Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This strawberry cream cheese pie is a crowd-pleaser with its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The smooth, creamy filling is rich and tangy, complementing the juicy sweetness of the fresh strawberries on top. The graham cracker crust adds just the right amount of crunch and saltiness, rounding out the pie for a satisfying bite every time. It’s the ideal dessert for any occasion, whether you're hosting a cookout, a casual dinner, or just looking for a quick but elegant sweet treat.

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. With minimal ingredients and no baking involved, it’s a stress-free way to bring a stunning dessert to the table. Plus, the refreshing strawberry topping elevates the flavor, making each bite a celebration of summer’s best produce.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

• 1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust

For the cream cheese filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup heavy cream

For the strawberry topping:

• 5 cups fresh strawberries, tops removed and quartered (divided)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch

• 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

2. Whip the Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and smooth.

3. Assemble the Pie: Spread the cream cheese filling into the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate the pie for at least 3-4 hours, or until it is fully set.

4. Make the Strawberry Topping: In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups of the fresh strawberries (quartered), granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the strawberries release their juice (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

5. Finish the Pie: Once the strawberry topping has cooled, spoon it over the chilled cream cheese filling, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the remaining 2 cups of fresh strawberries on top as a garnish.

6. Chill and Serve: Return the pie to the refrigerator and chill for at least another hour before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Yield: Serves 8

• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling)

Variations

• Berry Mix: Swap the strawberries for a mix of your favorite berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.

• No-Bake Crust: For an even easier crust, you can use store-bought shortbread or digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers.

• Chocolate Twist: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top of the strawberries for a chocolate-strawberry flavor combination.

• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream to replace the heavy cream for a vegan version of this pie.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: This pie is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it. If you prefer a softer consistency, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! This pie is perfect for making ahead. In fact, it needs to chill for several hours, so it’s great to prepare the day before your event.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are ideal for the topping, but if you need to use frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them thoroughly before using.

Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust?

Absolutely! A store-bought graham cracker crust can save you time and still make a delicious pie.

How long should I let the pie chill?

The pie should chill for at least 4 hours, but for the best results, let it sit overnight in the fridge.

Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can swap the graham cracker crust for a shortbread or even an Oreo crust, depending on your preference.

Is there a dairy-free version of this pie?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives, like coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese.

How do I make the strawberry topping thicker?

The cornstarch helps thicken the topping, but if you prefer it thicker, you can use a bit more cornstarch or cook it longer to reduce the liquid.

Can I freeze this pie?

While it's best served fresh, you can freeze the pie for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute whipped topping, but the texture may not be as rich as when using freshly whipped cream.

Can I add more sweetness to the filling?

If you prefer a sweeter filling, feel free to adjust the powdered sugar to your liking, but be careful not to make it too sweet, as the strawberry topping adds sweetness as well.

Conclusion

This No-Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With its creamy filling, crisp graham cracker crust, and juicy strawberry topping, it’s a dessert that combines elegance with simplicity. Plus, the fact that it’s make-ahead means less stress on the day of your event. Whether it’s a summer picnic, a dinner party, or just a treat for yourself, this pie will impress and satisfy with minimal effort!

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