When the sun is blazing and turning on the oven feels like a crime, there’s no better solution than a cool, creamy dessert that comes together in minutes and chills while you relax. Enter: the No-Bake Lemonade Pie, a dreamy, tangy-sweet classic that has been winning over potlucks, family picnics, and summer barbecues for generations.
This retro-style pie is smooth, bright, and refreshing—packed with real lemon flavor, ultra-creamy texture, and a graham cracker crust that brings it all together. It’s so easy to make, even beginners will look like dessert pros. Best of all? It’s make-ahead friendly and freezer-safe!
🍋 Why You’ll Love This Lemonade Pie
- No oven required – A completely no-bake pie that’s ideal for hot days.
- Prep in 15 minutes – Then let the fridge do the work!
- Perfectly lemony – Thanks to lemonade concentrate and lemon pudding.
- Ultra-creamy – A silky blend of cream cheese, whipped topping, and pudding.
- Great for parties – Make it the night before and serve chilled or frozen.
🧾 Lemonade Pie (Original Recipe)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours, 15 minutes (including chilling)
Servings: 8 slices
Ingredients:
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese (softened)
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup frozen lemonade concentrate (thawed)
- 1 tsp pure lemon extract
- 3.4 oz box lemon-flavored instant pudding mix
- 8 oz container whipped topping (thawed)
- 9 oz premade graham cracker crust
👩🍳 Instructions:
- In a medium mixing bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium-high speed to beat together the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, thawed lemonade concentrate, and lemon extract for 1½–2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth.
- Lower the mixer speed to low, add the lemon instant pudding mix, then increase to medium and beat for 1–1½ minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Use a spatula to fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully incorporated.
- Spread the filling into the premade graham cracker crust, smoothing the top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight for best results.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Top it off: Add extra whipped topping, fresh lemon zest, or lemon slices for a bakery-worthy look.
- Make it mini: Divide the filling into individual tart shells or mini graham crusts for personal servings.
- Frozen version: For a firmer texture, freeze the pie for at least 4 hours and serve as a frozen lemonade treat.
🌿 Helpful Tips for Success
1. Use full-fat cream cheese
Low-fat varieties can result in a thinner, less creamy pie.
2. Thaw properly
Both the lemonade concentrate and whipped topping should be fully thawed for even mixing.
3. Chill overnight
While 8 hours is sufficient, chilling overnight ensures a fully set and sliceable pie.
4. Whip it good
Using a hand mixer (instead of stirring by hand) helps ensure a lump-free, silky filling.
🧊 Storage & Freezer Notes
- Fridge: Keep leftovers covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the entire pie (wrapped tightly) for up to 1 month. Allow to thaw slightly before slicing.
- Make ahead: This is the perfect make-ahead dessert for parties, picnics, or casual gatherings.
🌀 Variations & Customizations
- Pink lemonade twist: Use pink lemonade concentrate and a drop of red food coloring for a blush-pink version.
- Berry burst: Fold in ½ cup fresh raspberries or blueberries before chilling.
- Coconut flair: Add ¼ tsp coconut extract and sprinkle toasted coconut on top before serving.
- Sugar-free version: Use sugar-free pudding, low-fat whipped topping, and a sugar-free graham crust.
💬 Why It’s So Popular
This lemonade pie has been a Southern summer staple for decades—and for good reason. It’s nostalgic, foolproof, and always a crowd-pleaser. Its creamy, citrusy goodness is the perfect finish to any backyard barbecue or family dinner. It’s like lemonade stand vibes turned into a luscious, creamy dessert!
Print
No-Bake Lemonade Pie – The Ultimate Summer Slice of Sunshine 🍋🥧☀️
Lemonade Pie Recipe Card
Ingredients
-
8 oz full-fat cream cheese (softened)
-
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
-
½ cup frozen lemonade concentrate (thawed)
-
1 tsp lemon extract
-
3.4 oz box lemon instant pudding mix
-
8 oz whipped topping (thawed)
-
9 oz premade graham cracker crust
Instructions
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In a bowl, beat cream cheese, condensed milk, lemonade concentrate, and lemon extract on medium-high speed for 1½–2 minutes.
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Add pudding mix, then beat for 1–1½ minutes until thickened.
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Fold in whipped topping.
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Spread into graham cracker crust.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
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Garnish and serve chilled.
Notes
Prep Time: 15 min
Total Time: 8 hr 15 min (includes chilling)
Servings: 8