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If you are on the hunt for a dessert that is bursting with bright, refreshing flavors and irresistible sweetness, the Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie Recipe is an absolute must-try. This pie combines the tangy zest of fresh lemon juice with the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries, all embraced by a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s a frozen treat that dances on your palate, perfect for brightening up warm days or surprising your guests with something equally stunning and simple. Trust me, once you make this pie, it will quickly become one of your most beloved summertime classics.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie Recipe is deceptively simple in terms of ingredients, but each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the crumbly, buttery crust to the creamy, fruity filling — every item is carefully chosen to make this pie sing.
- Melted butter (12 Tablespoons): Adds richness and helps bind the graham cracker crust for that perfect crunch.
- Graham crackers (24 whole, crushed): The base of the crust, offering that classic texture and slightly sweet flavor; gluten-free crumbs work great too.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup and 2/3 cup): Balances tartness with sweetness both in the crust and filling.
- Water (1 Tablespoon): Helps moisten the crust mixture for easy pressing.
- Egg whites (2): Whipped to add airy structure and lighten the filling beautifully.
- Juice of 2 small lemons (about 3 Tablespoons): The star of the lemonade flavor – bright, fresh, and tangy.
- Frozen strawberries (16 ounces, mostly thawed): Infuse the filling with natural sweetness and a gorgeous pink hue.
- Whipped topping or Cool Whip (8 ounces, thawed): Brings creamy softness and a luscious finish to the filling.
How to Make Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by lightly greasing two 9-inch pie plates with butter or a neutral cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, crushed graham crackers, 1/4 cup sugar, and water. Stir until the crumbs begin to cling together, which ensures your crust will hold its shape after freezing. Divide the mixture evenly between the two pie plates, pressing it firmly across the bottom and up the sides. Pop the crusts into the freezer while you move to the filling, so they set up nicely.
Step 2: Whip the Filling
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until they become foamy and airy. Next, add fresh lemon juice and keep beating to incorporate the signature lemonade tang. Gradually add the 2/3 cup sugar and the thawed strawberries, beating well after each addition to create a light, fruity base.
Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Gently fold the whipped topping or Cool Whip into the strawberry-lemon mixture. This step is essential to keep the filling light, fluffy, and creamy—a contrast to the crisp crust that makes this Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie Recipe so special.
Step 4: Assemble and Freeze
Divide the luscious filling evenly between the two prepared crusts. Place the pies uncovered in the freezer for 1 hour, allowing the filling to begin setting. Afterward, cover the pies with plastic wrap or foil, then freeze them for at least 6 hours or overnight to ensure they are fully frozen and sliceable.
Step 5: Serve with Ease
When ready to enjoy, dip the pie plate briefly in hot water just enough to loosen the crust from the edges—it makes slicing a breeze and prevents any cracking. Slice, serve, and prepare for compliments!
How to Serve Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate this pie from wonderful to wow-worthy. Consider topping each slice with fresh strawberry halves or thin lemon zest curls to highlight the ingredients. A mint sprig can add a fresh aroma and a pop of green against the pink filling, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with light and complementary sides. Think fresh fruit salad, a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a crisp glass of sparkling lemonade to echo the citrus notes. The key is keeping sides light to let the pie shine as the star dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pie portions in individual clear dessert cups layered with extra crushed graham crackers or whipped topping on top. Alternatively, create mini Frozen Strawberry Lemonade pie pops by freezing filling in silicone molds on sticks for a handheld refreshing treat that’s perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie Recipe, just cover the leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight container and store them in the freezer. This keeps the pie fresh and prevents any freezer burn while maintaining that delightful texture and flavor.
Freezing
This pie is ideal for make-ahead freezing. Once assembled, freeze it for up to 2 weeks for optimal taste and texture. Just remember to wrap it well to protect it from absorbing other freezer odors or moisture.
Reheating
No reheating needed here! The pie is designed to be frozen and served cold, making it a cool, refreshing dessert that’s ready right out of the freezer after thawing for a few minutes at room temperature if needed for easier slicing.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
While fresh strawberries can work, frozen strawberries are ideal for this recipe because they provide a slightly softer texture that blends well in the filling and help keep the pie nice and cold.
Is it safe to use raw egg whites in this recipe?
This recipe uses raw egg whites to achieve that light, foamy texture. If you’re concerned, you can use pasteurized egg whites available at most grocery stores as a safe alternative.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the graham crackers for gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or gluten-free cookies to create a gluten-free crust without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How long should I thaw the pie before serving?
A few minutes at room temperature is enough to make slicing easier. About 5 to 10 minutes should do—any longer, and it might start to soften too much.
Can I double or halve the recipe easily?
Yes, this Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie Recipe is very flexible. Adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly, and just use the same step-by-step method for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie Recipe is one of those magical desserts that feels both nostalgic and freshly delightful all at once. It’s simple to prepare, wonderfully refreshing, and perfect for sharing with friends and family on any occasion that calls for a little sweetness and zest. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new go-to summer favorite!
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Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 pies (2 servings each, total 4 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie combines a zesty lemon and sweet strawberry filling with a crunchy graham cracker crust for a refreshing no-bake dessert perfect for warm days. Featuring a creamy whipped topping and light, airy texture, this pie is chilled to perfection and served frozen for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 12 Tablespoons butter, melted
- 24 whole graham crackers, crushed into tiny crumbs (or substitute 4 cups gluten-free graham cracker crumbs)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon water
For the Filling
- 2 egg whites
- Juice of 2 small lemons (about 3 Tablespoons)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 16 ounces frozen strawberries, mostly thawed
- 8 ounces whipped topping or Cool Whip, thawed
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Lightly grease two 9-inch pie plates with butter or a neutral cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon water. Stir until the mixture begins to stick together. Divide the crumb mixture evenly between the two pie plates, pressing it firmly across the bottom and up the sides to form the crusts. Place the crusts in the freezer to set.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the lemon juice while continuing to beat the mixture. Slowly add the 2/3 cup sugar and the thawed frozen strawberries, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and blend thoroughly. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping to maintain an airy texture.
- Assemble the pies: Divide the filling mixture evenly between the two prepared crusts. Freeze the pies uncovered for 1 hour to set the filling initially.
- Freeze thoroughly: After the first hour, cover the pies and continue freezing them for an additional 6 hours or overnight to allow the pies to firm up completely and develop their frozen texture.
- Serve the pie: When ready to serve, briefly dip the bottom of each pie plate in hot water to loosen the crust. Slice and serve immediately for a refreshing frozen dessert.
Notes
- To ensure food safety, use pasteurized egg whites if consuming this pie without further cooking.
- Substitute gluten-free graham cracker crumbs if gluten-free is desired.
- For best texture, allow the pies to freeze overnight before serving.
- You can swap fresh strawberries if you prefer, but the pie will need longer chilling time.
- To easily slice the pie, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before cutting.
