Pink Lemonade Pie Recipe – No-Bake Summer Dessert
Chill this creamy citrus treat ahead for fuss-free gatherings all season long.
When the summer heat rolls in, nothing beats the refreshing taste of lemonade. Now, imagine that same vibrant, tangy flavor in a slice of pie—introducing Ree Drummond’s No-Bake Pink Lemonade Pie. This dessert is a showstopper for picnics, potlucks, and backyard gatherings, delivering the iconic taste of lemonade in a smooth, creamy, no-bake form. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and requires only a handful of simple ingredients, making it the perfect treat when you need something cool and crowd-pleasing without turning on the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Pink Lemonade Pie
Pink lemonade pie is more than just a pretty face. Here’s what makes it so special:
- No-Bake Ease: Skip the oven—this pie comes together with minimal effort and chilling time.
- Refreshing Flavor: It captures the sweet-tart essence of pink lemonade, making it a perfect summer dessert.
- Crunchy Oreo Crust: The chocolatey base adds contrast to the creamy filling.
- Crowd-Friendly: Serves 8–10, ideal for gatherings and parties.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare it ahead and let it chill until you’re ready to serve.
Pink Lemonade Pie Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful dessert:
- For the Crust:
- Oreo cookies (regular or chocolate sandwich cookies)
- Butter
- For the Filling:
- Cream cheese
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Lemonade concentrate (pink or regular, though pink gives it the classic color)
- Lemon juice (fresh is best)
- Food coloring (optional, for extra pink vibrancy)
- Whipped topping or whipped cream
- For Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Whipped cream
- Mint leaves (optional)
How to Make Pink Lemonade Pie
Follow these simple steps to create your own Pink Lemonade Pie:
Step 1: Prepare the Oreo Crust
- Crush Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
- Mix the crumbs with melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie pan, covering the bottom and sides.
- Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Pink Lemonade Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Gradually add lemonade concentrate and lemon juice, mixing well.
- Taste and adjust the ratio of lemonade concentrate and lemon juice for the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
- If you want a deeper pink color, add a few drops of food coloring.
- Fold in whipped topping gently to keep the filling light and fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Pour the filling into the chilled crust, spreading evenly.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight is even better for the best texture).
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, top with additional whipped cream.
- Decorate with lemon slices and mint leaves for a fresh look.
- Slice and enjoy chilled!
Tips for the Best Pink Lemonade Pie
To ensure your pie turns out flawless every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Cold Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and whipped topping are cold for easier mixing and a fluffier filling.
- Balance Flavors: Taste as you go—adjust lemonade concentrate for sweetness and lemon juice for tartness.
- Chill Properly: Allow the pie to set in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours. This helps the filling firm up and makes slicing easier.
- Get Creative: Try different crusts like graham cracker or vanilla wafer for a twist.
- Make It Ahead: This pie can be made a day in advance, making it perfect for parties or potlucks.
- Color Variations: For a natural pink hue, use beet juice or pureed strawberries instead of food coloring.
Variations and Customizations
Make this dessert your own with these creative ideas:
- Mini Pies: Use muffin tins and small parchment cups for individual servings.
- Vegan Version: Substitute cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk with dairy-free alternatives.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cookies for the crust.
- Extra Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the filling for a stronger citrus aroma.
- Berry Swirl: Swirl in raspberry or strawberry puree for a fruity, colorful effect.
What others are reading
Serving Suggestions
Pink lemonade pie is best served cold and can be enjoyed in several ways:
- As-Is: Simple slices with a dollop of extra whipped cream.
- With Fresh Berries: Serve with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for added freshness.
- Ice Cream Pairing: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the pie’s creamy texture.
- Festive Presentation: Garnish with edible flowers or colored sprinkles for holiday gatherings.
Storage Instructions
Keep your pie tasting its best with these storage tips:
- Store in the refrigerator, tightly covered with plastic wrap or foil, for up to 3 days.
- Avoid freezing, as the texture may become grainy or watery.
- Add garnishes just before serving to maintain freshness and appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the crust extra thick?
Press the crust mixture all the way up the sides of the pie pan for a thicker edge, or use a larger pan and increase the ingredient quantities proportionally.
Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
Yes! Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even shortbread cookies make great crust alternatives.
Is there a way to make this pie without sweetened condensed milk?
Try using heavy cream beaten with sugar or a mixture of evaporated milk and powdered sugar as alternatives, though the texture will be slightly different.
Can I freeze pink lemonade pie?
Freezing is not recommended, as it can affect the creamy texture of the filling.
How far in advance can I make this pie?
You can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Additional Inspiration
Looking for more summer dessert ideas? Consider Ree Drummond’s Root Beer Float Pie or 4th of July Pie for similarly refreshing, crowd-pleasing treats. Fruit pies and ice cream pies are also delightful options when the weather heats up.
If you love the tang of lemon, explore classic lemon bars or a lemon chess pie for a more traditional citrus dessert experience.
In Conclusion
Pink lemonade pie is a wonderful way to enjoy a beloved summer drink in dessert form. With a creamy, tangy filling and a crunchy crust, it’s both visually appealing and deliciously refreshing. Whether for a casual family gathering or a festive celebration, this no-bake pie is sure to be a hit. Whip one up this summer and watch it disappear!
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