Frozen Strawberry Margarita Pie

This frozen Strawberry Margarita Pie is the ultimate summer treat when temperatures soar. With a perfect balance of sweet strawberries, tangy lime, and a hint of tequila, this dessert captures all the flavors of your favorite cocktail in a deliciously cool pie form. The pretzel crust adds just the right amount of salty crunch to complement the creamy, fruity filling.

I first created this pie for a Fourth of July backyard party during a massive heat wave. It was such a hit that my neighbors now specifically request it for our annual block party and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

• Pretzel crumbs: Create the perfect salty sweet foundation that complements the filling beautifully
• Butter: Binds the crust together and adds richness
• Cream cheese: Provides the creamy base for the filling look for full fat for best results
• Key lime juice: Nellie & Joes brand works perfectly for authentic flavor
• Sweetened condensed milk: Creates the silky smooth texture and balances the tanginess
• Fresh strawberries: Adds natural flavor and beautiful color
• Blue Agave Tequila: The secret ingredient that gives the authentic margarita taste
• Garnishes: Fresh strawberries lime slices and mint leaves make this pie Instagram worthy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the crust:

Process pretzels in a blender until they reach a fine crumb consistency. The texture should be uniform but not powdery. Pulse rather than continuous blending gives the best results.

Mix with butter:

Thoroughly combine the pretzel crumbs with melted butter and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Every crumb should be moistened for the crust to hold together properly.

Form the crust:

Press the pretzel mixture firmly into your pie dish using your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup. Be sure to press up the sides evenly and create a compact layer on the bottom to prevent crumbling when serving.

Bake the crust:

Ten minutes at 350°F transforms the crust into a golden brown base with the perfect crunch. Allow it to cool completely before filling to maintain structural integrity.

Beat the cream cheese:

Using a stand or hand mixer whip the cream cheese until it becomes light and fluffy with no lumps. This crucial step ensures a smooth filling.

Add lime juice:

Incorporate the key lime juice gradually while continuing to beat the mixture. This prevents curdling and ensures the tangy flavor distributes evenly.

Mix in condensed milk and strawberries:

Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and add the diced strawberries. Beating for a full two minutes incorporates air for a lighter texture and thoroughly distributes the strawberry pieces.

Add tequila:

Gently fold in the Blue Agave Tequila by hand to maintain the filling's volume while ensuring the alcohol is evenly distributed throughout.

Freeze the pie:

Pour the completed filling into the cooled crust and freeze for at least 4 hours until set. For best results overnight freezing allows all flavors to meld perfectly.

Garnish and serve:

Allow the pie to thaw slightly before decorating with fresh strawberry slices lime wedges and tiny mint leaves for the perfect presentation.

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The pretzel crust is what truly makes this dessert special for me. I discovered it by accident when I ran out of graham crackers one day and needed a substitute. The salty sweet combination was such a delightful surprise that I never went back to traditional crusts for this pie.

Making It Alcohol Free

This pie can easily be transformed into a family friendly dessert by simply omitting the tequila. The result is a refreshing strawberry limeade flavor that everyone can enjoy. To maintain the liquid balance replace the tequila with an equal amount of strawberry puree or additional lime juice for extra tanginess. The texture remains perfectly creamy and the flavor is still bright and summery.

Storage Tips

For the best texture enjoy this pie within two weeks of making it. Keep it well wrapped in the freezer to prevent freezer burn and ice crystallization. When serving from frozen allow the pie to sit at room temperature for exactly 10 minutes before slicing this perfect timing ensures clean slices while maintaining the ideal semifrozen texture. If you notice the edges starting to melt return it to the freezer for a quick chill before continuing to serve.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

This Strawberry Margarita Pie makes an excellent finale to a Mexican inspired meal. Serve after enchiladas or tacos for a themed dinner party. For an extra special presentation rim dessert plates with a mixture of sugar and lime zest to mimic the salt rim of a traditional margarita glass. Complete the experience by serving alongside mini shooter glasses of premium tequila for adults who want the full margarita experience.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make the pie without tequila?

Yes, you can omit the tequila. The pie will still have a refreshing strawberry lime flavor, resembling strawberry limeade.

→ Can I use gluten-free pretzels for the crust?

Yes, gluten-free pretzels work wonderfully for the crust, providing the same crunchy texture.

→ How do I store this pie?

Store the frozen pie in the freezer, covered with plastic wrap or foil, for up to a week. Let it thaw for 10 minutes before serving.

→ What can I use as a garnish?

Garnish the pie with sliced strawberries, lime slices, and small mint leaves for a flavorful and decorative touch.

→ Is this pie suitable for kids?

If you omit the tequila, this pie becomes kid-friendly and still delicious, with a strawberry limeade flavor.