There is nothing quite as delightful as a luscious, vibrant Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe to brighten your dessert table. This pie combines the perfect graham cracker crust with a dreamy cream cheese layer topped by a fresh and tangy strawberry glaze that’s both sweet and slightly tart. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that feels elegant yet inviting, making it your new favorite go-to for any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe, it will be the star you reach for over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a key role to create the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and that irresistible fresh strawberry punch. From the buttery graham cracker crust to the fluffy cream cheese filling and the glossy strawberry topping, every component brings something special to the table and ensures your pie has incredible texture and flavor.
- Graham cracker crust: Provides a buttery, crunchy base that perfectly contrasts the creamy filling.
- Strawberries (5-6 cups): Divided to lend both freshness and a cooked strawberry glaze for sweet and tangy flavor layers.
- Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the strawberry glaze just right without overpowering the fruit’s natural tartness.
- Cornstarch (2 Tbsp): Thickens the strawberry glaze to a luscious consistency that holds beautifully atop the pie.
- Lemon juice (1 Tbsp): Adds brightness and balances the sweetness with a fresh citrus hint.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates a rich and creamy base for the filling that is silky smooth and holds its shape.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the cream cheese filling delicately without grittiness.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Gives a subtle warmth and depth to the cream cheese layer.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Whipped to stiff peaks for a light, airy texture in the filling.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the strawberry glaze
Start by combining 2 cups of the quartered strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently, allowing the strawberries to release their natural juices. Use a potato masher to crush the berries until mostly liquid, leaving a few small chunks for texture. Crank the heat up to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning — cook for exactly one minute to thicken the glaze. Remove from heat and transfer the glaze to a heatproof container to cool quickly. This vibrant strawberry glaze will be the jewel atop your pie.
Step 2: Make the cream cheese filling
While the glaze cools, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and combined. In a completely separate, clean bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form — this step is key to achieving a fluffy, light filling. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, making sure to keep the mixture airy and thick without deflating the whipped cream. This luscious filling is what makes this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe so decadently creamy and dreamy.
Step 3: Assemble the pie
Spread the fluffy cream cheese filling evenly into your prepared graham cracker crust. Pop the crust with filling into the refrigerator while your strawberry glaze finishes cooling completely. Once cooled, fold the remaining fresh strawberries into the glaze, distributing them evenly for bursts of freshness throughout. Pour this glorious strawberry topping over your cream cheese layer, mounding the vibrant berries towards the center for a beautiful presentation. Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This chilling time lets all the flavors meld and the textures set perfectly, ensuring each slice comes out clean and stunning.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes elevates the look and flavor of your pie effortlessly. Try topping your pie with fresh strawberry slices, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds for crunch. A few fresh mint leaves also add a lovely pop of color and a refreshing aroma. These little finishing touches make every slice feel like a special treat.
Side Dishes
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe pairs beautifully with light and fresh accompaniments. Consider serving it alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a scoop of lemon sorbet to highlight the tangy strawberry notes. Fresh seasonal fruit or a cup of freshly brewed tea can also complement the richness of the pie and provide balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Cut the pie into neat wedges and place each slice on a decorative plate, drizzle extra strawberry glaze around the edges, and add a tiny edible flower or strawberry fan on top. Alternatively, serve mini versions in mason jars or wide glasses for a charming single-serve option that’s perfect for parties or picnics. The creamy layers and ruby topping always steal the show no matter how you present it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe should be kept tightly covered in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the graham cracker crust may soften slightly over time, but the flavors will remain delightful and perfect for enjoying later.
Freezing
You can freeze this pie, but it’s best to prepare it without the fresh strawberry topping or add it fresh after thawing. Wrap the pie securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain the lovely texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since this pie is meant to be served chilled, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. For the best effect, serve straight from the fridge once it has set. Enjoy the cool, creamy filling and the fresh strawberry topping for maximum satisfaction.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this pie?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid in your pie layers.
Is it necessary to bake the graham cracker crust?
Baking the crust helps it set firmly and enhances its buttery flavor, giving your pie a nice, solid base that won’t crumble when sliced. If using a pre-made store crust, check if it is already baked; if not, a quick bake is recommended.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something else?
Heavy cream is essential for whipping to stiff peaks and creating that airy texture. Substitutes like whipped coconut cream may work in a pinch for a dairy-free alternative, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
How long does the pie need to chill?
For best results, chill the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight. This gives the cream cheese filling time to firm up and the strawberry glaze to set properly, making slicing easier and enhancing flavor melding.
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy ingredients for texture and flavor, but with some creativity, you can try using vegan cream cheese and coconut cream to replace the dairy components. Keep in mind the texture and taste will differ slightly from the classic version.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe is an absolute winner whether you’re making it for a festive gathering, a casual weekend treat, or a special occasion. Its combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors wrapped up in a buttery crust will have everyone asking for seconds. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s both impressive and simple to create. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes + chilling time (at least 4 hours, preferably overnight)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A luscious and refreshing Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a fluffy cream cheese filling, and a luscious strawberry topping made from fresh strawberries cooked into a thickened sauce and piled with fresh berries. Perfectly chilled for a delightful, creamy dessert with vibrant strawberry flavor.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 9-10″ graham cracker crust (prepared and baked)
Strawberry Topping
- 5–6 cups quartered strawberries, stems removed (divided)
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare strawberry sauce: In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups (280g) of quartered strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice over medium-low heat. Stir frequently as the strawberries begin to release their juices.
- Crush strawberries: Use a potato masher to crush the strawberries until mostly liquid, allowing some small pieces to remain for texture.
- Cook mixture to thicken: Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute while continuously stirring to avoid lumps and sticking.
- Cool the strawberry sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the mixture to a heat-proof container to cool faster. Set aside while preparing the cream cheese layer.
- Make cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
- Whip heavy cream: In a separate clean bowl, beat 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form, indicating it’s thick and fluffy.
- Combine cream cheese and whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Assemble first layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the prepared graham cracker crust. Place in the refrigerator to chill while the strawberry mixture finishes cooling.
- Prepare strawberry topping: Once the strawberry sauce has completely cooled, stir in the remaining fresh quartered strawberries until well combined.
- Add strawberry topping: Pour the strawberry mixture over the chilled cream cheese layer, mounding the strawberries towards the center for a beautiful presentation.
- Chill to set: Return the pie to the refrigerator and allow it to set for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before slicing and serving to ensure perfect texture and flavor melding.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling.
- For best results, use fresh ripe strawberries to maximize flavor.
- The graham cracker crust should be pre-baked and cooled before adding filling to prevent sogginess.
- Allow the strawberry sauce to cool completely before layering to avoid melting the cream cheese layer.
- You can substitute heavy cream with whipping cream of similar fat content.
- Refrigerate overnight for optimal texture and flavor development.
