Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Tangy & Sweet – The combination of zesty lemon and juicy raspberries creates a refreshing flavor contrast.
- Easy to Make – Simple steps and readily available ingredients make this a stress-free dessert.
- Perfectly Creamy – The lemon layer is rich and silky, complementing the tart raspberry topping.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – This pie needs chilling, so it’s great to prepare in advance.
- Visually Stunning – The layered look makes it a showstopper for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Crust:
- Crushed graham crackers
- Melted butter
- Sugar
- Lemon Layer:
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Egg yolks
- Raspberry Layer:
- Fresh raspberries
- Honey or sugar
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Whipped Topping:
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Directions
-
Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar.
- Press the mixture into a pie pan and bake for 8 minutes. Let it cool.
-
Make the Lemon Layer
- In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolks until smooth.
- Pour over the cooled crust and bake for 12-15 minutes until set.
- Allow it to cool completely.
-
Prepare the Raspberry Layer
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh raspberries, honey (or sugar), cornstarch, and water.
- Stir and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Let it cool slightly before spreading over the lemon layer.
-
Make the Whipped Topping
- Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread over the raspberry layer.
-
Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries and lemon zest for an extra touch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: ~5 hours
Variations
- Berry Swap: Substitute raspberries with strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different fruity twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap sweetened condensed milk with a coconut-based alternative and use dairy-free whipped topping.
- Extra Tangy: Add more lemon zest to intensify the citrus flavor.
- Chocolate Crust: Use chocolate graham crackers or crushed Oreos for a deeper flavor contrast.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the pie tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: This pie is best served chilled and does not require reheating.
FAQs
How do I know when the lemon layer is set?
The lemon layer should be firm but slightly jiggly in the center when baked. It will continue to set as it cools.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, but thaw them first and drain excess liquid before cooking.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie needs to chill for several hours, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
What’s the best way to crush graham crackers?
Use a food processor or place them in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Can I use store-bought whipped topping?
Yes, but homemade whipped cream has a fresher taste and better texture.
How do I prevent the crust from crumbling?
Press it firmly into the pie pan and allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.
Can I add a meringue topping instead of whipped cream?
Yes! A toasted meringue topping would add a beautiful and delicious twist.
What can I use instead of cornstarch in the raspberry layer?
Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can be used as a thickener.
How can I make the lemon layer more tart?
Increase the amount of lemon juice or zest for a stronger citrus punch.
Can I make mini versions of this pie?
Yes, use a muffin tin with cupcake liners for individual servings.
Conclusion
Lemon Raspberry Layered Pie is a delightful dessert that brings together the refreshing tang of lemon with the sweetness of raspberries. It’s creamy, fruity, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a party or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this pie will not disappoint!
PrintLemon Raspberry Layered Pie
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 8-10 slices
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Lemon Raspberry Layered Pie is the ultimate combination of tart lemon and sweet raspberry, with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy lemon filling, vibrant raspberry layer, and fluffy whipped topping. It’s an easy, make-ahead dessert that will impress at any gathering. Perfect for summer, special occasions, or just a delicious treat to enjoy!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- Crushed graham crackers
- Melted butter
- Sugar
For the Lemon Layer:
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Egg yolks
For the Raspberry Layer:
- Fresh raspberries
- Honey or sugar
- Cornstarch
- Water
For the Whipped Topping:
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into a pie pan and bake for 8 minutes. Let it cool completely.
-
Make the Lemon Layer:
- In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolks until smooth.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the cooled crust and bake for 12-15 minutes until set.
- Allow it to cool completely.
-
Prepare the Raspberry Layer:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh raspberries, honey (or sugar), cornstarch, and water.
- Stir and cook until the mixture thickens. Let it cool slightly before spreading it over the lemon layer.
-
Make the Whipped Topping:
- Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the raspberry layer.
-
Chill & Serve:
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries and lemon zest for an extra touch.
Notes
- Berry Swap: You can swap the raspberries with other berries like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a coconut-based alternative, and use dairy-free whipped topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Pie
- Method: Baking, No-bake
- Cuisine: American