I’m so excited to share my Frozen Lemon Meringue Dream Pie with you today! It’s the perfect summer dessert when you’re craving something cool, creamy, and bright with citrus flavor. The combination of crunchy cookie crust, smooth ice cream, and tangy lemon curd creates a dessert that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Trust me, your family will be begging for seconds, and you’ll love how simple it is to prepare ahead of time. Want to know my secret for getting that perfect balance of sweet and tart?
Why You’ll Love this Frozen Lemon Meringue Dream Pie
While traditional lemon meringue pie is delicious, this frozen version takes the classic dessert to a whole new level of refreshment. I’m honestly obsessed with how the cold, creamy ice cream contrasts with the tangy lemon curd and fluffy meringue topping.
What makes this pie truly special? The golden cookie crust provides the perfect crunchy base, while the lactose-free ice cream means everyone at your table can enjoy a slice. The layers create a beautiful presentation that’ll have your guests thinking you spent hours in the kitchen. Perfect for summer gatherings or when you need a make-ahead dessert that still feels fancy and impressive.
What Ingredients are in Frozen Lemon Meringue Dream Pie?
This frozen lemon meringue pie requires a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly magical.
- 24 golden sandwich cookies (for the crust)
- 11 tablespoons unsalted butter (5 for crust, 6 for lemon filling)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 2 large egg yolks plus 2 whole eggs
- 1 quart lactose-free vanilla ice cream
- Ingredients for meringue topping (not specifically listed in the recipe)
When shopping for these ingredients, try to find high-quality lemon juice and zest since they’re the star flavors in this dessert—and remember that using lactose-free ice cream makes this pie enjoyable for those with dairy sensitivities without sacrificing any of the creamy goodness.
How to Make this Frozen Lemon Meringue Dream Pie
Process 24 golden sandwich cookies into fine crumbs and mix with 5 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie plate, using the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer up the sides.
Step 2: Freeze the Crust
Place your prepared crust in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up. This vital step guarantees your crust holds its shape when you add the ice cream layers, giving you those perfect, clean slices later.
Step 3: Create the Lemon Curd Filling
In a saucepan, combine 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons lemon zest.
Heat until the butter melts, then whisk in 2 large egg yolks and 2 whole eggs, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Begin Assembly with First Ice Cream Layer
Remove the frozen crust from the freezer and spread half of your 1-quart container of lactose-free vanilla ice cream as the bottom layer.
Work quickly but carefully to maintain a smooth, even surface before returning the pie to the freezer.
Step 5: Add the Lemon Layer and Freeze Again
Pour the cooled lemon curd over the first ice cream layer, making sure it’s completely set and chilled before adding.
Return the pie to the freezer for about 2 hours, giving the lemon layer plenty of time to firm up.
Step 6: Add Final Ice Cream Layer
Top the lemon layer with the remaining vanilla ice cream, spreading it evenly to create a smooth surface.
Pop it back in the freezer for another 15-20 minutes to set this final layer before moving on to the meringue.
Step 7: Top with Meringue and Torch
Prepare your meringue topping according to your preferred recipe, then gently spoon or pipe it onto the frozen pie.
Using a kitchen torch (not your oven broiler—trust me on this one), lightly brown the meringue peaks for that classic, toasted finish.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Let the pie stand at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before slicing to slightly soften the ice cream.
This makes it easier to cut through those delicious layers while still maintaining the pie’s structure and that wonderful contrast between cold ice cream and fluffy meringue.
Having premium baking essentials in your kitchen makes all the difference when creating complex desserts like this frozen pie.
What to Serve with Frozen Lemon Meringue Dream Pie
This showstopper dessert deserves some thoughtful accompaniments to round out your serving experience. A small scoop of fresh raspberry sorbet makes a gorgeous color contrast and adds a tart counterpoint to the sweet-tangy pie.
For a beverage pairing, try an iced Earl Grey tea with a touch of honey—the bergamot notes complement the lemon beautifully.
If you’re serving this at a summer gathering, a small bowl of fresh blueberries on the side creates a lovely flavor combination.
For something more substantial, crisp shortbread cookies provide textural contrast to the creamy-crunchy-fluffy layers of the pie.
And don’t underestimate how well a simple shot of good espresso works here, cutting through the sweetness and cleansing the palate between bites of this dreamy frozen treat.
Frozen Lemon Meringue Dream Pie Substitutions and Variations
• Garnish Ideas: Candied lemon slices, fresh mint leaves, or a light dusting of lemon zest right before serving adds that perfect finishing touch without compromising the meringue.
Leftovers and Storage for this Frozen Lemon Meringue Dream Pie
This frozen treat needs proper storage to maintain that perfect balance of crisp meringue and creamy filling. Here’s how to keep it at its best:
- Store leftover pie in the freezer, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and odor absorption.
- For best quality, enjoy within 3-5 days, though it will remain safe to eat for up to 2 weeks.
- The meringue doesn’t reheat well, so simply thaw individual slices in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving—just enough time to soften slightly but remain cool and invigorating.
- To prevent sogginess, avoid repeated thawing and refreezing. Once the pie begins to melt, the texture changes permanently.
- Unlike some desserts, this pie is actually best enjoyed fresh, as the contrast between the crisp meringue and frozen filling diminishes over time.
Final Thoughts
This Frozen Lemon Meringue Pie brings together the best of two worlds—the zingy freshness of traditional lemon meringue and the cool creaminess of ice cream.
What makes this dessert truly special is how the golden cookie crust and tart lemon filling complement the smooth, lactose-free ice cream, creating layers of texture and flavor in every bite.
It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for summer gatherings or holiday meals when the oven is already working overtime.
The delicate torch-kissed meringue adds that final touch of elegance, making this a showstopper that doesn’t require turning on the broiler.
In the heat of summer or the chaos of holiday season, this cool, bright dessert offers a moment of sweet relief.