This easy Lemon Cream Cheese Pie has layers of no bake cheesecake, lemon pudding, and fresh berries. The subtle lemon flavor and juicy berries makes this a refreshing dessert on a hot summer day.
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Why Lemon Pudding Pie Works
Over the years, I have learned to love lemon desserts. We make these lemon bars, this lemon poke cake, and these lemon meringue cupcakes quite often.
Lemon is such a classic summer flavor. There is nothing like a glass of frosted lemonade to cool you off from the summer heat. So why not enjoy that flavor in a creamy pie?
We had a few extra boxes of raspberries and blueberries in the fridge. So, I decided to use them as a red and blue topping on an easy lemon cream pie. It was an instant hit with everyone in our Bible study.
- Easy to make. The layers in this pie are easy to whip up. This means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the sun.
- Creamy and smooth. The combination of creamy cheesecake filling and smooth lemon pudding works so well together.
- Light and cool. Lemon desserts often have a tangy flavor that is so refreshing on a hot summer day.
- Perfect for any party. This lemon cream cheese pie pie will bring a light and summer vibe to all your picnics and parties. It's also a great dessert for 4th of July.
Ingredients Needed
All you need are a few ingredients to make the 4 layers in this lemon cream cheese pie recipe.
- Pie Crust - This used a traditional pie crust, but you could also use a graham cracker or Oreo cookie crust.
- Cheesecake Filling - A mixture of cream cheese and granulated sugar creates a creamy no bake cheesecake layer.
- Pudding - Whisk together milk and a box of instant lemon pudding mix.
- Topping - Cool Whip and fresh berries add a pretty look to the cream pie. Make sure to thaw the whipped cream ahead of time.
How to Make a Lemon Cream Cheese Pie
This lemon cream pie is incredibly easy to put together. Follow our simple steps, and you will have a pie chilling in your fridge in no time at all.
- Bake the pie crust. Place the refrigerated pie crust in a pie plate and crimp edges. Bake and cool according to the box directions.
- Make the cheesecake filling. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy. Fold in Cool Whip until light and fluffy. Spread in the cooled pie crust.
- Make lemon pudding. Whisk together the instant lemon pudding mix and milk in a mixing bowl. Refrigerate for 5 minutes, then spoon on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Top with Cool Whip and berries. Spread the rest of the whipped cream on top of the pudding. Rows of raspberries and blueberries around the outside edge give this lemon cream pie a fun red, white, and blue look.
Storage Recommendations
Store the pie in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Make sure it is covered tightly, so it doesn't dry out or absorb smells from the fridge.
I don't recommend freezing this pie because pudding tends to thaw and be watery.
Tips and Tricks
- Make it a no bake pie. Use a graham cracker crust or an Oreo cookie crust. Lemon Oreos would be totally delicious with this lemon pie.
- Use room temperature cream cheese. Make sure to set the cream cheese out ahead of time. This will make it easier to make a creamy filling without lumps.
- Don't like Cool Whip? Swap it out for 3 cups of this homemade whipped topping instead.
- Stronger lemon flavor. Use lemon pie filling or lemon curd instead of instant pudding to increase the tartness of the pie.
- Chill the pie. Place the pie in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving, so you can cut nice clean slices.
- Check out this Cherry Cream Cheese Pie for another amazing flavor.
FAQs
Yes, you can make this lemon pie up to 24 hours ahead of time. Keep it tightly covered and in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it.
I do not recommend freezing this pie because it has a pudding layer in it. Instant pudding does not thaw out very well after being frozen.
You can use any fruit that goes with lemon. Strawberries, cherries, and blackberries would all be good choices.
Other Lemon Desserts
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Recipe
Lemon Cream Cheese Pie
This easy Lemon Cream Cheese Pie has layers of no bake cheesecake, lemon pudding, and fresh berries. A creamy lemon pie with fruit is so refreshing on hot summer days. It's the perfect dessert for 4th of July picnics too.
Ingredients
- 1 refrigerated pie crust
- 1 - 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 - 8 ounce container Cool Whip, thawed and divided
- 1 - 3.4 ounce instant lemon pudding mix
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- fresh raspberries and blueberries
Instructions
- Bake the pie crust according to the package directions for an unfilled pie. Let cool completely.
- Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy. Fold in 1 cup Cool Whip.
- Spoon into the cooled pie crust and smooth out.
- Whisk together the pudding mix and milk. Place in the refrigerator for 5 minutes. Spread gently over the cheesecake layer.
- Spoon the remaining Cool Whip over the top of the pie. Decorate the top with the fruit. Keep refrigerated.
Notes
*If you want a stronger lemon flavor that is tart, use lemon curd in place of the pudding in the pie.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 285Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 189mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 1gSugar: 16gProtein: 4g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
*This post was first published on May 2014. It was updated and republished on June 2023.
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes
What a great summer pie.
Lauren
could you use regular whipped cream in this recipe? Not cool whip?
Jocelyn Brubaker
I think this pie would work to use the whipped cream too. I would definitely keep it refrigerated until serving. Enjoy the pie!
Lindsay @ Life, Love and Sugar
Such a beautiful pie! I love those layers and the flavors - yum!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Lindsay! 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout
Loving all those pretty layers Jocelyn! What an amazing pie!
Jess @ Sweet Menu
What a perfect looking pie! Just gorgeous!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Jess! 🙂
Jess @ On Sugar Mountain
I mean, does anyone really NEED pie? The answer: ALWAYS!! That layer of lemon pudding has me going gaga for this pie! Stunning and delicious, Jocelyn! 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Haha, thanks Jess!! 🙂
Chels R.
What a gorgeous pie! Looks great! I hope you managed to stay away from the sweets a little bit at the picnic 🙂