If you are looking for a dessert that’s both refreshingly tart and satisfyingly sweet, this Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie Recipe is an absolute must-try. It perfectly captures the bright flavors of summer with juicy strawberries and zesty lemon juice tucked into a crunchy graham cracker crust. Every bite offers a creamy, icy texture intertwined with the natural sweetness of fruit and the richness of whipped topping, creating an irresistible treat that’s not only delicious but also wonderfully simple to make. Whether you’re ending a warm day or need a showstopping dessert for your next gathering, this pie will quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to pie perfection. Each element in this Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie Recipe plays a crucial role— from creating a crisp crust to delivering the perfect balance of tangy and sweet in the filling.
- 12 Tablespoons butter (melted): Provides richness and helps bind the graham cracker crumbs into a sturdy crust.
- 24 whole graham crackers (crushed into tiny crumbs): Or 4 cups gluten-free graham cracker crumbs; these form the flavorful, crunchy base.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the crust without overpowering.
- 1 Tablespoon water: Helps bring the crust ingredients together for easy pressing.
- 2 egg whites: Whipped to create a light, fluffy texture in the filling without heaviness.
- Juice of 2 small lemons (about 3 Tablespoons): Infuses the filling with that unmistakable fresh, tart lemonade zing.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling gradually to balance the natural tartness.
- 16 ounces frozen strawberries (mostly thawed): Adds a vibrant color and juicy strawberry flavor that complements the lemon perfectly.
- 8 ounces whipped topping or Cool Whip (thawed): Brings creamy smoothness and lightness to the pie’s 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 ensure the crusts release effortlessly after freezing. In a large bowl, combine your melted butter, crushed graham crackers, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of water. Stir gently until the crumbs begin to stick together—it should feel a bit like damp sand. Divide this crumb mixture evenly between your two pie plates, pressing firmly across the bottoms and up the sides to form the crisp crusts. Pop these into the freezer to set while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
This is where the magic really happens. Using a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy—this creates the airy structure for the filling. Slowly add the fresh lemon juice and continue beating to combine fully. Next, gradually add 2/3 cup sugar and the thawed strawberries, beating well after each addition to meld the flavors and maintain fluffiness. The last step here is folding in the whipped topping carefully, preserving that creamy, cloudlike texture. Pour or spoon this luscious mixture evenly into the chilled pie crusts, then place the pies back in the freezer uncovered for 1 hour to start firming up.
Step 3: Freeze Until Set
After the initial hour, cover the pies to prevent any freezer odors and freeze for an additional 6 hours or overnight. This slow freezing is crucial to achieve the perfect sliceable texture and let the flavors mature beautifully. The result is a dreamy, frosty pie that melts on your tongue with every bite.
Step 4: Serving the Pie
When it’s time to serve your Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie Recipe, briefly dip the pie plate in hot water. This warms the crust’s edges just enough so it releases easily, giving you clean slices and a stunning presentation. Then slice and invite everyone to enjoy the refreshing, summery goodness!
How to Serve Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie Recipe
Garnishes
This pie is a star on its own, but a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate it even more. Consider topping each slice with fresh strawberry halves or thin lemon slices to echo the main flavors. A sprinkle of finely chopped mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that pairs beautifully with the lemon-strawberry combo. If you want a touch of elegance, a light dusting of powdered sugar can mimic a dusting of “snow” over your frozen masterpiece.
Side Dishes
Since this pie is a cool and light dessert, pairing it with more substantial sides is smart if serving after a meal. A fresh fruit salad made with citrus and berries complements the pie’s flavors without overwhelming your palate. For something heartier, a simple cheese platter featuring mild, creamy cheeses can offer a nice savory contrast to the lemony sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests or add a playful twist? Serve the pie on colorful plates that pick up the vibrant reds or yellows of the filling. For a party, cut the pie into smaller wedges and place each piece inside a clear dessert cup garnished with whipped cream and a sprig of mint—easy to hold and delightfully photogenic. You can even layer some of the filling into clear parfait glasses topped with crushed graham crackers for a deconstructed Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie Recipe experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover pie is best wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and absorption of other odors. Keeping it frozen ensures the texture stays perfect, and you can enjoy a slice anytime cravings strike without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Freezing
This pie actually benefits from freezing—it needs that cold environment to maintain its refreshing texture and structure. After preparing, simply freeze according to the recipe directions and keep the pie covered. It can be frozen for up to a week with no loss in taste, making it a great option for planning ahead or surprising guests with a cool treat.
Reheating
Because this is a frozen dessert, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow frozen slices to sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving if the pie is too firm straight from the freezer. This brief thaw softens the edges just enough for easier slicing while preserving the ideal icy texture in the middle.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
While fresh strawberries are delicious, the Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie Recipe relies on frozen berries for that icy texture and subtly concentrated flavor. If you only have fresh strawberries, you can freeze them first or finely chop and lightly freeze before using.
Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the regular graham crackers for gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. The texture and flavor will remain just as delightful, ensuring everyone can enjoy this pie.
Can I prepare this pie without eggs?
The egg whites help create a fluffy, light filling, but if you prefer to avoid eggs, you can experiment with aquafaba (chickpea water) as a substitute. It whips up similarly and can maintain the airy texture.
How long should the pie thaw before slicing?
Right after freezing, the pie will be quite firm. Let it sit at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes to make slicing easier and avoid cracking the crust. That brief wait perfectly balances firmness and sliceability.
What if I don’t have whipped topping or Cool Whip?
You can use freshly whipped cream as an alternative, just be sure to whip it to soft peaks and fold in gently to keep the pie light and airy. This swap enhances freshness while maintaining the creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie Recipe that feels like a celebration of sunny days and joyful moments. Its refreshing flavors, creamy texture, and simple preparation make it a dessert that’s both impressive and approachable. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it might just become your go-to summer treat, bringing smiles and delight to all who get to taste it.
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Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 nine-inch pies (serves 8-10)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie is a refreshing no-bake dessert perfect for warm days. It features a crisp graham cracker crust filled with a fluffy, tangy mixture of whipped egg whites, fresh lemon juice, sweetened strawberries, and creamy whipped topping. After freezing, it creates a cool, light, and fruity pie that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 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
Filling Ingredients
- 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 sugar, and water. Stir until the mixture begins to stick together. Evenly divide the mixture between the two pie dishes, pressing it firmly across the bottoms and up the sides to form the crusts. Place the crusts in the freezer to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Make the filling: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the lemon juice while continuing to beat. Slowly add the 2/3 cup sugar and then the mostly thawed strawberries, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and achieve a fluffy consistency.
- Incorporate whipped topping: Gently fold the whipped topping or Cool Whip into the strawberry and egg white mixture until well combined, creating a light and creamy filling.
- Assemble and freeze: Divide the strawberry lemonade filling evenly between the two crusts. Freeze the pies uncovered for 1 hour to set, then cover them and continue freezing for 6 hours or preferably overnight for best texture.
- Serve the pie: Before serving, briefly dip the bottom of each pie plate into hot water to loosen the crust from the dish. Slice and serve chilled for a refreshing treat.
Notes
- To speed up thawing, leave frozen strawberries at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before mixing.
- Use pasteurized egg whites or egg white substitutes if concerned about raw eggs.
- You can substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- Pressing the crust firmly into the pie plates helps prevent crumbling when slicing.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
