Strawberry Cream Pie is a delightful dessert featuring a buttery crust, a rich and creamy filling, and a luscious strawberry topping. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this pie combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a smooth, velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- A light and refreshing dessert for warm weather.
- Combines the rich flavors of cream with the natural sweetness of strawberries.
- Can be made ahead for convenience.
- Customizable with different crusts or toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Graham cracker or pastry pie crust
- Cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy whipping cream
- Fresh strawberries
- Strawberry glaze or jam
Directions
- Prepare the Crust – If using a homemade crust, bake it until golden brown and allow it to cool completely. If using a pre-made graham cracker crust, simply set it aside.
- Make the Cream Filling – In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- Assemble the Pie – Spread the cream filling evenly into the cooled crust.
- Prepare the Strawberries – Slice fresh strawberries and arrange them over the cream filling.
- Add the Glaze – Drizzle strawberry glaze or jam over the strawberries to enhance their flavor and appearance.
- Chill and Serve – Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours
Variations
- Chocolate Twist – Add a layer of melted chocolate or chocolate ganache at the bottom of the crust for extra richness.
- Lemon Zest – Incorporate a hint of lemon zest into the cream filling for a bright citrus note.
- Cookie Crust – Use crushed Oreos or vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers for a different texture.
- Sugar-Free Version – Substitute sugar with a sugar alternative and use sugar-free strawberry glaze for a healthier option.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store the pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pie without the strawberry topping for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding fresh strawberries and serving.
- Serving Tip: Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, ensure the crust is fully baked and cooled before adding the filling. You can also brush a thin layer of melted chocolate on the crust before adding the cream layer.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them well before using.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and add the fresh strawberries and glaze just before serving.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt can be used as alternatives, though the texture and taste may vary slightly.
How can I make this pie dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream as substitutes for the traditional ingredients.
What is the best way to slice the pie neatly?
For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling the pie well before slicing also helps.
Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries make excellent additions.
What type of glaze should I use?
A simple store-bought strawberry glaze works well, or you can make your own by heating strawberry jam with a little water until smooth.
Can I use a different crust?
Yes, a shortbread or vanilla wafer crust can be a great alternative to graham cracker or pastry crust.
How do I thicken homemade strawberry glaze?
If making your own glaze, use cornstarch or gelatin to achieve the desired consistency.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cream Pie is a light and refreshing dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Its creamy filling, fresh strawberries, and buttery crust make it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this pie is sure to be a favorite. Serve it chilled for the best experience, and enjoy every bite!
Description
This strawberry cream pie is a dreamy, no-bake dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious strawberry cream filling, and fresh strawberries on top. Perfect for summer gatherings or a sweet treat any time of the year!
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- Whole strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Blend or mash the chopped strawberries and jam, then fold into the filling.
- Spread the strawberry cream filling into the graham cracker crust.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
- Garnish with whole strawberries before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a chocolate crust instead of graham crackers.
- You can swap out fresh strawberries for frozen ones (thawed and drained).
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