Vibrant Lemon Raspberry Layered Pie Recipe

Zesty Lemon Raspberry Layered Pie Recipe: A Bright Dessert Joy

Sunshine and sweetness collide in this mouthwatering lemon raspberry layered pie that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Bursting with bright citrus notes and luscious berry undertones, this dessert blends creamy textures with zesty flavors.

The delicate balance of tangy lemon and sweet raspberries creates a symphony of taste in every single bite.

Fresh ingredients and a simple technique make this pie an irresistible summer treat.

Each slice reveals gorgeous layers of color and complexity that will impress even the most discerning dessert lovers.

The smooth lemon curd and vibrant raspberry filling dance together in perfect harmony.

Prepare to fall in love with this show-stopping dessert that turns an ordinary moment into a celebration of flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Lemon Raspberry Layered Pie

For Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a sweet, crunchy foundation with classic graham flavor.
  • Butter: Helps bind ingredients and creates a rich, golden texture.
  • Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and enhances overall crust structure.
For Filling Layers:
  • Sugar: Balances tartness and sweetens both lemon and raspberry components.
  • Cornstarch: Acts as a natural thickener for smooth, glossy filling consistency.
  • Water: Helps dissolve and distribute ingredients evenly.
  • Lemon Juice: Delivers bright, zesty flavor and natural acidity.
  • Lemon Zest: Intensifies citrus aroma and adds vibrant citrus notes.
  • Egg Yolks: Creates creamy, luxurious texture in lemon layer.
  • Raspberries: Provides fresh, tangy berry flavor and beautiful color.
For Topping:
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates light, fluffy cloud-like texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes whipped cream.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, rounded flavor to whipped topping.

Essentials for Layering a Lemon Raspberry Pie

  • 9-inch pie dish: Essential for creating the perfect pie shape and size.
  • Electric mixer: Key for whipping cream to light, fluffy perfection.
  • Medium saucepans (2): Necessary for cooking lemon and raspberry layers smoothly.
  • Whisk: Critical for blending ingredients without lumps.
  • Fine-mesh sieve: Helps strain raspberry seeds for a smooth filling.
  • Large mixing bowl: Ideal for preparing whipped cream and other components.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Spatula: Perfect for spreading layers evenly and scraping mixtures.

How to Build a Lemon Raspberry Layer with Ease

  • Craft the Crunchy Base

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into a pie dish, creating a sturdy foundation. Bake briefly until golden and let cool completely.

  • Whip Up Zesty Lemon Filling

Combine sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Slowly add water and lemon juice, whisking until silky smooth. Heat gently, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Pull from heat and fold in egg yolks, butter, and bright lemon zest. Pour the sunny mixture into the cooled crust and chill.

  • Create Vibrant Raspberry Topping

Simmer fresh raspberries with sugar and a touch of water. Cook until berries break down and the sauce transforms into a rich, glossy mixture. Strain to remove seeds if desired. Gently spread the ruby-red sauce over the lemon layer.

  • Crown with Fluffy Cream

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until it forms luxurious peaks. Generously spread or pipe the cloud-like cream across the pie’s surface.

  • Chill and Delight

Refrigerate the pie for a few hours to let the layers set. Garnish with fresh raspberries or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving. Slice and enjoy the symphony of flavors.

Lemon Raspberry Pie Tips That Shine Bright

  • Perfect Crust Technique: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pie dish to create a sturdy, uniform base that holds the layers beautifully.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire pie up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it refrigerated for stress-free entertaining and enhanced flavor melding.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut whipped cream and use dairy-free butter alternatives to make the pie suitable for lactose-intolerant guests.
  • Berry Swap Option: Replace raspberries with strawberries or blackberries for a delightful flavor twist while maintaining the pie's vibrant fruity character.
  • Low-Sugar Modification: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and opt for fresh berries to maintain natural sweetness without excess calories.

How to Present This Pie for Any Occasion

  • Dessert Plate Drama: Arrange slices on elegant white plates with a delicate mint leaf for color contrast and freshness.
  • Citrus Zest Sparkle: Sprinkle extra lemon zest and crushed raspberries around the pie slice to enhance visual appeal and add bright flavor bursts.
  • Summer Brunch Star: Pair with chilled prosecco or a light white wine that complements the pie's tangy and sweet profile, perfect for weekend gatherings.
  • Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a creamy cappuccino or Earl Grey tea to balance the dessert's vibrant citrus and berry notes, creating a delightful afternoon treat.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Lemon Raspberry Pie

  • Quick Cool-Down Strategy: Refrigerate the pie immediately after each layer to ensure firm, distinct layers that hold their shape perfectly.
  • Smart Slice Technique: Use a hot, clean knife wiped between cuts to create clean, picture-perfect pie slices without raspberry or lemon curd smearing.
  • Freshness Checkpoint: Store the completed pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining its delightful texture and vibrant flavors without compromising quality.
  • Advance Preparation Hack: Prepare individual pie components like graham cracker crust and lemon curd up to 2 days before assembling, saving time and reducing day-of cooking stress.
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Vibrant Lemon Raspberry Layered Pie Recipe

Vibrant Lemon Raspberry Layered Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Scrumptious lemon raspberry layered pie blends tangy citrus with sweet berry notes. Delicate graham cracker crust and creamy filling create a refreshing dessert perfect for summer gatherings you’ll savor to the last bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups raspberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup lemon juice (about 34 lemons)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 tbsps granulated sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup cornstarch
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsps cornstarch
  • 3 tbsps powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsps water
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers with melted butter and sugar, pressing the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring complete coverage of bottom and sides.
  2. Crust Baking: Toast the crust in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until golden, then cool completely at room temperature.
  3. Lemon Custard Creation: Whisk sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan, gradually adding water and lemon juice while maintaining a smooth texture. Heat over medium flame, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles, then integrate egg yolks, butter, and lemon zest.
  4. Lemon Layer Setting: Gently pour the warm lemon curd into the cooled crust, distributing evenly, and refrigerate until completely set.
  5. Raspberry Topping Development: Simmer raspberries with sugar, cornstarch, and water, cooking until fruits break down and the mixture thickens. Strain through a fine mesh to remove seeds if desired, then cool to room temperature.
  6. Layer Assembly: Spread the cooled raspberry compote over the chilled lemon layer, creating a seamless color transition.
  7. Cream Topping: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a luxurious topping.
  8. Final Presentation: Cover the pie with whipped cream using a spatula or piping technique for an elegant finish. Chill for at least two hours to meld flavors and set layers completely.
  9. Serving Flourish: Before serving, optionally garnish with fresh raspberries, delicate lemon slices, or a sprinkle of lemon zest to enhance visual appeal.

Notes

  • Prevent Crust Crumbling: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that won’t fall apart when slicing.
  • Control Lemon Curd Consistency: Stir continuously while heating to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, silky texture without scorching.
  • Strain for Seedless Sauce: Pass raspberry topping through a fine mesh strainer to remove seeds, ensuring a refined and velvety raspberry layer.
  • Stabilize Whipped Cream: Chill cream and utensils beforehand to help achieve stiffer peaks and maintain structure longer, preventing deflation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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