The Only No-Bake Pink Lemonade Pie You'll Ever Need
Pink lemonade is the drink of summer, am I right? So on that note, I wanted to make a no-bake treat inspired by its fruity flavor. That's how I first came up with this silky, Pink Lemonade Pie. It has a crumbly graham cracker crust all around, is filled with a velvety mixture that tastes somewhere between pink lemonade pudding and key lime pie. My daughter and husband can't decide which one it tastes more like.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This easy sweet treat is perfect for hot summer days when you're craving something bright, lemon-y, and creamy. I love it for backyard barbecues, pool parties, and any potlucks that come up. Although it's already a rather simple dessert, I like that I can also cut some corners whenever I'm in a rush... Because who hasn't turned to a premade graham cracker crust before? Exactly.
For more tasty treats, check out my Cheesecake Fruit Salad and No-Bake Tiramisu Cups. They're great for the summer and are super easy to make. Now, let's beat some cream cheese!
This is one of my favorite pie recipes for the summer because it's inspired by my famous pink lemonade! It's a huge hit with everyone and is always gone that same day.
No-bake: No matter how much you love baking, sometimes you can't bear to turn on the oven. This pie is perfect for that.
Extra lemon-y: Fresh lemon juice and lemonade concentrate pack a super yummy flavor.
Make-ahead: Prep it before the weekend so it's ready to go.
Inspired by summer favorites: Anyone who loves key lime pie, cheesecake, and lemon pudding will love this dessert.
Pro Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature before beating, cold cream cheese creates lumps that are really hard to smooth out later!
This silky, no-bake pink lemonade pie with fluffy whipped topping uses super simple ingredients for a decadent, chilled bite. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe with ingredient amounts.
For the Crust
- Graham cracker crumbs: Crush your own crackers or get store-bought pre-crushed ones for pie crusts.
- Butter: You can use salted or unsalted. Margarine works too.
- Granulated sugar: Avoid brown sugar because it won't give the crust enough structure.
For the Filling
- Sweetened condensed milk: There is no swap for this. Avoid evaporated milk and half-and-half. They're not the same thing.
- Cream cheese: Full-fat cheese makes a richer filling and is easier to beat.
- Pink lemonade concentrate: It should be well thawed if it's a frozen mix.
- Fresh lemon juice: Lime juice is a good swap.
- Pink food coloring: If you ran out, add a tiny drop of red food coloring instead. Mix it into the filling and then add more as needed to adjust the color.
Toppings
- Whipped cream: Homemade or Cool Whip is fine.
- Fresh lemon: Thin slices create a more delicate look. They also release less moisture.
See recipe card for quantities.
The hardest part of making this no-bake lemon pie with a buttery graham cracker crust is waiting for the filling to set! Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact instructions.
- Step 1: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until the texture resembles wet sand and everything is evenly combined.
2. Step 2: Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, covering the bottom and sides evenly, then chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy, then add sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully combined and silky.
4. Step 4: Add pink lemonade concentrate and lemon juice, mix until smooth and slightly thickened, pour into the crust, smooth the top, and refrigerate for 6–8 hours or overnight until fully set.
Don't Skip This: Fresh lemon juice is a must, it cuts through the sweetness of the condensed milk and gives the filling that bright tangy flavor everyone loves!
I love switching things up depending on what I have at home, so try these yummy twists in case you're feeling creative too:
More toppings: My daughter loves sprinkling the pie with Sour Patch Kids, but my husband and I love fresh strawberries and strawberries.
Add a swirl: Once you pour the lemonade mixture into the pie crust, add ½ cup strawberry or raspberry purée in the center. Swirl it in gently with a fork or toothpick. Let it set as usual.
Mini pies: Use a muffin pan and line each cavity with the graham cracker crust mixture to make individual pie "cups". Fill as usual.
This no-bake lemonade cheesecake pie is perfect for a sweet tooth! Here are our favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Enjoy with a glass of my Strawberry Lemonade Mocktail.
- Prep for a summer BBQ along with Ice Cream Cone Cake Pops and Summer Berry Ricotta Parfait.
- Serve as dessert at a pool party.
- Make for picnics along with other lemon treats like my Lemon Blueberry Cookies and Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars.
Worth the Wait: For the cleanest, prettiest slices chill the pie overnight rather than the minimum 6 hours. A little patience makes a big difference!
This tangy pink lemonade pie is best the day after it's made! Here's how to keep it fresh for later:
Fridge
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Skip the toppings and chill the pie in the fridge overnight. Then cover in plastic wrap and transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add toppings, and serve.
These simple tips and tricks will help you make the best frozen pink lemonade pie every time:
Pick the right cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese only, as low-fat versions can make the filling too soft and affect clean slices.
Don't forget to soften it: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened and beat it smooth before adding other ingredients to avoid lumps.
Perfect texture: ½ cup pink lemonade concentrate is the ideal amount for flavor and structure. Adding more can loosen the pie.
The Secret to Clean Slices: Press the crust firmly using the flat bottom of a measuring cup, this keeps everything compact so your slices come out neat and beautiful every time!
Here's what other no-bake dessert lovers and summer barbecue fans are asking about this no-bake pink lemonade pie:
If you use dairy-free cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk, it's possible, but it might affect the overall texture.
Do I have to use food coloring?No. The pink lemonade concentrate will make the pie light pink. The extra food coloring isn't necessary.
Can I use real lemonade instead of the concentrate?No. The water will split the pie filling, so stick to the concentrate for best results.
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
The Best No-Bake Tiramisu Cheesecake Cups (Mini Dessert in Jars)
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this No-Bake Pink Lemonade Pie recipe:
Sparkling Strawberry Moscow Mule | Easy & Vibrant Party Drink
This no-bake pink lemonade pie is our favorite way to bring bright summer-y flavor to the table! Share your creations on social media with Hungry Whisk, and don’t forget to subscribe for more easy dessert ideas and recipe cards!
The Only No-Bake Pink Lemonade Pie You'll Ever Need
Recipe details
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Filling
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup pink lemonade concentrate thawed
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 drops pink food coloring optional
Topping
- Whipped cream
- Thin lemon slices
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly combined and the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, covering the bottom and sides evenly. Use the back of a spoon or a flat cup to pack it tightly. Chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Add sweetened condensed milk and continue mixing until fully combined and silky.
- Pour in the pink lemonade concentrate and fresh lemon juice. Mix until smooth and lightly thickened. Optionally add a drop or two of pink food coloring if you want a brighter pink tone.
- Pour the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 6–8 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set. Top with whipped cream, lemon slice and serve chilled.
Tips
- 1. Use full-fat cream cheese only, low-fat versions can make the filling too soft and affect clean slices.
- 2. ½ cup pink lemonade concentrate is the ideal amount for flavor and structure, adding more can loosen the pie.
- 3. Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened and beat it smooth before adding other ingredients to avoid lumps.
- 4. Chill the pie for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best for firm, clean, slices.
- 5. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keep chilled for the best texture.
- 6. Nutritional information is an estimate only and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes used.
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