If you’re searching for a showstopper dessert that’s delightfully easy yet irresistibly delicious, look no further than Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie. This dreamy, no-bake treat layers a pillowy sweet cream cheese filling inside a crisp graham cracker crust, all crowned with juicy fresh strawberries and glossy strawberry glaze. It’s a chilled dessert that simply bursts with bright, berry flavor and creamy richness, and it never fails to steal the spotlight at spring picnics, summer barbecues, or any occasion that deserves a little extra sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is in its simple, fresh ingredients — each one plays a key role, from adding luscious creaminess to delivering a burst of berry brightness and the perfect balance of texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why you don’t want to skip a thing:
- Pre-baked 9-inch graham cracker crust: The crunchy, buttery foundation that gives this pie its signature flavor and makes prep a breeze.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The heart of the filling, providing that iconic tang and silky smooth texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese just enough to balance its tangy notes.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, aromatic depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Whipped to billowy peaks, it lightens the filling and adds a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the whipped cream without any grittiness, dissolving smoothly for a velvety finish.
- Fresh strawberries (2 cups, hulled and sliced): These vibrant beauties are both eye-catching and bursting with juicy, fruity flavor.
- Strawberry glaze or strawberry jam (1/2 cup, slightly warmed): A glossy layer that heightens strawberry flavor and gives the pie a bakery-finish look.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
Step 1: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and completely lump-free. Don’t rush this part — a gentle but thorough mix is key to a dreamy, cloud-like texture!
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. You’ll know it’s ready when you lift the beaters and the cream holds its shape. This makes the Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie filling extra light and airy.
Step 3: Fold Whipped Cream Into Cream Cheese Mixture
Gently fold the whipped cream into your cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Work slowly and with a light hand; this preserves the airiness so every bite is wonderfully fluffy.
Step 4: Fill and Chill the Crust
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly into your cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top for a pretty finish. Pop the pie in the fridge for at least 2 hours — this is crucial for setting the filling so it slices beautifully later.
Step 5: Decorate with Strawberries and Glaze
Arrange the sliced strawberries in a decorative pattern on top of the chilled pie. Spoon the slightly warmed strawberry glaze or jam over the berries for a glossy, appetizing finish. Now, it looks as good as it tastes!
Step 6: Slice and Serve
When the Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is fully set and beautifully chilled, slice it into wedges and serve cold. Watch how quickly it disappears!
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
Garnishes
A sprig of fresh mint, a dusting of powdered sugar, or some extra strawberry slices on each wedge instantly elevate Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie from homey to elegant. For an extra pop of color, try edible flowers — they’re as lovely as they are surprising!
Side Dishes
This pie pairs perfectly with lightly sweetened whipped cream, a few squares of dark chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re serving a crowd, try it with a cool fruit salad or lemonade for a supremely refreshing dessert tableau.
Creative Ways to Present
You can make individual mini pies in mason jars for a picnic-ready twist, or cut larger slices and nestle them among fresh strawberries for a dramatic presentation. For dinner parties, drizzle a little melted chocolate or extra glaze on each plate and add a thin slice of lemon zest to play up those fresh, tangy notes in the filling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It stays perfectly creamy and delicious for up to 2 days, though chances are high it’ll be gone much sooner.
Freezing
While you can freeze Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie, it’s best done without the fresh strawberry and glaze topping for optimal texture. Wrap the pie tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add your strawberry topping just before serving.
Reheating
This pie is meant to be served chilled, so no reheating is required! If you’ve frozen your pie, simply let it thaw in the fridge until set and ready to slice.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Frozen strawberries tend to release a lot of juice as they thaw, which can make the topping watery and less visually appealing. For the absolute best Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie, stick with fresh strawberries for that burst of flavor and gorgeous look.
How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Make sure your graham cracker crust is fully cooled before adding the filling. If you want extra insurance, brush a light layer of melted white chocolate on the crust after baking and let it firm up before filling — it acts as a delicious moisture barrier!
What if I don’t have a mixer?
You can cream the cheese mixture by hand with a sturdy whisk and lots of elbow grease, and whip the cream with a large balloon whisk. It takes a little longer, but it’s 100% doable and kind of fun!
Can I make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the whole pie (except for the fresh strawberry topping) up to a day ahead. Add the sliced strawberries and glaze just before serving for the freshest flavor and prettiest results.
What’s the best way to slice the pie cleanly?
Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This helps you glide through the creamy filling and berries for neat, beautiful slices every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is a cherished favorite: it’s simple, beautiful, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re ready to fall in love with a new dessert classic, gather your berries and give this pie a try — your tastebuds (and your friends) will thank you!
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the lusciousness of this no-bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie. A delightful combination of creamy cheese filling, fresh strawberries, and a hint of sweetness, all nestled in a graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch graham cracker crust
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Toppings:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup strawberry glaze or strawberry jam, slightly warmed
Instructions
- Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
- Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
- Assemble: Spread the cream cheese filling into the cooled graham cracker crust. Arrange sliced strawberries on top in a decorative pattern.
- Glaze: Spoon the warmed strawberry glaze or jam over the berries.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours until set.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- You can make your own glaze by heating strawberry jam with water until pourable.
- Add lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- Best consumed within 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
