When the days get warmer, I crave desserts that are light, refreshing, and come together without turning on the oven. That’s exactly why I love making this No-Bake Strawberry Lemonade Cloud Pie. It’s creamy, fluffy, and bursting with bright lemon and sweet strawberry flavors. Every bite feels like sunshine on a plate, and the best part is, you can whip it up with just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort.
This pie is perfect for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, or those moments when you want something sweet but not heavy. It has just the right amount of tang from the lemonade and a dreamy, cloud-like texture that melts in your mouth.
Let me show you exactly how I make this chilled beauty that always disappears in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Cloud Pie
There are so many reasons this dessert has earned a permanent place in my recipe collection:
- No baking required – Perfect for hot days when the oven stays off.
- Light and airy texture – Whipped cream and cream cheese combine for a silky, cloud-like filling.
- Bright, summery flavors – Lemon zest and fresh strawberries make each bite pop.
- Simple ingredients – Everything comes together easily with pantry and fridge staples.
- Make-ahead friendly – Chill it until you’re ready to serve, making entertaining a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 8 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 4 hours)
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup lemonade (fresh or bottled)
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- Zest of 1 lemon
How to Make No-Bake Strawberry Lemonade Cloud Pie
1. Whip the Cream
In a large bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip—it should be light and fluffy. Set this aside.
2. Beat the Cream Cheese and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. This is the rich, velvety base of your pie.
3. Add the Lemonade and Zest
Pour in the lemonade and add the lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until fully combined and smooth. This is where the bright, citrusy flavor really comes through.
4. Fold in the Whipped Cream
Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemony cream cheese mixture. I do this slowly, with a spatula, to keep the texture airy and soft. Don’t rush this part—you want to keep that fluffy cloud-like feel.
5. Layer the Filling
Pour half of the filling into the pre-made graham cracker crust. Spread it evenly with the back of a spoon or spatula.
6. Add a Layer of Strawberries
Arrange a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the cream filling. I love making a pretty spiral pattern, but you can scatter them casually if you prefer.
7. Finish with More Filling
Pour the remaining cream mixture on top of the strawberries and smooth out the top. The pie will already look irresistible at this point!
8. Chill Until Set
Cover the pie and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to set. If you can leave it overnight, it becomes even more luscious.
9. Slice and Enjoy
Once the pie is set, slice it up and serve. I like to garnish each slice with an extra strawberry or a sprig of mint for that final, fresh touch.
My Tips for the Best Strawberry Lemonade Cloud Pie
- Use fresh lemon zest – It adds brightness that bottled lemon flavor just can’t match.
- Chill the whipping bowl and beaters – This helps the cream whip up faster and stay stable.
- Use full-fat cream cheese – It creates a richer, creamier texture.
- Taste and adjust sweetness – If your lemonade is very tart, add a little more powdered sugar.
- Make it ahead – This pie is perfect for making the night before, allowing flavors to blend beautifully.
How to Serve This Pie
I love serving this pie chilled with simple garnishes that make it feel even more summery:
- Fresh sliced strawberries on top for a pop of color
- A dusting of powdered sugar just before serving
- A drizzle of strawberry sauce if you’re feeling extra indulgent
- Mint leaves for a fresh finish
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of whipping cream?
A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought whipped topping works just fine. Use about 2 cups in place of the whipped cream.
Q: What if I don’t have lemonade?
A: You can use lemon juice sweetened with a bit of sugar or even a lemon-flavored soda for a fizzy twist.
Q: How long does this pie last in the fridge?
A: It will keep well, covered, for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze this pie?
A: Yes! Freeze it uncovered until firm, then wrap tightly and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
A Slice of Summer You Can Make Anytime
This No-Bake Strawberry Lemonade Cloud Pie is one of those desserts that looks fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. It’s refreshing, light, and full of summery flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue, a spring brunch, or just because you’re craving something sweet and bright, this pie never disappoints.
Try it out and let me know how it turns out! If you come up with fun variations—maybe adding blueberries or a graham-pretzel crust—I’d love to hear about them. This pie is made for creativity and sharing. Enjoy every bite!
No-Bake Strawberry Lemonade Cloud Pie – A Refreshing Slice of Summer
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the heavy whipping cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until well combined and fluffy.
- Gently fold in the pureed strawberries until evenly distributed.
- Pour the mixture over the prepared crust and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Slice and serve chilled, garnished with additional strawberries if desired.
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