Sprite Pie Recipe: A Simple, Delicious Dessert with a Lemon-Lime Twist

Step back in time to the resourcefulness of the Great Depression era and discover the surprising delight of Sprite Pie. This unique dessert is a modern twist on the classic “water pie,” reimagined with a vibrant lemon-lime soda. Requiring just six simple ingredients, this recipe defies expectations, transforming humble pantry staples into an incredibly decadent, ooey-gooey, and utterly fantastic dessert. Its filling bakes to a beautiful caramelized perfection, offering a taste that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly innovative.

Initially, the concept of a “Sprite pie” might sound unusual, even prompting skepticism, much like it did for us. However, the outcome is nothing short of delightful. Each bite offers a delectable sweetness reminiscent of a sugar cookie, yet it’s perfectly balanced and never excessively cloying. The luscious, almost custard-like texture of the filling, combined with the subtle zest from the lemon-lime soda, creates a truly irresistible dessert that will surprise and impress anyone who tries it.

While we cherish traditional holiday favorites like our Sweet Potato Pie Recipe, this Sprite Pie has quickly become a beloved addition to our repertoire for various gatherings and everyday treats. Its minimal ingredient list and straightforward preparation make it an ideal choice when you crave something extraordinary without the fuss. If you enjoy unique and easy-to-make pies, you might also love our Margarita Pie Recipe, a cozy Cinnamon Roll Pie Recipe, or The Best Lemonade Pie Recipe.

We absolutely love experimenting with unconventional ingredients to create surprisingly delicious desserts. Beyond this Sprite Pie, our adventurous culinary journey has led us to other fascinating creations such as Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake, the comforting Butternut Squash Pie Recipe, and the classic Mincemeat Pie. And if you’re a fan of the rich, sweet flavors of cannolis, our Cannoli Pie Recipe is a must-try!

What Exactly is Sprite Pie? A Sweet History Lesson

You might be curious about the origins and nature of this intriguing dessert. Sprite pie is, at its heart, a modern and surprisingly delicious adaptation of the “water pie,” a resourceful recipe born out of necessity during the Great Depression. In times of scarcity, when fresh fruits, eggs, and other common pie fillings were luxuries, resourceful home cooks created “water pie” using only water, flour, sugar, and a touch of vanilla to mimic the essence of a sweet, fruit-filled pie.

Our contemporary version takes inspiration from this resilient culinary history, with a delightful and refreshing lemon-lime twist. Instead of plain water, this baked pie recipe brilliantly incorporates Sprite, a popular lemon-lime flavored soda. The carbonation and citrus notes from the Sprite infuse the pie with a unique tang and lightness that elevates it far beyond its humble beginnings. The magic happens in the oven: as it bakes, the simple filling caramelizes, transforming into an irresistibly ooey-gooey, mouthwatering center. The result is a truly fabulous and uncomplicated dessert that defies its simple ingredient list, proving that often, the best creations come from ingenuity and a dash of playful experimentation. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by just how yummy this pie truly is!

Why You’ll Adore This Easy Pie Recipe

• Minimal Ingredients: With only six basic items, this pie is perfect for spontaneous baking or when pantry supplies are low.
• Budget-Friendly: Drawing inspiration from the Great Depression, this recipe is incredibly economical without sacrificing flavor.
• Unique Flavor Profile: The lemon-lime soda creates a surprisingly complex and refreshing taste that stands out from traditional pies.
• Irresistible Texture: Expect a delightful caramelized, ooey-gooey center with a perfectly baked crust.
• Simple to Make: Even novice bakers can achieve impressive results with these straightforward instructions.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its unique charm and delicious taste make it a fantastic conversation starter and a hit at any gathering.

The Magic Behind the Minimal Ingredients

It’s truly remarkable how a handful of basic kitchen staples can create such a spectacular dessert. The beauty of the Sprite Pie lies in the synergistic reaction of these few components. Sugar provides the foundational sweetness, while flour acts as a thickening agent, creating the pie’s signature gooey texture. Grated butter melts evenly, adding richness and contributing to that desirable caramelized top layer. The frozen pie crust offers unparalleled convenience and a perfectly flaky base. The star, Sprite, is more than just a liquid; its carbonation helps aerate the filling, while its lemon-lime flavor provides a bright, tangy counterpoint to the sweetness. Finally, vanilla extract deepens the overall flavor profile, adding a warm, aromatic note that brings all the elements together.

Simple Ingredient List

Gathering your ingredients for this easy Sprite pie is quick and effortless. You likely have most of these items in your pantry already!

• Sugar
• Flour
• Butter, grated (cold is best for grating!)
• Frozen Pie Crust (one 9-inch crust)
• Sprite (one 12-oz can)
• Vanilla Extract

For the precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll down to the detailed recipe card below.

Creative Variations to Try for Your Sprite Pie

While the classic Sprite Pie is delicious as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment with these variations to customize your dessert:

• Classic Water Pie: For an authentic Depression-era experience, simply substitute the Sprite with water. This version will still achieve that incredible gooey texture and classic sweet flavor, perhaps with a slightly less pronounced citrus note.
• Homemade Pie Crust: If you enjoy baking from scratch, consider using a Homemade Pie Crust. This will add a personal touch and can significantly enhance the overall flavor and texture of your pie.
• Different Sodas: Explore other clear, citrus-flavored sodas! Lemon-lime sodas like 7-Up or Sierra Mist work beautifully. You could even try a ginger ale for a subtle spice, or a clear cream soda for a richer, sweeter flavor profile. Avoid dark sodas, as they might alter the color and could have competing flavors.
• Citrus Zest Boost: For an even brighter lemon-lime flavor, add a teaspoon or two of fresh lemon or lime zest to your sugar and flour mixture before sprinkling.
• Spices: A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon sprinkled with the sugar and flour can add a warm, comforting dimension to the pie.
• Toppings: While simple is best for this pie, a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar makes for a lovely presentation and added indulgence.

