This refreshing Blackberry Lemonade Pie is a summer treat! With a zesty lemon filling and a sweet blackberry topping, it’s perfect for sunny days or any fun gatherings.
It’s a breeze to make—just blend, pour, and chill. Plus, who can resist that mix of tart and sweet? I often double the recipe so I have extra for myself! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Blackberries: Fresh blackberries add great flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen ones; just thaw them first. Raspberries or blueberries can also serve as tasty alternatives.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemons give the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. Lime juice is another fun substitute if you want a twist!
Heavy Whipping Cream: This makes the pie creamy and rich. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use whipped topping, but it may change the texture a bit.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the pie structure. Light cream cheese can be used for fewer calories, though it might be a little softer.
Graham Cracker Crust: A pre-made crust saves time. You can also make your own using crushed cookies or digestive biscuits for a unique base.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Blackberry Sauce?
To make the blackberry sauce really shine, you’ll want to focus on cooking the blackberries just right. This creates a delicious sweet-sour blend that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
- Combine blackberries and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Gently stir and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the berries soften and the sugar dissolves.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with water, add it, and cook for an extra 2 minutes.
Let the sauce cool before adding it to the pie, as it helps maintain the layers and prevents melting the cream cheese filling!
How to Make Blackberry Lemonade Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pie:
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
- 1 cup fresh blackberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickening if needed)
- Zest of 1 lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Blackberry Lemonade Pie will take about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. Give yourself a little extra time for everything to set up nicely. Once ready, you’ll have a delicious and refreshing treat to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Blackberry Sauce:
Start by placing your blackberries and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir them gently as they cook, and watch them transform! This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the blackberries are soft and the sugar is dissolved, if you like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water, add it to the saucepan, and cook for 2 more minutes. When done, remove it from the heat and let it cool a bit.
2. Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. Next, add in the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix everything together on medium speed until the mixture becomes thick and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. It’s going to smell amazing!
3. Assembling the Pie:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Pour the creamy mixture into your pre-made graham cracker crust and spread it out evenly. Then, take your cooled blackberry sauce and swirl it over the top of the cream cheese filling. Use a knife or a skewer to create a marbled effect—make it pretty!
4. Chilling the Pie:
Cover your pie and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to let it set up nicely. When you’re ready to serve, garnish with extra blackberries on top for a lovely touch. Enjoy your refreshing Blackberry Lemonade Pie!
Can I Use Frozen Blackberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries! Just thaw them before cooking and try to drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery sauce. You might also want to adjust the sugar based on the ripeness of the berries, as frozen fruit can sometimes be sweeter or more tart.
How Can I Make This Pie Even Thicker?
If you’d like a thicker filling, you can add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch while cooking the blackberry sauce. Just make sure to dissolve it in water first before adding it to the mixture. Additionally, chilling the pie longer can help it set more firmly!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if the pie becomes a bit soggy, you can try serving it with a dollop of whipped cream to help revive it!
Can I Swap the Cream Cheese for Another Type of Cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone for a creamier texture or even Greek yogurt for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that this may slightly change the flavor profile and may require adjusting the sugar level to taste.
