This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is a delightful dessert that brings a burst of flavor with every bite. Perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or simply as a sweet treat after dinner, this pie features a creamy filling enveloped in a buttery graham cracker crust. What makes it truly special is the glossy layer of fresh strawberries on top, making it not only delicious but visually stunning as well.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this pie in no time.
Family Favorite: Its creamy texture and fruity topping make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Versatile Dessert: This pie is perfect for any occasion—be it a picnic, holiday gathering, or casual get-together.
No Baking Required: Aside from the crust, most of the preparation is no-bake, saving you time and hassle.
Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of cream cheese and strawberries creates a refreshing balance that’s hard to resist.

Tools and Preparation

For this recipe, having the right tools will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essential kitchen tools you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Tools

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
9-inch pie pan
Small saucepan
Whisk

Why These Tools Matter

Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps to combine ingredients without spilling.
Electric mixer: Makes whipping cream cheese and cream quick and easy for a smooth consistency.
9-inch pie pan: Ensures your pie has the perfect shape and size for serving.
Small saucepan: Ideal for preparing the strawberry glaze without making a mess.

Ingredients

This family-friendly, easy cream cheese-based pie is nestled in a sweetened buttery graham cracker crust and topped with lightly glazed berries.

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup sugar
6 tablespoons butter melted
1 8 ounce box cream cheese softened
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup powdered sugar
1 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ cup sugar
2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin
½ cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 cups strawberries hulled

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Stir together graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 8-9 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth.
Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, continuing to mix until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whip whipping cream until soft peaks form.
Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently until combined.
Carefully spread this mixture into the baked crust.
Chill for 1-2 hours to set.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Topping

In a small saucepan, whisk together cornstarch, ¼ cup sugar, strawberry gelatin, water, and lemon juice.
Cook over low heat, whisking constantly until thickened (about 5 minutes).
Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes.
Add hulled strawberries to the pan, stirring to coat them evenly in the glaze.
Layer glazed strawberries over the chilled pie before serving.

Now you have everything you need to create this delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie! Enjoy every slice of this delightful dessert at your next gathering or as a sweet treat just for yourself!

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

Serving Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie can elevate your dessert experience. Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual get-together, these serving suggestions will help you present this delightful pie beautifully.

Classic Slice

Serve a generous slice of the pie on a dessert plate, garnished with fresh strawberry slices for an elegant touch.

Whipped Cream Topping

Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each slice to enhance the creamy texture and flavor.

Chocolate Drizzle

Drizzle melted chocolate over the pie before serving for an indulgent twist that contrasts nicely with the strawberries.

Ice Cream Pairing

Offer a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream alongside the pie; the cold creaminess complements the flavors perfectly.

Fresh Mint Garnish

Sprinkle fresh mint leaves on top of each slice for a pop of color and refreshing taste that balances the sweetness.

Berry Sauce

Serve with extra berry sauce on the side, allowing guests to drizzle more over their slices as they wish.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

Creating the perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie involves paying attention to details. Here are some tips for achieving a flawless result:

Use room temperature ingredients: Softened cream cheese blends better and creates a smoother filling when at room temperature.
Chill properly: Allowing the pie to chill for at least 1-2 hours helps set the filling and enhances its flavor.
Choose ripe strawberries: Select fresh, ripe strawberries for optimal sweetness and flavor in your pie topping.
Avoid overmixing: When combining whipped cream with cream cheese, fold gently to maintain airiness and lightness in your filling.
Store correctly: Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
Garnish creatively: Experiment with different garnishes, like edible flowers or citrus zest, to make your pie visually appealing.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

Pairing side dishes with Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some delightful options to consider:

Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a light complement to the richness of the pie, balancing flavors beautifully.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, provides a savory contrast that pairs well with sweet desserts.
Cookie Assortment: An assortment of cookies adds variety; consider buttery shortbread or chewy oatmeal cookies for texture contrast.
Nut Mix: A simple mix of roasted nuts adds crunch and can be served in small bowls around the dessert table for snacking.
Panna Cotta: This creamy Italian dessert can be infused with vanilla or citrus and serves as an elegant accompaniment.
Mini Muffins: Bite-sized muffins, such as blueberry or lemon poppy seed, provide additional flavors without overwhelming guests.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is delightful, but a few common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

Bold crust preparation: Not pressing the graham cracker mixture firmly can lead to a crumbly crust. Ensure you pack it tightly to create a sturdy base.
Bold cream cheese mixing: Failing to soften the cream cheese adequately results in lumps. Always let it sit at room temperature before mixing for a smooth texture.
Bold whipped cream folding: Over-mixing the whipped cream can deflate it. Carefully fold it into the cream cheese mixture to maintain lightness and volume.
Bold cooling time: Skipping the chilling step can cause the filling to be too soft. Allow the pie to chill for at least 1-2 hours for better slicing.
Bold glazing strawberries: Adding strawberries too soon will make them soggy. Wait until the glaze has cooled slightly before coating them for a perfect finish.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep covered with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pie to prevent drying.

Freezing Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

Freeze uncut pie for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and warm pie for about 10 minutes, covered with foil.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie?

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is a delicious dessert featuring a creamy filling made from cream cheese and fresh strawberries nestled in a graham cracker crust.

How do I make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie from scratch?

To make this pie, prepare the graham cracker crust, mix cream cheese with whipped cream, pour into the crust, and top with glazed strawberries.

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just thaw them beforehand and drain excess moisture before adding them to the glaze.

How long does Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this pie lasts up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser. Its creamy texture combined with fresh strawberries makes it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with other berries or toppings based on your preferences!