Indulge in the delightful sweetness of a Strawberry Cream Pie, a perfect dessert for any occasion. With its buttery graham cracker crust, velvety cream filling, and vibrant strawberry topping, this pie is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, a festive gathering, or simply craving a homemade treat, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cream Pie
- Simple Preparation: Easy-to-follow steps make this pie accessible for bakers of all levels.
- No-Bake Filling: Enjoy a creamy texture without the need for additional baking.
- Fresh and Fruity: Made with ripe strawberries, offering natural sweetness and flavor.
- Customizable: Adapt the recipe with different berries or crust variations to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: Provides a crunchy and slightly sweet base.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the crust.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crumbs and adds richness.
For the Cream Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a smooth and tangy foundation.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling without overpowering the cream cheese.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks for a light and airy texture.
For the Strawberry Topping
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: The star ingredient, offering vibrant color and flavor.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the strawberries.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry glaze for a glossy finish.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Enhances the natural sweetness and adds brightness.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Pie
1. Prepare the Crust
Start by combining the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. For an extra sturdy crust, you can use the bottom of a glass to ensure even pressing. Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling to help it set.
2. Make the Cream Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add ½ cup sugar and the vanilla extract, continuing to beat until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring a light and airy filling. Spread the cream filling evenly into the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set.
3. Prepare the Strawberry Topping
In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, ½ cup sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes. The glaze should be thick enough to cling to the strawberries without being too runny.
4. Assemble the Pie
Once both the filling and strawberry glaze are set, arrange the remaining fresh strawberries in an attractive pattern over the cream filling. Pour the cooled strawberry glaze over the arranged strawberries, ensuring an even coverage that adds a beautiful sheen to the pie.
5. Chill and Serve
Place the assembled pie in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2-3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the pie to set completely. Before serving, garnish with additional whipped cream or fresh strawberry slices if desired. Slice, serve, and enjoy the refreshing and creamy delight of your homemade Strawberry Cream Pie.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Cream Pie
- Use Ripe Strawberries: Fresher, sweeter strawberries make a significant difference in flavor. Look for bright red berries with a slight firmness.
- Blind Bake the Crust: For a crispier crust, consider blind baking. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 375°F for 7 minutes, then remove the weights and paper to finish baking until golden brown.
- Chill Properly: Ensure each component is adequately chilled before assembly. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy and helps the filling set properly.
- Customize Your Toppings: Experiment with different fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or kiwi for a unique twist. Adding a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can also elevate the presentation.
- Enhance the Filling: Incorporate pureed strawberries or a splash of strawberry liqueur into the cream filling for an extra layer of flavor.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Strawberry Cream Pie: Add melted chocolate to the cream filling and garnish with chocolate shavings for a rich, decadent version.
- Vegan Strawberry Cream Pie: Substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives, and use a plant-based heavy cream or coconut cream for the filling.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Strawberry Cream Pie chilled, accompanied by a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a perfect dessert for summer gatherings, complementing flavors of fresh fruit and creamy textures. For an elegant touch, garnish each slice with a mint leaf or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Storing Your Strawberry Cream Pie
To maintain the pie’s freshness and texture, store it in the refrigerator. Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing other odors. Enjoy the pie within 2-3 days for the best taste and quality. Avoid freezing, as the cream filling may become grainy, and the strawberries could release excess moisture upon thawing, resulting in a soggy crust.
More Creamy Delight: Other Cream Pie Recipes to Explore
- Pumpkin Cream Pie: A seasonal favorite with a smooth pumpkin-infused filling.
- Chocolate Cream Pie: Rich and velvety, perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Pecan Cream Pie: Combines the sweetness of cream with the crunch of pecans.
- Shamrock Shake Pie: A festive option featuring minty flavors and a vibrant green color.
Crafting a Strawberry Cream Pie is a rewarding endeavor that yields a dessert both beautiful and mouthwatering. By following this comprehensive recipe and incorporating the provided tips, you’ll create a pie that delights your taste buds and impresses your guests. Embrace the simplicity and elegance of this classic dessert, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of homemade goodness.
Strawberry Cream Pie
This strawberry cream pie is so easy and delicious! It has a graham cracker crust and a no-bake filling. It is perfect for parties and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 5 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and divided
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/3 cup sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup sugar, and melted butter. Make sure they are well combined. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 7 minutes. The crust should be lightly browned. Allow it to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Make sure it is well combined. Spread the filling evenly into the cooled crust. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a saucepan, crush 2 cups of the strawberries. Add 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes more until thickened and translucent. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- Arrange the remaining 3 cups of whole strawberries over the cream cheese filling. Cut some strawberries in half if needed. Pour the cooled strawberry glaze evenly over the berries. Refrigerate the pie for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight, until completely chilled and set.
- Before serving, garnish with additional whipped cream and strawberries if desired. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
