix until well combined. The acid in the lemonade will slightly thicken the milk. Gently fold in 8 ounces of whipped topping until the mixture is light, fluffy, and uniform in texture.

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Step 3: Fill the Crust

Spoon the lemonade filling into the chilled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth out the top so it’s evenly distributed.

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Step 4: Chill the Pie

Place the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. The longer it chills, the better the texture. This allows the filling to fully set and makes it easier to slice cleanly.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, decorate the pie with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves if desired. You can also add extra whipped topping for a more decadent look. Serve chilled and enjoy every creamy, citrusy bite.

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How Long to Prepare the Lemonade Pie

Making this pie is a breeze when it comes to time commitment. The actual hands-on preparation takes about 10–15 minutes, making it one of the quickest desserts you can throw together. You’re simply mixing, folding, and pouring the ingredients—no complicated steps or special equipment needed.

However, the most important part is the chill time. The pie needs to refrigerate for at least 4 hours to properly set, though I highly recommend letting it sit overnight if time allows. This will give the filling a firmer, creamier consistency and make slicing much easier.

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Tips for Perfect Lemonade Pie

• Thaw the lemonade concentrate completely before mixing to avoid lumps.
• Fold gently when combining the whipped topping to maintain the light and fluffy texture.
• Use a cold pie crust so the filling begins setting as soon as it’s poured in.
• Let it chill overnight for best results in texture and flavor blending.
• Use a hot knife to slice for cleaner cuts—dip the knife in hot water, then wipe dry before slicing.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the chill time: The pie won’t set properly and will be runny.
• Overmixing the filling: This can deflate the whipped topping and make the texture too dense.
• Using warm lemonade concentrate: It can mess up the filling consistency.
• Overfilling the crust: This could cause the filling to spill or crack when sliced.
• Freezing instead of chilling: The pie may become icy and lose its creamy texture.

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What to Serve With Lemonade Pie?

1. Fresh Berries

Add a handful of blueberries or raspberries on top or on the side for a fruity contrast.

2. Iced Tea

A chilled glass of sweet or herbal iced tea pairs beautifully with the tartness of the pie.

3. Grilled Chicken

Serve after a light grilled chicken dinner for a refreshing end to the meal.

4. Vanilla Ice Cream

A small scoop on the side adds extra creaminess and makes it feel more indulgent.

5. Sparkling Lemon Water

Keep it light and fresh with a fizzy lemon beverage to complement the citrus theme.

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Storage Instructions

In the Fridge: Store the Lemonade Pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I recommend covering it with plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight pie container to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.

In the Freezer: You can freeze this pie for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving. Note: freezing might slightly alter the texture, making it a bit icier but still delicious.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Slice (1 of 8 slices):

• Calories: ~320
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Sugar: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of lemonade concentrate?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the sweetness by adding sugar. Use about 3/4 cup lemon juice with 1/4 to 1/3 cup sugar.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely. It’s even better when made a day in advance since the flavors have time to blend and the texture sets more firmly.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes! Use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and whipped coconut topping as alternatives.

Can I freeze leftover slices?

Yes, just make sure to wrap them well. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying.

How can I make the pie firmer?

Let it chill longer—overnight is ideal. You can also add a bit of cream cheese to the filling for extra structure.

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Conclusion

Lemonade Pie is the kind of dessert that brings joy with minimal effort. Its creamy, citrusy filling and buttery crust are a match made in heaven, perfect for hot days or anytime you need a taste of sunshine. It’s simple to make, requires no baking, and always impresses. Whether you’re making it for a party, potluck, or just because—it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

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