Lemon Berry Pie
This refreshing dessert makes a beautiful presentation and tastes delicious To cut a few calories, I use Splenda sugar substitute instead of sugar when preparing the cream cheese layer
This refreshing dessert makes a beautiful presentation and tastes delicious To cut a few calories, I use Splenda sugar substitute instead of sugar when preparing the cream cheese layer
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 pint fresh strawberries
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant lemon pudding mix
- 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1 reduced-fat graham cracker crust (8 inches)
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 cup cold fat-free milk
- 2-1/4 cups reduced-fat whipped topping divided
- Carbohydrate 4.23474535059706 g
- Cholesterol 7.654371237 mg
- Fat 2.28143511250564 g
- Fiber 0.817927193107687 g
- Protein 1.37859839568003 g
- Saturated Fat 1.29551890703481 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings. (55g)
- Sodium 503.069042376986 mg
- Sugar 3.41681815748937 g
- Trans Fat 0.250472287123991 g
- Calories 41 calories
Step-by-step
- In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1 tablespoon milk and sugar until blended.
- Add lemon juice and lemon peel; mix well.
- Fold in 1-1/2 cups whipped topping.
- Carefully spread into crust.
- Set aside 4 strawberries.
- Cut remaining strawberries in half and place over cream cheese mixture.
- In a bowl, place the remaining milk; whisk in pudding mix for 2 minutes or until thickened.
- Fold in 1/2 cup whipped topping.
- Spoon over strawberries.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Garnish with remaining whipped topping and reserved strawberries.
Lemon Berry Pie: A Refreshing Summer Treat
As a busy working mom, I’m always looking for delicious and easy desserts that don't require hours in the kitchen. This Lemon Berry Pie fits the bill perfectly! It's surprisingly simple to make, yet it looks and tastes incredibly elegant, making it a perfect centerpiece for any summer gathering or a delightful treat for a quiet evening at home. The bright, tangy lemon perfectly complements the sweetness of the fresh strawberries, creating a delightful flavor combination that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques or obscure ingredients are needed – just a few basic pantry staples and some fresh, seasonal strawberries. I often make this pie ahead of time, which is a huge plus in my busy schedule. The flavors meld beautifully as it chills in the refrigerator, enhancing the overall taste experience. I've even experimented with different berry combinations – raspberries, blueberries, or a mix – and they all work wonderfully. The cream cheese layer provides a lovely creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the juicy berries and the slightly tart lemon flavor.
A few tips for success:
Using Splenda: To make this pie a bit lighter, I use Splenda sugar substitute instead of regular sugar in the cream cheese layer. It doesn't compromise the flavor at all, but significantly reduces the overall calorie count. If you prefer, you can use regular sugar instead.
Fresh vs. Frozen Berries: While fresh strawberries are ideal, you can use frozen strawberries if necessary. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them.
Crust Options: This recipe uses a store-bought graham cracker crust for convenience. However, you can also easily make your own crust from scratch if you have some extra time and want a truly homemade touch. Many delicious homemade crust recipes are available online or in cookbooks.
Serving Suggestions: Serve this pie chilled. It's perfect as a dessert on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's also a beautiful addition to summer picnics or potlucks.
Making this Lemon Berry Pie is a true joy. It's a recipe I often use to impress guests, or simply to indulge myself in a delicious homemade dessert without spending the entire day in the kitchen. It's a versatile and customizable recipe that will quickly become a summer staple in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or Splenda)
- 1 pint fresh strawberries
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant lemon pudding mix
- 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1 reduced-fat graham cracker crust (8 inches)
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 cup cold fat-free milk
- 2-1/4 cups reduced-fat whipped topping, divided
This Lemon Berry Pie is a testament to the fact that delicious desserts don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With minimal effort, you can create a stunning and flavorful treat that will impress your friends and family, or just bring a little extra sunshine to your own day. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the sweet rewards of a simple yet sophisticated dessert.
