Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of sweet and tart – The zesty lemon layer complements the sweet raspberry topping beautifully.
Creamy yet light – A silky texture with a fresh, fruity finish.
Easy to make – Simple ingredients and steps make this pie approachable for any baker.
Make-ahead friendly – Chills beautifully, making it great for parties or special occasions.
Customizable – Swap raspberries for other berries or add a twist with different citrus flavors.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crust:

Graham crackers, crushed
Unsalted butter, melted
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

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the crust: In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into a pie pan and bake for 8 minutes. Let cool.
Make the lemon layer: In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolks. Pour over the cooled crust and bake for 12-15 minutes until set. Let cool completely.
Prepare the raspberry layer: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine raspberries, honey (or sugar), cornstarch, and water. Stir until thickened. Let cool slightly, then spread over the lemon layer.
Make the whipped topping: Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread over the pie.
Chill for at least 4 hours before serving. Garnish with fresh raspberries and lemon zest.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20-23 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 40 minutes

Variations

Mixed Berry Version – Use a combination of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a berry medley.
Gluten-Free Option – Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookies or almond flour crust.
Extra Citrusy Twist – Add a bit of lime juice and zest for a lemon-lime flavor.
Chocolate Crust – Swap the graham cracker crust for an Oreo or chocolate cookie crust.
Lighter Version – Use reduced-fat sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping instead of heavy cream.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze the pie (without whipped topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: No reheating needed—this pie is best served chilled.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?

Yes! Thaw them first and drain excess liquid before cooking them down.

What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?

Bottled lemon juice works, but fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s best when chilled overnight, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

Can I use store-bought whipped topping?

Yes, you can substitute homemade whipped cream with store-bought whipped topping for convenience.

How do I know when the lemon layer is set?

It should be slightly firm with a slight jiggle in the center, similar to a cheesecake.

Can I use a different fruit for the topping?

Yes! Blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries work well as substitutes.

What’s the best way to crush graham crackers?

Use a food processor or place them in a sealed bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

Can I make this without eggs?

You can try substituting the egg yolks with cornstarch or a plant-based thickener, but the texture may slightly differ.

How do I get clean slices when serving?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices for neat, even cuts.

Can I add a meringue topping instead of whipped cream?

Yes! A toasted meringue topping would add a delicious, elegant twist.

Conclusion

Lemon Raspberry Layered Pie is a stunning, flavorful dessert that’s both creamy and refreshing. With its buttery crust, tangy lemon filling, sweet raspberry layer, and fluffy whipped topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for any occasion, this pie will brighten up your dessert table with its vibrant flavors and gorgeous layers. Give it a try and enjoy a slice of sunshine