Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that combines the lusciousness of fresh fruit with a creamy, dreamy texture, then you’re in for a treat with this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe. It’s the perfect no-bake dessert that feels elegant yet is incredibly easy to whip up. With a crisp graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a vibrant strawberry topping glazed to perfection, this pie is a celebration of summer freshness and indulgence all in one bite. Every slice bursts with a balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors that will quickly turn it into a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe is simple, but essential—they work in harmony to create a dessert that’s rich, fresh, and visually stunning. From the buttery graham cracker crust to the fluffy cream cheese filling and the glossy strawberry topping, every component plays a crucial role.
- Pre-baked 9-inch graham cracker crust: Provides a buttery, crunchy foundation that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds smoothness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese just enough without overpowering the fresh strawberry flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting aroma that elevates the entire pie’s flavor profile.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, it lightens the filling, making it airy and luscious.
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: The star of the show; they bring bright color and natural sweetness.
- ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves: Used to create a glossy glaze that seals in freshness and adds shine.
- 1 tablespoon water: Helps thin out the jam to the perfect glaze consistency for brushing over the strawberries.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by beating the softened cream cheese together with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until you achieve a silky, smooth consistency. This foundation is key—it sets the tone for the entire pie by offering a rich flavor balanced with just enough sweetness. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form; this step introduces lightness and fluffiness, turning the filling into a velvety cloud. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to maintain that airy texture without deflating it.
Step 2: Assemble the Base Layer
Spoon the creamy mixture evenly into your pre-baked graham cracker crust. Smooth the top to create an inviting surface for the strawberry topping. Once filled, pop the pie into the refrigerator and chill it for at least one hour to set. This chilling step is crucial because it helps the filling firm up while keeping a luscious softness you’ll love.
Step 3: Create the Strawberry Glaze
While the filling chills, gently warm your strawberry jam with a tablespoon of water in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir often until the jam melts and blends into a smooth glaze. Allow the glaze to cool slightly so it thickens enough to coat the strawberries without running off.
Step 4: Top with Strawberries and Glaze
Arrange the sliced strawberries artfully over the set cream cheese layer. The vivid red slices will make the pie look irresistible. Then, using a brush or spoon, gently cover the strawberries with your cooled glaze, giving the pie a shiny, fresh finish that locks in moisture and flavor. Chill the pie again for another one to two hours to allow the glaze to set perfectly with the fruit.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of elegance and texture, consider sprinkling the finished pie with finely chopped pistachios, shredded coconut, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh mint leaves also brighten the visual and add a refreshing contrast in aroma and flavor to the strawberry creaminess.
Side Dishes
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe pairs beautifully with light, fruity accompaniments. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or fresh berries for a summer-inspired dessert spread. A cup of hot coffee or fragrant herbal tea rounds out the experience, making it perfect for any gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving pie slices on beautiful dessert plates with a drizzle of balsamic reduction or a few whole mint sprigs. You might even serve mini individual versions in ramekins topped with a single glazed strawberry for a charming, personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
Freezing
If you want to save the pie for longer, you can freeze it after the initial chilling and glazing steps. Wrap it well in foil and plastic wrap to protect against freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge to maintain that signature creamy texture without any watery separation.
Reheating
This pie is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you find the crust has softened after freezing, letting the slice sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating can help bring back some of the original texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture and appearance, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could make the crust soggy.
Is this pie suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no gelatin or animal-derived ingredients. The creamy filling is made from cream cheese and whipped cream, both acceptable in a vegetarian diet.
Can I substitute light cream cheese or whipped topping to make it lighter?
Absolutely! Using light cream cheese and replacing heavy whipping cream with whipped topping can lighten the pie’s calorie content. Just keep in mind the filling might be slightly less rich and creamy but still delicious.
How long does it take to chill before serving?
Plan to chill the pie at least 2 to 3 hours total—1 hour after filling the crust and another 1 to 2 hours after adding the strawberry glaze and topping. This ensures the filling sets firmly and the glaze seals in freshness.
Can I add other fruits to this pie?
Definitely! Mixing in whole blueberries or raspberries into the topping adds beautiful pops of color and flavor that complement the strawberries wonderfully. It’s a fun way to customize the Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe to your taste.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe enough—it’s the kind of dessert that makes people smile with every bite. Whether you’re preparing a special occasion treat or just want to brighten up an ordinary day, this pie delivers warmth, freshness, and pure joy. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your treasured go-to recipes for sharing something sweet and memorable with friends and family.
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus 2 to 3 hours chilling
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is a delightful no-bake dessert perfect for summer gatherings. It features a creamy, smooth blend of cream cheese and whipped cream nestled in a crisp graham cracker crust, topped with fresh strawberries glazed with sweet strawberry jam. Easy to prepare and beautifully refreshing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal time in the kitchen and is ideal for make-ahead occasions.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch graham cracker crust
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Topping
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This creates the rich base component of the pie.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This adds lightness and airy texture when folded into the cream cheese mixture.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. This helps maintain the fluffy but dense consistency essential for the filling.
- Fill the Crust: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly into the prepared graham cracker crust. Smooth the surface for an attractive finish. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set the filling firmly.
- Make the Strawberry Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the strawberry jam combined with 1 tablespoon of water, stirring until a smooth glaze forms. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly to room temperature.
- Arrange Strawberries and Glaze: Once the filling is chilled and set, neatly arrange the sliced fresh strawberries over the surface. Then brush or gently spoon the warm strawberry glaze over the strawberries to evenly coat them, enhancing their shine and flavor.
- Final Chill: Return the pie to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 1 to 2 hours before serving. This resting time allows the glaze to set and flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- You can make this pie a day ahead to streamline your prep time on the day of serving.
- For a lighter version, substitute light cream cheese and use whipped topping in place of heavy cream.
- Try adding a few whole blueberries or raspberries mixed with the strawberries for additional color contrast and flavor nuance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
