A delightful dessert that combines the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh strawberries with a creamy filling, all nestled in a buttery crust. Perfect for any occasion, this pie is a crowd-pleaser thatโs as beautiful as it is delicious.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare: With minimal effort, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes gourmet.
- Fresh and vibrant: The use of fresh strawberries gives it a natural sweetness and a burst of flavor.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a treat for holidays, family gatherings, or any casual dessert night.
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for preparing in advance so you can focus on other dishes or just relax.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh strawberries
- Granulated sugar
- Cream cheese
- Whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Pre-baked pie crust
Directions
- Prepare the pie crust by pre-baking it and allowing it to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread the creamy filling evenly over the cooled pie crust.
- Arrange fresh strawberries on top, either halved or sliced, for a decorative touch.
- Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 slices
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Chilling time: 2 hours
- Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Variations
- Graham cracker crust: Use a graham cracker crust instead of a traditional pie crust for a different texture and flavor.
- Berry mix: Incorporate other fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry cream pie.
- Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the strawberries for an indulgent touch.
- No-bake crust: Opt for a no-bake crust made with crushed cookies and butter if you want to skip the baking step.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cover the pie with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the pie without the strawberries on top. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Add fresh strawberries after thawing.
- Reheating: This pie is best served cold and doesnโt require reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to serve.
3. What can I use instead of a pie crust?
Try using a graham cracker crust, cookie crust, or even a puff pastry shell.
4. How do I prevent the pie from becoming soggy?
Ensure the pie crust is fully baked and cooled, and avoid adding overly juicy strawberries directly onto the filling.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free pie crust or make your own using gluten-free cookies.
6. Can I sweeten the strawberries?
If your strawberries are not very sweet, sprinkle them with a bit of sugar or honey before arranging them on the pie.
7. Can I use whipped topping instead of whipping cream?
Yes, whipped topping can be a convenient substitute, but the flavor of freshly whipped cream is superior.
8. Whatโs the best way to slice the pie?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.
9. Can I add a glaze to the strawberries?
Yes, you can brush the strawberries with a light fruit glaze or warm jelly for shine and extra sweetness.
10. What can I do with leftover filling?
Leftover filling can be used as a dip for fresh fruit or as a layer in a parfait.
Conclusion
Strawberry cream pie is a delightful dessert thatโs perfect for any occasion. Its creamy filling, vibrant strawberries, and versatile crust options make it a favorite among dessert lovers. With simple preparation and the ability to customize to your liking, itโs a recipe youโll want to make again and again.
Print
Strawberry Cream Pie
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Cream Pie is a delightful dessert that combines a creamy filling with the fresh, sweet flavor of strawberries, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. This no-bake recipe is perfect for warm days when you want a refreshing treat without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 8 sheets)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For the Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup fresh strawberries, mashed
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
- Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Place the crust in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Cream Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the mashed strawberries until well combined.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream:
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the sliced strawberries.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Spoon the strawberry cream filling into the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours, or until set.
Notes
- For a firmer crust, you can bake it at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 8-10 minutes before filling, then let it cool completely.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- For a decorative touch, garnish the pie with additional whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices before serving.
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