Creamy Frozen Lemon Pie combines the taste of freshly squeezed lemonade in a tangy frozen lemon dessert. Dive into an icebox Lemon Meringue Pie with a salty sweet almond crust, creamy citrus center, and billowed high with toasted meringue topping.
In a medium saucepan combine heavy cream with 1 cup sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
Add the vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and yogurt. Whisk vigorously until well combined and no lumps remain. Alternatively, use a hand mixer on LOW speed to combine.
Set aside lemon cream filling to cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Once the filling has cooled, pour into prepared pie crust, and freeze until solid, about 6 hours to overnight.
Meringue Topping
Preheat oven to 500°F. In a large bowl beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy.
Gradually add the ⅓ cup sugar, a couple tablespoons at a time, beating continuously. Continue to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Spread the meringue on top of the frozen pie, sealing all the way to the edges so no filling is exposed. Bake until peaks turn golden brown, about 3 minutes.
Either slice and serve immediately or return back to the freezer until ready to serve. If refreezing, let the pie sit out for 20-30 minutes before slicing or refrigerate one hour before slicing. Freeze any leftovers.
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Notes
*Use 4 egg whites for less meringue, 5 whites if you like a lot of meringue topping.
Swap out yogurt with 8 ounce softened cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, or mixture of ingredients as long as it equals 1 cup.
If using cream cheese instead of yogurt, make sure it's softened and cubed, then beat on LOW speed to make the lemon filling smooth and homogeneous.
Remember to zest the lemons first before juicing.
For extra lemon flavor swap out vanilla extract for lemon extract.
Instead of topping with meringue, spread on homemade whipped cream, Cool Whip, sprinkle with toasted coconut, or fresh berries.
More Flavor Options
Blueberries or Blackberries - Once the filling has been poured in the crust scatter with fresh or frozen berries before freezing.
Lemon Lime - Use equal parts lemon and lime zest with their juices.
Key Lime - Substitute key lime zest with key lime juice or use store bought Nellie & Joe's Key West Lime Juice.
Frozen Raspberry or Strawberry Lemonade Pie - Stir in raspberry or strawberry fruit puree or add 1/2 cup jam to the hot sugar / cream mixer. If adding a jam or jelly, reduce the sugar in the filling to 3/4 cup.
Serving instructions
For optimal slicing and serving avoid taking the pie from the freezer and immediately serving. It needs some time to soften to easily slice and enjoy.Before serving, refrigerate the pie for 1 hour or set out at room temp 20-30 minutes. Run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and slice through easily. Repeat running the knife through hot water as necessary.Serve creamy frozen lemon pie as is or with fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.