The warmer months of the year are the time to indulge in light, refreshing no-bake pies, and our Lemon Berry No-Bake Probiotic Pie is the perfect example of pie perfection that comes with added benefits! This no-bake pie provides your body with live and active probiotic cultures from Lifeway Kefir and Farmer Cheese for better gut health and digestion. Plus, it’s rich in complete protein found in Lifeway Kefir and Farmer Cheese, two must-have ingredients for no-bake pies thanks to their ultra creamy, silky smooth texture. We paired them with light, tart lemon, sweet seasonal berries, and raw honey for natural sweetness instead of refined sugar. With zero baking time and so many nutritious ingredients, this is pie you’ll want to slice into all spring and summer long!
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is also a great source of all these nutrients, just in a different format for all the cheese lovers out there.
Prep Time: 4 hours (to set in fridge) Servings: 6-8Ingredients
- 1 cup Lowfat Plain Kefir
- 1 cup Farmer Cheese
- 1 tbsp. lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon's worth)
- 1/4 cup raw honey
- 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
- 1 no-bake style graham cracker crust (use gluten-free alternative if needed)
- Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, sliced strawberries)
- fresh lemon zest and/or slices
- fresh mint leaves for garnish
Directions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine Lifeway Farmer Cheese, Lifeway Plain Kefir, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer (or blender), blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the pie is set and firm. (Overnight works great too!)
- Just before serving, top the pie with fresh mixed berries and garnish with mint leaves for a pop of spring color.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy a refreshing, probiotic-packed dessert!
- This pie will keep 4-5 days in the fridge or you can freeze it for up to 1 month if covered well. If freezing, thaw at least 1 hour in the fridge first before eating.
- Add an extra drizzle of honey over the berries for a glossy finish if you want!
- To make this sweeter, use a flavor of Lifeawy Kefir; our Lowfat Strawberry, Blueberry, Peach, Vanilla, and Mango would be excellent ways to sweeten it a bit more and add a pop of flavor for seasonal variations!
- To make this richer, use our whole milk kefir varieties instead of the lowfat varieties.
