This Blackberry Lemonade Pie is a burst of fruitiness in every bite! With a light and fluffy filling made from fresh blackberries and zesty lemonade, it’s a refreshing treat.
I love how it brightens up any day, especially in summer. Pair it with some whipped cream on top, and watch it disappear in no time—it’s that good! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Blackberries: Fresh blackberries give the best flavor. If they’re out of season, try frozen blackberries or raspberries for a nice tangy twist. Just remember to thaw frozen berries before use!
Lemonade: Freshly squeezed lemonade is key for a zesty pie. You can substitute it with store-bought lemonade, but don’t use powdered mixes; they lack the fresh taste. If you’re short on lemons, lime juice works well too!
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates the creamy texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using vegan cream cheese or silken tofu blended until smooth. This can change the flavor slightly, so taste as you go!
Whipped Cream: You can use heavy cream whipped to soft peaks or Cool Whip for convenience. If you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt can also add creaminess, but it may alter the sweetness a bit.
How Do I Ensure My Sauce Thickens Properly?
Thickening the blackberry sauce can be tricky. Start by making a cornstarch slurry, which helps the sauce get that nice thickness without clumps. Here’s how to do it:
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth.
- Once your blackberry mixture is simmering, stir in the slurry gradually. Stir constantly until it thickens—this usually takes just a couple of minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool off before swirly it on top of the lemon layer. This cooling step helps it hold its shape better!
How to Make Blackberry Lemonade Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pie Filling:
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
- 1 cup fresh blackberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup lemonade (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped cream (or Cool Whip)
For The Blackberry Sauce:
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Blackberry Lemonade Pie will take about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. You’ll start with cooking the berry sauce, then mix the creamy filling, layer everything together, and let it chill until set. Perfect for a hot day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Blackberry Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh blackberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of water. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the blackberries start to break down, and the mixture is bubbling gently. This will create a delicious berry sauce!
2. Thicken the Mixture:
While your berry sauce is cooking, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir this slurry into the saucepan with the blackberries. Continue to cook for another minute or two, until the sauce thickens. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool down completely.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the luscious base of your pie!
4. Fold in the Whipped Cream:
Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula to combine gently, so the mixture stays fluffy and light.
5. Add the Lemonade and Zest:
Now it’s time to add the fresh lemonade and lemon zest. Stir everything together until it’s fully mixed and smooth. Your filling is almost ready!
6. Layer the Pie:
Pour your creamy lemon mixture into the pre-made graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Be sure it’s even, so every slice will look great.
7. Swirl the Blackberry Sauce:
Take the cooled blackberry mixture and gently swirl it on top of the lemon filling. You can create pretty swirls by dragging a knife or a skewer through the layers. This will make your pie look extra special!
8. Chill the Pie:
Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until it’s set. This chilling time will ensure the flavors meld beautifully together!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
When you’re ready to enjoy your pie, serve it chilled and garnish with additional fresh blackberries on top if you like. Enjoy the delightful flavors of blackberry and lemon in every creamy slice!
Can I Use Frozen Blackberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain excess water before cooking. This will prevent your sauce from being too watery. Cooking time may be a bit longer, so keep an eye on it until the berries break down.
How Can I Sweeten This Pie Without Powdered Sugar?
If you want to avoid powdered sugar, you can use a sugar substitute like agave syrup or honey. Just be mindful that using liquid sweeteners might adjust the consistency a bit, so you may want to reduce other liquids in the pie slightly to compensate.
How Should I Store Leftover Pie?
Store any leftovers in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. If you find the pie getting too soft, you can freeze individual slices in a sealed container for a refreshing treat later, just let them thaw in the fridge before serving!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply use a gluten-free graham cracker crust for the base. This will keep your pie delicious and suitable for those avoiding gluten without modifying the rest of the recipe!
