Description
A delicious no-bake strawberry cream cheese pie that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Fresh Strawberries, divided
- 50 grams Granulated Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- Zest of 1 Medium Lemon
- Juice of 1 Medium Lemon
- 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch/Cornflour
- 2 cups Graham Cracker, crushed into crumbs
- 3 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- 4 oz Salted Butter, melted
- 12 oz Cream Cheese, at room temperature
- 95 grams Powdered Sugar/Icing Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 6 oz Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1/2 Recipe Whipped Cream (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Crust: Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until it resembles wet sand. It should hold together when pressed. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of your pie dish.
- Pre-bake for Crispness: Pop the crust into the oven at 375 degrees F for a brief five minutes. It should look slightly golden and smell buttery. Do not skip this step, as it helps set the crust.
- Whip the Cream: In a bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. The cream should have thickened and become fluffy.
- Blend the Filling: Mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in another bowl until smooth and creamy. The texture should be very smooth and smell sweet.
- Combine Cream with Filling: Gently fold the whipped cream into your cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to deflate the mixture to keep its airy quality.
- Prep the Strawberry Topping: In a saucepan, cook down sliced strawberries with a sprinkle of cornstarch and a bit of granulated sugar. Once it starts to bubble and thicken, stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Chill the Pie: Spread the cream cheese filling into the cooled crust and top it with the strawberry sauce before refrigerating. Let it chill for at least four hours to properly set.
- Slice and Serve: When it is time to serve, slice the pie and enjoy the blend of flavors. Be sure to keep it chilled if not serving immediately.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Expert Tips: For the strawberry sauce that turns out too runny, cook it for an additional 5-10 minutes to thicken. If the pie crust is crumbly, press it down firmly and ensure even butter distribution. For a creamier filling, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother blend.
- Reheating Instructions: N/A – This is a no-bake pie that is best served chilled.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with extra whipped cream on the side and pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for added color.
- Recipe Variations: Add a layer of chocolate ganache for richness, incorporate other berries like raspberries or blueberries, or swirl in some lemon curd for extra tang.
- Ingredient Notes: Use fresh strawberries for vibrant flavor and inspect cream cheese for room temperature to ensure smooth blending. Consider selecting low-fat cream cheese for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg