Citrus Dream Pie
Delight your taste buds with this refreshing Citrus Dream Pie, a perfect blend of zesty lemonade and creamy vanilla ice cream, all nestled in a crunchy graham cracker crust. This no-bake dessert is a breeze to make and an ideal treat for summer gatherings, parties, or simply when you crave something sweet and tangy. Each slice promises a taste of sunshine, making it a favorite among family and friends. Serve it up for birthdays, picnics, or any celebration, and enjoy smiles all around!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen lemonade concentrate
6 ounces (partially thawed)
Vanilla ice cream
1 pint (softened)
Cool Whip Topping
8 ounces (thawed)
Graham cracker crumb crust
1 (9-inch) (prepared)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, beat the partially thawed lemonade concentrate with an electric mixer on low speed for about 30 seconds until smooth.
2
Gradually add the softened vanilla ice cream to the mixture, beating until fully blended and creamy.
3
Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip Topping until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4
If necessary, freeze the mixture for a short time until it thickens enough to mound.
5
Spoon the lemon and ice cream mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top evenly.
6
Cover the pie with plastic wrap and freeze for a minimum of 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
7
Before serving, allow the pie to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes or until it can be easily sliced.
8
Garnish each slice with additional whipped topping, fresh lemon slices, and mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Dream Pie?
Citrus Dream Pie is a refreshing, no-bake dessert featuring a blend of zesty lemonade and creamy vanilla ice cream in a graham cracker crust.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: frozen lemonade concentrate, vanilla ice cream, Cool Whip topping, and a graham cracker crumb crust.
Is Citrus Dream Pie a no-bake dessert?
Yes, this is a no-bake dessert that is prepared by mixing and then freezing.
What type of crust is used for Citrus Dream Pie?
The recipe calls for a prepared 9-inch graham cracker crumb crust.
Can I use a different type of juice concentrate?
While this recipe uses lemonade, you can likely substitute other citrus concentrates like limeade or orange for a different flavor.
How long does the pie need to freeze?
The pie needs to freeze for a minimum of 4 hours, though overnight results are often best.
Do I need special equipment to make this pie?
An electric mixer is recommended to beat the lemonade concentrate and ice cream until smooth.
How should the lemonade concentrate be prepared?
The lemonade concentrate should be partially thawed before you begin mixing.
What size crust is needed?
A standard 9-inch prepared graham cracker crust is required.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
Should the vanilla ice cream be frozen or softened?
The vanilla ice cream should be softened to make it easier to blend with the lemonade.
What preparation is needed for the Cool Whip?
The Cool Whip Topping should be fully thawed before being folded into the mixture.
How long should the pie sit at room temperature before serving?
Allow the pie to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes so it is easy to slice.
Can I make this pie in advance?
Yes, because it requires at least 4 hours of freezing, it is a perfect make-ahead dessert.
What are the recommended garnishes for this pie?
Suggested garnishes include extra whipped topping, fresh lemon slices, and mint leaves.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Cool Whip is generally used for stability in frozen pies, but stabilized homemade whipped cream could be used as a substitute.
Is this pie suitable for summer parties?
Yes, its refreshing citrus flavor and chilled temperature make it ideal for summer gatherings and picnics.
What if my mixture is too thin to pour into the crust?
If the mixture is too thin, you can freeze it for a short time until it thickens enough to mound.
How do I store leftovers of Citrus Dream Pie?
Leftovers should be covered with plastic wrap and stored in the freezer.
Can I use a chocolate crust instead of graham cracker?
Yes, a chocolate or shortbread crust can be used for a different flavor profile.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet and tangy flavor profile is very popular with children.
Can I use limeade instead of lemonade?
Yes, limeade concentrate works perfectly to create a 'Lime Dream Pie'.
What speed should I use on my electric mixer?
Start by beating the lemonade concentrate on low speed for about 30 seconds.
How do I ensure the pie is easy to slice?
The key is letting it sit out for 15 minutes at room temperature before you attempt to cut it.
Can I add fresh fruit inside the filling?
Yes, you could gently fold in some lemon zest or small bits of fruit before freezing.
Does the graham cracker crust need to be baked first?
No, you can use a store-bought prepared graham cracker crust which requires no baking.
How much vanilla ice cream do I need?
You will need 1 pint of softened vanilla ice cream.
Can I use low-fat or sugar-free ingredients?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat ice cream and light whipped topping, though the texture may vary slightly.
What is the texture of the pie once frozen?
The pie has a smooth, creamy, and semi-firm texture similar to a frozen mousse.
Is this a very tangy dessert?
It is a balance of sweet and tangy; the vanilla ice cream and whipped topping mellow out the sharpness of the lemonade.