Lemon Raspberry Pie

Name: Lemon Raspberry Pie
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: PT-485341H41M26S
Total time: PT-485341H41M26S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1crust from 1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box; 2tablespoons Fisher® Chef’s Naturals® finely chopped pecans; 1/2cup granulated sugar; 2tablespoons cornstarch; 1/2cup water; 2tablespoons LAND O LAKES® Butter; 1egg yolk, beaten; 1/4to 1/3 cup lemon juice; 2package (3 oz) cream cheese, softened; 1/4cup powdered sugar; 1/2teaspoon lemon extract; 1container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed; 1tablespoon milk; 3cups fresh raspberries, or frozen (thawed) raspberries without syrup, dried on paper towels; Mint sprigs, if desired

written by :

Eliza Nooman

April 21, 2025

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There’s something about the perfect balance of tart and sweet that makes lemon raspberry pie an irresistible dessert. This pie combines the refreshing tang of lemons with the deep sweetness of raspberries, all nestled in a crisp, buttery crust. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just because you crave a delightful treat, lemon raspberry pie is sure to impress with its vibrant flavor and stunning appearance.

What Is Lemon Raspberry Pie?

Lemon raspberry pie is a dessert that fuses two beloved fruits: the bright, citrusy lemon and the juicy, slightly tart raspberry. The result is a pie that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Typically, it features a lemon filling made with fresh lemon juice, zest, sugar, and eggs, while raspberries add a layer of sweetness and color, often placed either on top or as a ripple through the lemony filling.

The pie is then set in a crisp crust, making each bite a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fruity textures.

Why You’ll Love This Pie

This pie brings the best of both worlds: it’s zesty enough to keep you coming back for more while remaining sweet enough to satisfy your dessert cravings. Plus, it’s visually stunning with the vibrant red raspberries and sunny lemon-yellow filling. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic, holiday dinner, or casual weeknight indulgence.

Ingredients and Preparation

Making a lemon raspberry pie requires just a handful of ingredients, most of which you may already have in your pantry. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make this pie come to life.

Essential Ingredients for Lemon Raspberry Pie

Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
Lemon zest – Adds a bold, fragrant kick.
Sugar – Sweetens the filling without overpowering the tartness of the lemon.
Eggs – Helps to set the filling and create a smooth, custard-like texture.
Raspberries – Fresh or frozen, depending on availability. Their sweet-tart nature makes them a perfect pairing with lemon.
Butter – Used in the crust to create a flaky, tender base.
Flour – For the crust, to give it structure and texture.
Salt – A pinch enhances all the flavors.
Heavy cream or milk – For the filling’s creamy consistency.

Fresh vs. Frozen Raspberries

While fresh raspberries are always a great choice for their vibrant color and fresh taste, frozen raspberries work just as well in this recipe. In fact, frozen raspberries might even be easier to work with, as they are less delicate than their fresh counterparts, making them easier to handle when swirling into the pie filling.

Lemon Zest vs. Lemon Juice – What’s Better?

Both lemon zest and lemon juice play crucial roles in the flavor of the pie. Lemon zest adds aromatic oils and a fresh lemony fragrance that juice alone can’t provide. Meanwhile, lemon juice brings the tart, tangy punch that balances the sweetness of the raspberries. Together, they work to create a perfectly balanced flavor.

Choosing the Right Crust

When it comes to the crust, there are a few options you can go for depending on your preferences and dietary restrictions.

Graham Cracker vs. Traditional Pie Crust

Graham cracker crust is a popular choice for lemon pies because it has a sweet, buttery flavor that complements the tartness of the lemon and the sweetness of the raspberries. It also requires no baking, making it an easy choice for a no-fuss dessert. On the other hand, a traditional pie crust provides a flaky, buttery texture that’s perfect for those who love a classic pie experience.

How to Make Lemon Raspberry Pie Step-by-Step

This is just the nutshell version of the recipe. For ingredients and complete directions, see the recipe card below.

Making lemon raspberry pie isn’t difficult, but it does require patience and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this perfect dessert.

Preparing the Crust

Start by preparing your crust. If you’re using a graham cracker crust, simply combine crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter, then press the mixture into the bottom of your pie dish. Bake it for about 10 minutes to set it. If you’re using a traditional pie crust, roll it out, place it in your pie dish, and bake it according to the instructions until golden brown.

Making the Lemon Filling

While the crust cools, begin making your lemon filling. Whisk together sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl. Once mixed, pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before adding the butter, which will make the filling smooth and rich.

Adding the Raspberry Layer

After the lemon filling has cooled slightly, gently fold in fresh or frozen raspberries. If you want a beautiful swirl effect, you can lightly mix the raspberries into the filling, ensuring that some remain whole and others break down into a swirl.

Baking and Chilling

Once the filling is ready, pour it into the prepared crust. Bake the pie for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown. After baking, allow the pie to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 3 hours to let the flavors meld and the pie set.

Variations and Serving Ideas

Recipe Variations to Try

While the classic lemon raspberry pie is a crowd-pleaser, there are some fun variations you can try to add your own twist.

Vegan Lemon Raspberry Pie

For a vegan version, substitute eggs with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water), and use a plant-based butter substitute in the crust and filling.

Gluten-Free Version

To make the pie gluten-free, use a gluten-free pie crust or graham cracker crust made from gluten-free graham crackers. Additionally, make sure the other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

No-Bake Lemon Raspberry Pie

For a no-bake version, simply chill the pie crust and filling in the fridge for a few hours until set. This makes for a wonderfully refreshing dessert, especially on hot summer days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your lemon raspberry pie with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, or a handful of extra raspberries on top. You could also add a drizzle of raspberry sauce for an added burst of flavor.

Storing, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftover pie, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Can You Freeze Lemon Raspberry Pie?

Yes! This pie freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Bakers

You can prepare the crust and filling ahead of time, then assemble and bake the pie when you’re ready to serve. The pie can also be made a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to develop even more.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Swaps

Nutritional Breakdown

A slice of lemon raspberry pie offers a delightful combination of sweet and tart with around 300-400 calories, depending on the crust and filling used.

Healthier Ingredient Substitutions

For a healthier version of this pie, you can substitute a sugar alternative like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener for sugar. You can also opt for a whole wheat crust or use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.