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Creamy Lemon Berry Pie

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Creamy lemon filling topped with berries and nestled in a shortbread crust is the perfect pie for spring and summer. It is refreshing, delicious and fun!

Slice of pie with creamy lemon filling and thick berry topping.

This yummy lemon berry pie is creamy and bright. It is a perfect way to cool off when the weather starts to warm up.

The crust doesn’t require a rolling pin, which is a nice change. And the filling comes together in just a few minutes.

Ingredients ready to be made into pie with cookie crust, lemon filling and berry topping.

I created this recipe as an entry to a pie cook-off we hosted for our family and friends. It placed just behind the winning pecan pie which had been a family favorite for years.

So you know it has to be good for it to rank next to such a classic. And I would be so bold as to assert it might be even better for a spring or summer dessert.

Ingredients needed:

These are the simple ingredients in this creamy lemon pie. For exact measurements and details, scroll down to our handy recipe card. 

  • Flour: use all purpose for the best results. Measure for measure flour would also work if you want to make the recipe gluten free.
  • Butter: I have used both salted and unsalted butter with success. Use whichever you prefer. 
  • Powdered sugar: using confectioners sugar allows it to easily incorporate into the crust without a gritty feel.
  • Vanilla: either vanilla extract or paste works well here.
  • Cream cheese: use a standard full fat cream cheese. The reduced fat versions run the risk of not setting as firm. Make sure the cream cheese is good and softened for the smoothest filling. 
  • Sweetened condensed milk: I love how adding a can of sweetened condensed milk to a dessert adds instant sweet richness. Because the sugar is already dissolved, there is no risk of a grainy sugary texture.
  • Lemon juice: using fresh squeezed lemon is the best, but the bottle of juice works in a pinch. It not only adds flavor, but the natural acidity helps the filling to set firm enough to slice and serve.
  • Lemon zest or extract: adding a little bit of either or both helps to boost the lemon flavor. Take a taste and add some as necessary. 
  • Mixed berries: Fresh or frozen berries work here. By a mix of berries or use your favorite berry.
  • Sugar: adding a bit of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit while also thickening the juices.
  • Cornstarch: the cornstarch makes the fruit topping thick enough to hold itself on top of the pie. Make sure the liquid is really bubbling before removing the saucepan from the heat to ensure you get the right consistency. 

The Crust

This pie includes a perfect mix of flavors and textures. The buttery cookie style crust is pressed into the pan rather than rolled and fitted.

The mixture will look like it needs something after you are done mixing it. It doesn’t really come together into a dough on its own.

However if you squeeze a bit between your fingers it should stick together. So the pressure of your fingertips in the pie plate will be enough to hold it together.

This creates a more crumbly than flaky mouthfeel in the best kind of way. My husband is not usually a pie crust fan, so he kept mentioning how much he liked this crust.

If you don’t want to try this crust, feel free to use a traditional pie pastry. Just dock it by pricking a few holes in the bottom and bake it with pie weights until it is golden brown brown.

Or use a graham cracker crust if that sounds better to you. It will give it more of a no-bake lemon cheesecake feeling which would also be delicious.

Tips for Getting a Perfect Creamy Filling

Making sure the cream cheese is good and softened before you get started. That is key to getting the smoothest filling.

Then beat the cream cheese until it is light and fluffy. Be sure to scrape the beaters and the side of the bowl a few times along the way.

Now slowly add a can of sweetened condensed milk, beating well after each addition. Again, make sure to stop and scrape the bowl and beater a couple of times.

Adding lemon juice adds the acid you need to set the cheesecake and of course adds  lemon flavor. So beat that in and scoop into your crust.

Taste the filling and add some lemon extract or zest if it needs it. This is your chance to punch up the lemon as much as you would like.

Now chill your pie for several hours. It will take at least three or four hours to cut a decent slice. Overnight is even better if you have the chance to make the pie ahead of time.

Topping Variations:

Feel free to experiment with other fruit toppings. Blackberry sauce would be great. 

You could also use a can of cherry or strawberry pie filling in a pinch. Though making the berry topping is really pretty easy.

I have made the berry topping using half blueberries and half strawberries. I have also used frozen mixed berries. You really can do whatever tickles your fancy.

If you aren’t in the mood for berries, you can leave them off entirely and still have a great lemon pie.  You could leave it as is or decorate the top with whipped cream.

Of course a fresh fruit garnish would be pretty too. 

How to Store and Serve:

Store your pie in the refrigerator until it is time to serve. It is easiest to cut and serve slices when it is good and cold.

For the prettiest slices, wipe your knife off between cuts. 

Whole lemon pie topped with mixed berries, ready to be sliced and served.

