If you’re craving something that’s both delightfully creamy and bursting with fresh, fruity flavor, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe is the perfect match. Imagine a buttery, golden graham cracker crust that holds the smoothest cream cheese filling, topped with vibrant fresh strawberries glazed to a shiny finish. It’s an irresistible treat that looks elegant but comes together so easily, making it a go-to dessert for any occasion from cozy family dinners to summer parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a key role in creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors. From the crunchy crust to the rich filling and luscious topping, every component shines on its own and harmonizes beautifully.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The base of your crust, offering a sweet, slightly nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with creamy fillings.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the crust and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Helps bind the crust ingredients together and gives a rich, buttery flavor.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star of the filling, providing a smooth and tangy creaminess you’ll adore.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling evenly without any graininess, enhancing that silky texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, lifting the flavor of the cream cheese to another level.
- Heavy whipping cream (cold): Whipped to stiff peaks, it lightens the filling, making every bite delicate and airy.
- Fresh strawberries (hulled and halved): Offers juicy bursts of sweetness and a beautiful, colorful topping.
- Strawberry preserves or jam (warmed): Creates a glossy glaze that seals in freshness and adds an extra touch of strawberry yum.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl until everything is evenly combined and moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Baking it for about 8 to 10 minutes lets the crust set with a slight toasty flavor and crispness that you’ll love. Then let it cool completely before adding the filling to avoid any sogginess.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes luxuriously smooth and creamy. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form, which means it holds its shape well. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate all that lovely air you’ve just incorporated. This step is essential for achieving that cloud-like, light texture that makes this pie irresistible.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Spread the creamy filling evenly over your cooled crust, smoothing the top for a neat finish. Now it’s time to layer on those fresh strawberries! Arrange them carefully, halves facing up, to create an inviting visual. Finally, brush or spoon the slightly warmed strawberry preserves over the fruit, giving the pie a shiny, luscious glaze that not only looks amazing but also helps keep the berries fresh and juicy.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe really shines when chilled for at least 3 hours before slicing. The cool temperature helps the filling set perfectly, making every slice clean and satisfying while allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Add a few fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the presentation and add a burst of fresh aroma. You might also sprinkle chopped nuts for some crunch or even a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a touch of decadence.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh accompaniments like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you’re looking for a beverage pairing, a chilled glass of sparkling rosé or a fruity iced tea complements the flavors beautifully without overpowering the pie.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing twist, serve the pie in individual clear cups to showcase the layers and vibrant strawberry topping. You can also use the filling as a parfait base by layering it with crushed graham crackers and strawberries for a fun deconstructed take on this classic Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten pie covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper storage maintains the creaminess and freshness of the strawberries, but be sure to enjoy it within 2 days since the crust can soften and the fruit may release juice over time.
Freezing
This pie isn’t the best candidate for freezing due to its fresh fruit topping and whipped cream filling, which can separate and become watery upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated for optimal texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe is a chilled dessert, reheating is not recommended. Serve it cool and fresh for the creamiest, most refreshing experience possible.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made graham cracker crust instead of making my own?
Absolutely! A store-bought crust saves time and works wonderfully for this recipe. Just be sure to skip the baking step for the crust if it’s pre-baked.
How do I make sure the filling is smooth without lumps?
Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing, and beat it thoroughly until silky. Also, sift the powdered sugar to avoid any graininess.
Can I substitute strawberries with other fruits?
Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries make excellent alternatives that pair well with the cream cheese filling.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe contains no meat products and is perfect for vegetarians who enjoy dairy.
How long does the pie need to chill before serving?
Chilling for at least 3 hours is ideal to allow the filling to set and flavors to meld. Overnight chilling if possible makes it even better.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe is a delightful gem that’s as approachable as it is delicious. It’s a sweet way to showcase fresh summer strawberries and a creamy filling that feels both indulgent and light. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just to brighten an ordinary day, I promise it’ll become one of your cherished favorites. Give it a try and enjoy every luscious bite!
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus 3 hours chilling)
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is a delightful American dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust baked to perfection, filled with a smooth and creamy cream cheese filling blended with whipped heavy cream, and topped with fresh strawberry halves glazed in sweet strawberry preserves. This easy-to-make pie is perfect for summer gatherings and offers a refreshing, fruity finish that requires minimal baking and ample chilling time for the best flavor and texture.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
For the topping:
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- ½ cup strawberry preserves or jam, warmed slightly
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate to form the crust.
- Bake the crust: Place the pie plate in the oven and bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes, until it is lightly browned and set. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. In a separate cold bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to create a light and fluffy filling.
- Assemble the pie: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly into the cooled graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Add the topping: Arrange the halved fresh strawberries evenly over the cream layer. Using a spoon or pastry brush, glaze the strawberries with the warmed strawberry preserves to give the pie a beautiful shine and added sweetness.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours to allow it to set fully. This step ensures a firm texture and melds the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Using a store-bought graham cracker crust can save preparation time.
- For an extra flavor boost, add a teaspoon of lemon zest into the filling mixture before folding in the whipped cream.
- This pie is best served within 2 days and should always be kept refrigerated to maintain freshness.
- Ensure the heavy cream is cold before whipping for better volume and texture.
