Summer Berry Lush Pie borrows inspiration from several iconic desserts, from easy lemon meringue pie and simple cheesecakes, to berry pudding parfaits. The end result? A fantastic and beautifully layered pie that resembles a lush, and is delicious, sweet and velvety smooth.
This dessert has a ton of shortcuts that make it easy for bakers of all skill levels to whip it together. Who knew that a premade graham cracker crust, a packet of Dream Whip, cream cheese and lemon instant pudding could look and taste this good?
Because of its beautiful colors and fantastic flavor, Summer Berry Lush Pie, along with Strawberry Pretzel Delight, is one of my most requested picnic desserts. The layers, which are piled on top of each other to sweet perfection, always get raves.
From its red, white and blue charm, to its refreshing and pleasing taste, this pie is the ultimate summer treat!
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👪Why You'll Love It
| Easy recipe- This pie has a ton of shortcuts, making it incredibly easy to make! No bake dessert- Isn't it nice in the summer when you can enjoy a tasty dessert without having to turn on the oven? Customizable- I like to go for a patriotic vibe with this pie, which is why I typically use strawberries and blueberries. Feel free to top if with the berries of your choice! |
🥘Ingredients
For a complete list of ingredients with measurements, see the printable recipe card below
- 1 pre-made, name brand, graham cracker crust
- cream cheese- I use Philadelphia reduced fat
- sugar & milk- mixed with the cream cheese layer for added sweetness and velvety smoothness
- strawberries & blueberries- use fresh and firm berries to cut down on extra liquid
- Dream Whip Whipped Topping Mix- yes, they still make it! Find it near the instant pudding
- milk- skim or 1 % is recommended for mixing with Dream Whip
- vanilla extract
- lemon flavored instant pudding and pie filling- only use instant
- milk- this additional portion is mixed with the pudding
🔪Instructions
For more detailed instructions, see the printable recipe card below
- Step 1: Use a hand mixer to beat cream cheese, sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Then spread the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pre-made graham crust.
- Step 2: Gently press 1 cup of the halved strawberries and ½ cup of the blueberries into the cream cheese mixture.
- Step 3: Prepare Dream Whip and pudding according to package directions. Gently spread pudding/whip mixture over the berries in the pie crust, taking time to make sure the mixture reaches the crust's edges.
- Step 4: Once the pie is set, spread the remaining prepared whip on top, sealing it to the edges. Then top with the remaining berries.
Hint: Make sure the pie is completely set (minimum 2 hours in fridge) before adding the whip and berries on top.
🍽Equipment
- chef's knife
- cutting board
- hand mixer
- 2 medium mixing bowls
- large mixing bowl
- scraping/rubber spatula
- mixing spoons
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
🍶Storage
Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
💭Top Tip
Dream Whip is the preferred choice for this recipe. It gives the pie more of a meringue taste, along with some sweetness. It's not as dense as Cool Whip, so when it gets folded in with the lemon pudding in this recipe, the taste and texture is absolutely fantastic.
💬FAQ
I don't recommend frozen berries because they are very mushy when they defrost. This could lead to a soggy and runny crust, as well as too much liquid on the top of the pie.
🥄Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
🍴Pairing
These are my favorite desserts to serve with Summer Berry Lush Pie:
📋Recipe
Summer Berry Lush Pie
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz.) bar cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 premade, name brand, graham cracker crust
- 2 cups halved strawberries, divided
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, divided
- 1 envelope Dream Whip Whipped Topping Mix
- ½ cup skim or 1% milk for whip
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package (4-serving) lemon flavor instant pudding and pie filling
- 1 cup milk for pudding
Instructions
- Before starting: Soften cream cheese on counter Wash, hull and halve strawberries Wash blueberries
- In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer on a low/medium setting to beat cream cheese, sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Then spread the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pre-made crust.
- Gently press 1 cup of the halved strawberries and ½ cup blueberries into the cream cheese mixture. (The remaining berries are reserved for the topping.)
- In a large mixing bowl, prepare the Dream Whip according to package directions: Combine the contents of the envelope, ½ cup skim milk and vanilla; use mixer on low speed to combine. Then beat on high speed for 4 minutes or until soft peaks form. Set momentarily aside while you prepare the pudding.
- In a separate, medium mixing bowl, make pudding according to package directions, using the remaining 1 cup of milk. Then fold 1 cup of the prepared whip into the pudding.
- Gently spread pudding mixture over the berries in the pie crust, taking time to make sure the mixture reaches the crust's edges.
- Refrigerate pie until set (about 2 hours). Refrigerate remaining whip and berries, which will be used in the next step.
- Once pie is set, spread the remaining prepared whip on top, sealing it to the edges. Then top with the remaining berries.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Helen H. says
Wow! Such a pretty dessert. I haven't used Dream Whip in years. Can't wait to try it.
Kitchen Ready Betty says
Thanks. Dream Whip really gives the pie a great consistency.