Strawberry Lemonade Dream Pie

This Strawberry Lemonade Dream Pie is a refreshing, creamy dessert bursting with bright strawberry and tangy lemon flavors — a perfect balance of sweet and zesty. It’s ideal for spring and summer gatherings, light desserts after dinner, or whenever you want a cool, fruity treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright, fresh strawberry-lemon flavor that feels light and summery
• Creamy, smooth filling with a refreshing citrus kick
• Easy to assemble — no baking required for the filling
• Great for parties, BBQs, or casual family dinners
• Customizable — you can adjust sweetness or swap berries to your taste

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, crushed)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped (or thawed frozen, well drained)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on sweetness of strawberries)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 package (about 8 oz / 225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping / Decoration

• Fresh strawberry slices
• Lemon wedges or thin lemon slices
• A few grated lemon zest
• Whipped cream dollops

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

• In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
• Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
• Chill the crust in the refrigerator for at least 15–20 minutes to set.

2. Make Strawberry-Lemon Base

• In a medium bowl, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
• Let sit for 10–15 minutes until strawberries soften and release juice.
• Lightly mash the mixture with a fork to create a chunky purée.

3. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

• In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
• In another bowl, whip the cold heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
• Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.

4. Assemble the Pie

• Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
• Spoon the strawberry-lemon mixture over the cream layer, distributing evenly.
• Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture on top, smoothing the surface nicely.

5. Chill & Set

• Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow layers to firm and flavors to meld.

6. Garnish & Serve

• Just before serving, top with fresh strawberry slices, lemon wedges, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or extra whipped cream if desired.
• Keep chilled until ready to serve.

You Must Know

• Use fully softened cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Drain strawberries well if using frozen — excess liquid can make filling runny.
• Let the pie chill long enough so layers set neatly.
• Taste the strawberry-lemon mixture before folding — adjust sugar or lemon to your taste.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Swap strawberries for raspberries or mixed berries for a different flavor profile.
• Use crushed cookies (e.g. vanilla wafers) instead of graham crackers for a softer crust.
• Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cream filling for extra citrus punch.
• For a lighter pie: use Greek yogurt instead of (or in addition to) part of the cream cheese.
• Drizzle a little strawberry syrup or lemon glaze on top before serving for extra sweetness and shine.

Serving Ideas & Storage

• Serve chilled — ideal on hot days or after rich meals.
• Best served within 2–3 days when kept in a covered container in the fridge.
• You can freeze individual slices — wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Great for summer parties, potlucks, or as a bright finale to dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes — just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing with sugar and lemon.

→ My filling is too soft — how to fix?
Make sure cream cheese is well chilled and allow pie to set overnight; you may also reduce liquid (use less lemon juice or purge extra strawberry juice).

→ Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives, and use a suitable dairy-free crust.

→ Can I make smaller “mini pies”?
Absolutely — divide ingredients and use small tart pans or ramekins for individual servings.

Enjoy your bright, creamy, fruity Strawberry Lemonade Dream Pie — a refreshing dessert that’s simple, delicious, and always crowd-pleasing! 🍓🍋

Print