A refreshing and creamy dessert that combines the tartness of lemonade with the smoothness of ice cream, all in a buttery graham cracker crust. This no-bake pie is the perfect treat for warm summer days when you want something cool and citrusy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Lemonade Ice Cream Pie is a delightful combination of tart and sweet flavors that create the perfect summer dessert. The creamy texture of the ice cream pairs beautifully with the crisp graham cracker crust, while the fresh lemon brings a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness. It's incredibly easy to make with no baking required—just mix, freeze, and enjoy. Perfect for entertaining or as a special family treat, this pie can be made ahead of time, leaving you free to enjoy your day until dessert time rolls around.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Graham cracker pie crust provides the perfect crunchy base for this frozen dessert. Its slightly sweet, buttery flavor complements the tartness of the lemon. You can use a store-bought crust to save time or make your own by crushing graham crackers and mixing with melted butter.
Fresh lemon juice is essential for that authentic, bright citrus flavor. While bottled juice will work in a pinch, fresh juice offers a more vibrant taste that really makes this pie special. Always roll your lemons on the counter before juicing to release more juice.
Lemon zest contains the aromatic oils from the lemon peel and intensifies the lemon flavor throughout the pie. Be sure to only zest the yellow part of the peel, as the white pith underneath can be bitter.
Sweetened condensed milk adds a silky texture and balanced sweetness to the pie while helping to create a smooth consistency. This ingredient also helps the pie maintain its structure when frozen.
Lemon ice cream forms the main foundation of this dessert, providing both creaminess and additional lemon flavor. If you can't find lemon ice cream, you can substitute with more vanilla ice cream and add extra lemon juice and zest.
Vanilla ice cream complements the lemon flavor and balances the tartness. Using vanilla alongside the lemon creates a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than using just one type of ice cream.
Whipped cream for topping adds a light, airy finish to this dense frozen pie. You can use store-bought whipped topping or make your own by whipping heavy cream with a touch of sugar.
Fresh lemon slices not only make for a beautiful presentation but also signal to guests what flavors to expect. They add a fresh burst of citrus and a pop of color to the finished dessert.
Directions
- In a medium bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until well combined.
- Add the softened lemon ice cream and vanilla ice cream to the bowl and mix together until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the ice cream mixture into the graham cracker pie crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Once ready to serve, top the pie with whipped cream and garnish with fresh lemon slices for a burst of color and extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
This Lemonade Ice Cream Pie serves 8 people, making it perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties. The prep time is incredibly quick at only 10 minutes, with no cooking time required. However, you'll need to allow at least 4 hours of freezing time for the pie to set properly. Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, offering a relatively light dessert option that still satisfies your sweet tooth.
Variations
Berry Lemonade Pie: Add 1 cup of fresh blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries to the ice cream mixture for a fruity twist.
Pink Lemonade Pie: Substitute pink lemonade concentrate for some of the lemon juice and add a few drops of red food coloring for a festive pink dessert.
Coconut Lemonade Pie: Mix in ½ cup of toasted coconut flakes to the ice cream mixture and sprinkle some on top for a tropical variation.
Mint Lemonade Pie: Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh mint to the mixture for a refreshing herbal note.
Ginger Lemonade Pie: Include 1 tablespoon of finely grated fresh ginger to the ice cream mixture for a spicy-sweet kick.
Chocolate Crust Option: Use a chocolate cookie crust instead of graham cracker for a different flavor profile.
Meringue Topping: Instead of whipped cream, top with a lightly toasted meringue for a lemon meringue pie-inspired dessert.
Storage/Reheating
This Lemonade Ice Cream Pie is best stored in the freezer, tightly covered with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. For the best texture and flavor, consume the pie within 2 weeks of making it. When ready to serve, remove the pie from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly for easier slicing.
If you have leftover slices, individually wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. This makes it easy to enjoy a single slice whenever a craving strikes. Reheating is not recommended as it will cause the ice cream to melt completely. Instead, always serve cold directly from the freezer after a brief thawing period.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute in a pinch. Keep in mind that the flavor won't be as vibrant, so you might want to add a bit more zest to compensate.
What if I can't find lemon ice cream?
If lemon ice cream isn't available, you can use all vanilla ice cream and increase the amount of lemon juice and zest. Alternatively, you could use vanilla ice cream with 2-3 tablespoons of lemonade concentrate mixed in.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie is perfect for making ahead. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks, making it ideal for preparing in advance for parties or gatherings.
Why is my pie too soft or not setting properly?
Make sure your ice cream is just softened, not melted completely when mixing. Also, ensure your freezer is set to a cold enough temperature and that the pie has adequate time (at least 4 hours) to freeze completely.
Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes! While graham cracker crust complements the lemon flavor beautifully, you can experiment with shortbread crust, vanilla wafer crust, or even a chocolate cookie crust for different flavor combinations.
How do I prevent freezer burn on my pie?
Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the pie. Then cover with aluminum foil or place in an airtight container before freezing.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can make a dairy-free version by using coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk and dairy-free ice cream alternatives. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.
How long should I let the pie thaw before serving?
Allow the pie to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will make it easier to slice while still maintaining its frozen texture.
What's the best way to slice this pie cleanly?
Dip a sharp knife in hot water, then wipe it dry before each slice. The heat helps the knife glide through the frozen pie more cleanly for picture-perfect servings.
Conclusion
This Lemonade Ice Cream Pie is the epitome of summer desserts – refreshing, creamy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor. The combination of tangy citrus with sweet, creamy ice cream creates a perfect balance that's sure to please any palate. What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity; with minimal hands-on time and no baking required, it's an effortless way to create an impressive dessert.
Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a cooling treat on a hot day, or simply craving something sweet and citrusy, this pie delivers on all fronts. The make-ahead nature of the recipe also makes it perfect for entertaining, allowing you to focus on your guests rather than last-minute dessert preparation. Give this Lemonade Ice Cream Pie a try, and it might just become your new favorite summer tradition!
Lemonade Ice Cream Pie
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and creamy dessert that combines the tartness of lemonade with the smoothness of ice cream, all in a buttery graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
1 graham cracker pie crust
½ cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons lemon zest
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 pint lemon ice cream, softened
½ pint vanilla ice cream, softened
½ cup whipped cream, for topping
Fresh lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until well combined.
- Add the softened lemon ice cream and vanilla ice cream to the bowl and mix together until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the ice cream mixture into the graham cracker pie crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Once ready to serve, top the pie with whipped cream and garnish with fresh lemon slices for a burst of color and extra flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the ice cream is softened for easier mixing.
- Chill the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice for a more or less tart flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