Step-by-Step Baking Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Sprite Pie

Creating this delightful Sprite Pie is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 200 degrees Celsius). A properly preheated oven ensures even baking.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust and Sprite: Take your frozen pie crust directly from the freezer. Carefully pour the entire can of Sprite into the pie shell, filling it almost to the brim.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, thoroughly whisk together the sugar and flour until they are well combined. This ensures an even distribution later.




4. Distribute the Mixture: Evenly disperse the sugar and flour mixture all over the Sprite in the pie crust. Try to cover the entire surface for consistent thickening.




5. Add Vanilla Extract: Gently sprinkle the vanilla extract evenly on top of the mixture. This will add depth and aroma to your pie.




6. Sprinkle with Butter: Next, sprinkle the grated butter evenly across the top of the pie. Pro Tip: Using a vegetable peeler to grate cold butter makes this step incredibly easy and ensures even distribution!




7. Cover and Protect the Crust: Cover the entire pie loosely with aluminum foil. Then, cut an “X” in the center of the foil and gently peel back the triangular sections. This clever trick protects the edges of your pie crust from burning while allowing the filling to bake properly.

4. First Bake: Place the covered pie in your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Second Bake and Temperature Reduction: After 30 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 190 degrees Celsius). Continue to bake for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Cool Completely: This step is crucial for the pie’s structure! Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before moving it to the refrigerator. It might appear runny at this stage, but don’t worry.
7. Refrigerate to Solidify: Once cooled, place the pie in the fridge. Allow it to chill for several hours, or ideally overnight, so the filling can fully solidify and achieve its perfect consistency. Serve chilled with your favorite toppings!

Expert Tips for a Perfect Sprite Pie Every Time

Achieving Sprite Pie perfection is easy with these helpful tips:

• Patience is Key for Setting: Do NOT cut into the pie until it has completely cooled at room temperature and then thoroughly chilled in the refrigerator. This resting period is essential for the filling to properly set and firm up. Rushing this step will result in a runny pie.
• Protect Your Crust: It is vitally important to cover the edges of your pie crust with foil during baking. This prevents the delicate crust from over-browning or burning before the filling is fully cooked. The “X” cut method mentioned in the instructions is a simple and effective way to achieve this.
• Trust the Thickening Process: Don’t be alarmed if the pie’s texture seems quite runny when it first comes out of the oven. This is normal! The pie filling will gradually thicken as it cools, and even more significantly once it’s refrigerated. The longer it chills, the firmer and more sliceable it will become.
• Cold Butter for Grating: Make sure your butter is very cold when you grate it. This makes the grating process much easier and ensures that the butter disperses finely and evenly over the pie, contributing to a better texture and flavor.
• Even Distribution: When sprinkling the sugar/flour mixture, vanilla extract, and grated butter, try to distribute them as evenly as possible. This ensures that the pie bakes uniformly and develops a consistent texture and flavor throughout.
• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill your pie crust with Sprite initially. Leave a small amount of space at the top to account for expansion during baking and to prevent spillage.

Serving Suggestions for Your Sprite Pie

This humble pie truly shines on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate the experience:

• Classic Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream is the perfect complement, adding a light, airy contrast to the rich filling.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream melting over a slice of chilled Sprite pie is pure bliss.
• Fresh Berries: A scattering of fresh raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries can add a burst of color and a touch of fruity tartness.
• Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant finish.

How to Store Your Sprite Pie for Optimal Freshness

Proper storage is essential to maintain the delightful texture and flavor of your Sprite Pie. Once the pie has cooled completely and been refrigerated to set, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. We do not recommend freezing this pie, as the texture of the filling may change upon thawing.

Sprite Pie Recipe Card

Sprite Pie

Rated 4.60 out of 5 stars by 50 readers.

This Sprite pie recipe is a delightful variation from the Great Depression era. It requires only 6 ingredients and bakes into a fantastic, ooey-gooey dessert that will surprise and satisfy.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins

Servings: 8

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Calories: 423 kcal

Author: Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• ¼ cup flour
• 5 tbsp butter, grated
• 1 (9-inch) frozen pie crust
• 1 can (12 oz) Sprite
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C).
2. Remove the frozen pie crust from the freezer. Pour the entire can of Sprite into the pie crust.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar and flour until well combined.
4. Sprinkle this sugar and flour mixture evenly on top of the Sprite in the pie crust.
5. Sprinkle the vanilla extract evenly over the mixture.
6. Grate the cold butter and sprinkle it evenly on top of the pie filling.
7. Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil. Cut an “X” in the center of the foil and peel back the triangular sections to protect the crust from burning.
8. Bake for 30 minutes.
9. Reduce the oven heat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C) and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
10. Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature.
11. Then, refrigerate the pie for several hours, or overnight, to allow the filling to fully harden and set before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 423 kcal, Carbohydrates: 57g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 19mg, Sodium: 266mg, Potassium: 57mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 30g, Vitamin A: 219IU, Calcium: 13mg, Iron: 2mg.

More Easy Pie Recipes to Explore

If you enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of this Sprite Pie, you’re in luck! Our collection is full of easy-to-make pie recipes that are perfect for any occasion:

• Crack Pie Recipe
• Butterscotch Pie
• Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie
• No Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe
• No-Bake Salted Caramel Pie Recipe

We absolutely love hearing from you and seeing your culinary creations! If you make this fantastic Sprite Pie recipe, please make sure to leave us a comment and share your experience. Your feedback helps our community of home bakers!