Strawberry Lemon Cream Pie

Strawberry Lemon Cream Pie is the ultimate dessert that captures the refreshing essence of summer. This delightful pie combines a zesty lemon filling with sweet strawberries, all nestled in a buttery crust made from graham crackers and Nilla wafers. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings, this dessert is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and creamy texture. The standout feature of this recipe is the strawberry-infused whipped cream topping that adds an extra layer of deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Refreshing Flavors: The combination of strawberries and lemons creates a light, tangy taste that’s perfect for warm weather.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this pie ready in no time.
• Versatile Dessert: Ideal for any occasion, from summer parties to holiday celebrations.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the strawberry purée in advance, making it convenient for busy schedules.
• Visually Stunning: The colorful layers make this pie not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a seamless baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• 9-inch pie dish: Ensures your pie has the perfect shape and size for even baking.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth filling by thoroughly mixing all components together.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• ¾ cup graham crackers, crushed
• ¾ cup Nilla wafers, crushed
• ½ cup butter, melted
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

For the Filling:

• 28 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream as a substitute)
• Zest of 2 lemons
• ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 4–5 lemons)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Purée:

• ½ cup fresh or frozen strawberries
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Strawberry Lemon Cream Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Purée

In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries, water, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat while stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and the strawberries break down (about 5–7 minutes). Set aside to cool completely. You can make this step ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight.

Step 2: Make the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix together the crushed graham crackers, crushed Nilla wafers, white sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool while preparing the filling.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Pour the lemon filling into your pre-baked crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly. Cool to room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Top with Whipped Cream

Just before serving, prepare stabilized whipped cream if desired. Fold in a few spoonfuls of cooled strawberry purée into your whipped cream mixture. Pipe or spread this whipped cream over your chilled pie.

Step 6: Serve

Drizzle additional strawberry purée over the top for garnish if desired. Slice and serve chilled to enjoy every delicious bite!

How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Cream Pie

Serving Strawberry Lemon Cream Pie is an opportunity to showcase its vibrant flavors and refreshing textures. Whether it’s for a festive gathering or a casual family dinner, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

Pairing with Fresh Berries

• Mixed Berries: Serve alongside a bowl of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for an extra burst of flavor.
• Berry Compote: Drizzle a homemade berry compote over each slice for added sweetness and tang.

Complementing with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the zesty pie.
• Lemon Sorbet: For a lighter option, serve with lemon sorbet to enhance the citrus notes.

Adding Whipped Cream Variations

• Coconut Whipped Cream: Use coconut cream for a tropical twist that complements the strawberry and lemon flavors.
• Chocolate Whipped Cream: For chocolate lovers, add cocoa powder to whipped cream for a rich contrast.

Garnishing with Mint

• Fresh Mint Leaves: Top each slice with mint leaves for a pop of color and refreshing flavor.

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemon Cream Pie

To achieve the best results with your Strawberry Lemon Cream Pie, follow these helpful tips.

• Bold Choice of Ingredients: Use fresh lemons and ripe strawberries for the most vibrant flavors in your pie.
• Bold Layering Technique: Layer the strawberry purée between the filling and whipped cream for added texture and visual appeal.
• Bold Baking Time Awareness: Keep an eye on the pie while baking; it should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
• Bold Chilling Period: Allow ample chilling time after baking—ideally overnight—to let flavors meld and improve texture.
• Bold Crust Options: Experiment with different cookie combinations in your crust for unique flavors.
• Bold Presentation Ideas: Consider serving slices on individual plates garnished with extra strawberry purée and mint leaves for elegant presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemon Cream Pie

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Lemon Cream Pie can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the pie.
2. Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette adds freshness to your meal.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, that complement sweet flavors.
4. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad made with lemon dressing can echo the pie’s citrus notes.
5. Vegetable Crudités: Fresh vegetables served with dip provide a crunchy contrast to the smooth pie.
6. Grilled Peaches: Sweet grilled peaches drizzled with honey make a deliciously warm counterpart to the chilled pie.
7. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: A romantic treat that echoes the main dessert’s theme while adding decadence.
8. Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages can enhance the summer vibe of your dessert meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Strawberry Lemon Cream Pie, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Using bottled lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is essential for the best flavor. Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for a vibrant taste.

• Not letting the pie cool completely: If you slice the pie before it has fully cooled, it may not set properly. Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before chilling it in the refrigerator.

• Skipping the strawberry purée: The strawberry purée adds a delightful layer of flavor. Don’t skip this step; it elevates your pie from good to great!

• Overbaking the filling: Keep an eye on your pie while baking. The edges should be set, but the center should remain slightly jiggly for a creamy texture.

• Using an ungreased pie dish: Ensure your crust doesn’t stick by greasing your pie dish lightly before adding the crust mixture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Strawberry Lemon Cream Pie in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.

Freezing Strawberry Lemon Cream Pie

• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Strawberry Lemon Cream Pie

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and heat slices for about 30 seconds at a time until warm. Be careful not to overheat, as it may change the texture.

• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid. Heat gently until warmed through, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Strawberry Lemon Cream Pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this pie a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in Strawberry Lemon Cream Pie?

You can use sour cream as a substitute for Greek yogurt without sacrificing flavor or texture.

How do I prevent my crust from burning?

Keep an eye on your crust while baking. Check around the 8-minute mark and remove it when golden brown, especially if using different cookie types.

What should I serve with Strawberry Lemon Cream Pie?

This pie pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of extra strawberry purée also enhances its flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Lemon Cream Pie is a delightful blend of sweet strawberries and zesty lemon that makes any gathering feel special. Its creamy texture and bright flavors are perfect for summer celebrations or any occasion! Feel free to customize this recipe by adding fresh herbs or experimenting with different toppings. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!