If you adore the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake but want a cool, no-bake twist that’s effortless to make and perfect for warm days, the Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie Recipe will quickly become your new favorite dessert. It combines the buttery crunch of a shortbread crust with a luscious, creamy filling speckled with fresh strawberries, all frozen into a sliceable pie that’s refreshing and irresistibly delicious. This dessert is ideal for sharing with friends or family, and its simple preparation means you can have it ready with minimal fuss but maximum wow factor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie Recipe calls for simple ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that delightful balance between creamy sweetness and crispy crumbly goodness.
- 2 cups crushed shortbread cookies: The base of your pie with a rich, buttery crunch that forms a sturdy crust.
- 6 tbsp melted butter: Binds the cookies together and adds that irresistible richness to the crust.
- 2 tbsp sugar: Just enough sweetness to enhance the crust without overpowering.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy, tangy backbone for the filling’s luscious texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling smoothly and evenly.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the filling with warm, comforting notes of vanilla.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped: Juicy bursts of freshness that brighten every bite.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped and folded into the filling to keep it light and airy.
- 1 cup whipped cream (for topping): Finishing touch that adds fluffiness and lusciousness on top.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Start by combining the crushed shortbread cookies with melted butter and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and feel like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into your pie dish to create an even, compact crust. Then pop it in the freezer for 20 minutes so it sets perfectly, allowing it to hold the filling without crumbling.
Step 2: Make the creamy filling
While the crust chills, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and silky. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to keep the filling light, fluffy, and utterly dreamy.
Step 3: Add the strawberries and assemble
Gently fold the chopped fresh strawberries into the filling, distributing those juicy pops of flavor throughout. Pour this gorgeous mixture over your chilled crust, spreading it evenly. Return the pie to the freezer, and let it set for at least 4 hours to become firm and sliceable.
Step 4: Garnish and enjoy
Before serving, top your pie with the whipped cream, extra fresh strawberries, and a sprinkle of crushed shortbread cookies for texture and flair. Slice, serve, and watch your guests’ faces light up with every bite of this cool, creamy delight.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie Recipe is where you can have fun and add a pop of color and texture. Fresh strawberry halves or slices work beautifully, as do a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few scattered shortbread crumbs for crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a light, refreshing side like a mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette, or even a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience. The creaminess and fruit balance perfectly with something crisp or cold on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your freezer pie in individual clear cups or mason jars for a charming touch, perfect for parties. You can also add layers of crushed shortbread and strawberries on top to create a strawberry shortcake parfait inspired look. Play with colors and garnishes to make it stunningly inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the freezer. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents freezer burn. When properly stored, the pie will maintain its delightful texture for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing
This pie is perfect for freezing, which makes it an excellent make-ahead treat. Freeze it fully wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for extra protection. You can prepare it well in advance for gatherings or just to have a ready-to-go dessert in your freezer at all times.
Reheating
No reheating needed here! Simply thaw your pie slices in the refrigerator for an hour or two before serving. This allows the texture to soften slightly while still maintaining that cool, refreshing quality that makes the Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie Recipe so appealing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
Absolutely! While crushed shortbread cookies give the best buttery flavor and texture, you can swap in graham crackers or vanilla wafers for a twist. Just keep the ratios the same for best results.
How long does it take to freeze before serving?
For best texture and sliceability, freeze the pie for at least 4 hours. Overnight freezing works perfectly if you want to prepare it ahead of time.
Can I make this pie without cream cheese?
Cream cheese gives the filling its signature tang and creaminess. You could try using mascarpone as a substitute, but omitting cream cheese entirely will change the texture quite a bit and make the filling less stable.
Is it possible to use frozen strawberries?
You can use frozen strawberries but make sure to thaw and drain any excess juice to avoid a watery filling. Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture for this recipe.
How should I serve leftover pie?
Keep leftovers frozen until ready to eat, then thaw in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before slicing. This keeps the pie fresh and delicious for another delightful serving.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie Recipe enough if you want a dessert that’s both impressive and effortless. It’s a perfect harmony of creamy, crunchy, and fruity elements that satisfy your sweet tooth in the most refreshing way. Give this recipe a try—you’re going to love how simple it is to create and how instantly beloved it becomes at any gathering.
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This no-bake Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie is a delightful frozen dessert combining a buttery shortbread cookie crust with a creamy strawberry-infused filling. Perfect for warm days, it features fresh strawberries folded into a luscious cream cheese and whipped cream mixture, all set in a crisp cookie base and topped with more whipped cream and strawberries for a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups crushed shortbread cookies
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Topping
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Additional fresh strawberries, for garnish
- Additional crushed shortbread cookies, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed shortbread cookies, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a pie dish to form an even crust. Place the pie dish in the freezer and chill for 20 minutes to set.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
- Add strawberries and assemble: Fold the chopped fresh strawberries into the cream mixture, stirring gently to distribute them evenly. Pour this filling over the chilled crust in the pie dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Freeze the pie: Place the assembled pie into the freezer and let it set for at least 4 hours or until firm and well chilled.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, spread whipped cream evenly over the top of the pie. Garnish with additional fresh strawberries and crushed shortbread cookies for texture and visual appeal. Slice and enjoy your refreshing strawberry shortcake freezer pie!
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries for sweet flavor and bright color.
- You can substitute shortbread cookies with graham crackers for a different crust flavor.
- If you prefer a sweeter crust, increase the sugar slightly to 3 tablespoons.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Let the pie thaw slightly at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing to make cutting easier.