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to three or four days.  You can freeze slices of leftover pie, but the texture may change a bit when it is defrosted. 

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this creamy lemon pie in a graham cracker crust?

Yes! That would be delicious. Make your own or grab a premade one. Then you can have a completely no bake lemon berry pie.

More Great Pie Recipes

For another lemon dessert, try making lemon pie with honey whipped cream. It has great citrus zing with a fluffy whipped cream topping.

Peach rhubarb pie combines the tart taste of spring with summer’s sweet fruit. Peach and rhubarb come together under a golden streusel in this perfect fruity pie.

If you want to make pumpkin pie without evaporated milk, I have a recipe for that too. This one uses sweetened condensed milk making the filling easier than ever to make.

Or for another no bake filling, try making peanut butter pie with a chocolate covered pretzel crust. It is a fun twist of fluffy no-bake peanut butter pie that is extra sweet, salty and chocolaty.

Love this recipe? Give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review in the recipe card below!

Slice of pie with creamy lemon filling and thick berry topping.

Creamy Lemon Berry Pie

Carlee
A creamy lemon filling topped with berries and nestled in a shortbread crust is the perfect pie for spring and summer. Refreshing, delicious and fun!
5 from 6 ratings
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 484 kcal

Ingredients
 

Crust

  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Berry Topping

  • 3 cups mixed berries*
  • 4 Tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 4 Tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 Tablespoons water

Creamy Lemon Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • Optional: lemon extract or lemon zest

Instructions
 

Crust

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Beat butter until it is smooth and fluffy.
    1 cup butter
  • Add the flour, powdered sugar and vanilla and mix until crumbly, but should come together when squeezed between your fingers.
    2 cups all purpose flour, ½ cup powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Turn into a deep dish 9-inch pie plate and push against the bottom and edges to form a crust. Flute edges if desired.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven and set aside until cooled completely.

Topping

  • In a large sauce pan toss berries with sugar and cornstarch.
    3 cups mixed berries*, 4 Tablespoons granulated sugar, 4 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • Stir in lemon juice and water.
    4 Tablespoons lemon juice, 2 Tablespoons water
  • Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to the texture of pudding.
  • Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Filling

  • Beat cream cheese until smooth.
    8 oz cream cheese
  • Add condensed milk a little bit at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue to whip until smooth and creamy.
    14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
  • Stir in lemon juice. Add some lemon zest or a teaspoon of lemon extract if you would like a stronger lemon flavor.
    ¼ cup lemon juice, Optional: lemon extract or lemon zest
  • Spoon into cooled pie crust and chill.
  • When the berry mixture is at room temperature, spread over chilled lemon filling. Put back in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours, a longer chill time will help the filling set up. Serve cold.

Notes

*I used frozen mixed berries this time, I have also used half blueberries and half strawberries. You can also use fresh fruit if you have it on hand. Feel free to mix your favorite berries to get about 3 cups.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 484kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 7gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 241mgFiber: 2gSugar: 36g
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Recipe Rating




Debbie

Sunday 11th of June 2017

Hi Carlee, this sounds like a cheesecake with a difference and I do like a good cheesecake. I do like a shortbread crust too as it's so easy to pull off. I bet your pie went down a treat and your photos are just fine!

xx

Carlee

Tuesday 13th of June 2017

Thank you, Debbie! It is kind of like a really light and fluffy no bake cheesecake in the middle. I really liked the mix of textures and flavors, but I am probably a bit biased!

Anonymous

Sunday 11th of June 2017

Oooh, Carlee, it sounds so cool, creamy tart! And pics are weird! Sometimes I think some of my posts don't do good coz my picture is awful, but then sometimes I have a post go just about viral when it has the worst pic! I think your pie looks delish and it's going on my must make list!

Carlee

Tuesday 13th of June 2017

Isn't it funny how that works? You just never know what is going to take hold, that is for sure!

Unknown

Friday 9th of June 2017

Comment as

Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen

Thursday 8th of June 2017

This sounds freaking amazing! I love the color and LOVE the flavors you have going on. This is total summer dessert perfection, Carlee!

Carlee

Tuesday 13th of June 2017

Thanks, Kelsie! I really enjoyed it even if it didn't win me a spot on the trophy! My little dude said it was the best pie he ever had and helped himself to a nice sized slice of what was left, so that is good enough for me!

Mary K.

Thursday 8th of June 2017

Ohh I can only imagine how delish this must be Carlee. The combination of the cherry and the lemon must give it a somewhat tart flavor. I also add lemon to my apple pies and they come out yummy. I'll have to try this one!

Carlee

Tuesday 13th of June 2017

Thanks, Mary! I love berries and citrus together, so it was a shoe-in for me!