This Blackberry Lemonade Pie is bright, sweet, and oh-so-refreshing! With a creamy center and a crunchy crust, it’s perfect for summer days or family gatherings.
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love pie? It’s like a hug in dessert form! I enjoy serving it with whipped cream on top—it makes it extra special. Try it, and you’ll see what I mean!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Blackberries: Fresh blackberries are key for this pie’s flavor. If you can’t find them, try using raspberries or blueberries as alternatives. Frozen berries work too but may affect the texture a bit.
Graham Cracker Crust: A pre-baked crust saves time, but you could also use a homemade version with crushed graham crackers and melted butter. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free graham crackers.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese gives this pie its rich and creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, you could substitute with mascarpone or Greek yogurt, though the flavor will slightly change.
Whipped Topping: I recommend using non-dairy whipped topping for a lighter texture. Alternatively, homemade whipped cream works great if you want to skip the store-bought version!
How Do I Make Sure My Blackberry Sauce is Perfect?
The blackberry sauce adds a lovely touch to the pie. To get it just right, focus on cooking the berries gently. Combine them with sugar and lemon juice over medium heat until they soften. For a thicker sauce, blend in cornstarch mixed with a little water.
- Cook blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan for 5-7 minutes.
- For thickness, whisk cornstarch and optional water, then cook for an extra minute.
- Let it cool before swirling into the pie for a beautiful marbled look.
How to Make Blackberry Lemonade Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 1 pre-baked graham cracker crust
- 1 cup fresh blackberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup sugar (for blackberry sauce)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup lemonade
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
- 1/4 cup water (optional for thicker sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pie takes about 20 minutes of prep time and needs to chill for at least 4 hours before serving. So, while it’s quick to put together, make sure to plan ahead to let it set up nicely! Enjoy the delicious anticipation!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Blackberry Sauce:
Start by placing a saucepan over medium heat. Add the fresh blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir everything together and cook until the berries are soft and the mixture is bubbling, which will take about 5-7 minutes. If you want a thicker sauce, blend in the cornstarch and water, cooking for an extra minute. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, take the softened cream cheese and beat it until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar while continuing to mix until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This is the base of your pie!
3. Combine with Whipped Topping:
Now, gently fold the thawed whipped topping into your cream cheese mixture. Be careful to mix until everything is fully combined and smooth, but try not to deflate the whipped topping.
4. Pour into Pie Crust:
Grab your pre-baked graham cracker crust and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into it. Use a spatula to smooth the top until it looks nice and neat.
5. Add Blackberry Sauce Layer:
Take the cooled blackberry sauce and swirl it over the cream cheese layer. Use a knife or spatula to create a marbled effect. This will add a beautiful look to your pie!
6. Chill the Pie:
Cover your pie and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours (or longer if you can wait!) until it’s set and ready to slice.
7. Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy, garnish the pie with additional fresh blackberries if you like. Slice it up and dig in for a refreshing treat!
Can I Use Frozen Blackberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using. This will help prevent the pie from becoming too watery. You may need to adjust the sugar in the sauce if your frozen blackberries are sweetened.
How Can I Store Leftover Pie?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover the pie well to keep it fresh. To enjoy it later, simply slice and serve cold!
What Can I Use Instead of Graham Cracker Crust?
If you don’t have graham cracker crust, you can use a pre-made pie crust or make one using crushed cookies like Oreos or vanilla wafers mixed with melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of your pie dish and pre-bake as directed.
Can I Make This Pie Vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by using a dairy-free cream cheese and a vegan whipped topping instead. For the crust, ensure that the graham crackers or cookies you choose are vegan-friendly. Enjoy the delicious results!
