Strawberry Cream Pie Recipe Luscious Summer Dessert

Creamy desserts reach new heights with this strawberry cream pie that promises pure bliss.

Summer’s sweetest bounty shines through ripe, juicy berries nestled in a silky smooth filling.

Buttery graham cracker crust provides the perfect crisp foundation for each delectable slice.

Delicate layers of fresh strawberries and velvety cream create a dreamy texture that melts on your tongue.

Rich yet light, this pie feels like a celebration of seasonal flavors dancing together.

Whipped cream peaks and ruby-red fruit make this dessert a showstopper at any gathering.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible strawberry cream pie masterpiece.

Strawberry Cream Pie That’s Light and Luscious

• This strawberry cream pie takes less than an hour to prepare, making it perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• The graham cracker crust requires only three ingredients and minimal baking time, ensuring even novice bakers can create a delicious foundation with ease.
• Featuring ripe strawberries and creamy filling, this dessert delivers a bright, seasonal taste that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a crowd-pleasing treat for family dinners or summer parties.
• The pie can be served chilled directly from the refrigerator, allowing for convenient make-ahead preparation and stress-free entertaining without compromise on taste or presentation.

Must-Have Ingredients for a Slice

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a sweet, crunchy base for the pie with a classic graham flavor.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust together and adds rich, golden color.
• Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps the crust hold its shape.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy base for the pie filling with a luxurious texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a silky smooth consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Provides richness and helps create a light, fluffy filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and complements the strawberry topping.

• Fresh Strawberries: Bright, fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the pie.
• Strawberry Jam: Intensifies the strawberry flavor and creates a glossy, appealing finish.
• Lemon Juice: Balances the sweetness and prevents the strawberries from browning.

How to Make a Strawberry Cream Pie from Scratch

Step 1: Craft the Crispy Crust

Toss graham cracker crumbs into a mixing bowl. Pour in melted butter and sprinkle sugar. Use your fingers or a fork to blend everything until the mixture looks like damp beach sand. The texture should hold together when you squeeze it.

Step 2: Shape the Crust

Gently press the crumb mixture into a 9-inch pie dish. Make sure to cover the bottom and push the mixture up along the sides, creating an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to pack it down firmly.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Slide the pie dish into a preheated oven at 350°F. Let the crust bake for 8-10 minutes until it turns a light golden brown. The edges might look slightly darker- that’s perfect! Remove and let it cool completely at room temperature.

Step 4: Whip the Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat these ingredients with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. No lumps allowed!

Step 5: Fold in Whipped Cream

In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light and airy filling.

Step 6: Prepare Strawberry Topping

Wash and slice fresh strawberries. Arrange them beautifully on top of the cream filling. For extra shine, you can brush the strawberries with a light strawberry glaze.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours or overnight. This helps the filling set and allows flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy your homemade strawberry cream pie!

Tips for a Firm Crust and Fluffy Filling

• Crumb Crust Perfection: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a sturdy, well-distributed base that won't crumble when slicing.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Allow the crust to cool completely before adding filling to maintain a crisp texture and prevent moisture absorption.
• Fresh Strawberry Selection: Choose ripe, bright red strawberries at peak season for the most intense, sweet flavor in your pie.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap regular cream cheese with coconut cream or vegan cream cheese to make the pie suitable for dairy-free diets.
• Crust Variation Hack: Experiment with alternative crusts like crushed vanilla wafers or almond meal for unique flavor profiles and gluten-free options.

Best Way to Store and Serve This Dessert

• Store the pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing for up to 2 months. Place a date label to track storage time.
• Remove the pie from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• For best taste and texture, enjoy the pie straight from the refrigerator, as the cream filling is designed to be served cold and will lose its structure if left out too long.

Great Pairings for Strawberry Cream Pie

• The light, fruity bubbles complement the creamy strawberry sweetness, creating a delightful balance that elevates the pie's rich flavor profile.
• A classic scoop alongside the pie adds a cool, smooth contrast to the graham cracker crust, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
• The herbal, refreshing notes of mint cut through the pie's richness, providing a clean palate cleanser between bites of the decadent strawberry cream.
• Sprinkle chopped mint leaves on top to add a bright, aromatic touch that heightens the strawberry's natural freshness and provides a visual pop.

Sweet Swaps and Toppings to Try

• Gluten-Free Graham Crust: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham-style crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly base.
• No-Bake Berry Variation: Skip the oven step and chill the crust in the refrigerator for 30 minutes instead of baking, creating a cool summer dessert option.
• Vegan Cream Pie Remix: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free whipped cream alternatives like coconut cream, and select plant-based graham crackers for a completely vegan version.
• Chocolate Berry Spin: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the crust mixture and mix dark chocolate shavings into the cream filling for a rich, decadent flavor profile.

Strawberry Cream Pie Questions Answered

• What are graham cracker crumbs, and can I make them at home?

Graham cracker crumbs are finely ground graham crackers. You can easily make them by placing graham crackers in a food processor or crushing them in a sealed plastic bag with a rolling pin until they become fine crumbs.

• Can I use a different type of crust for this pie?

Yes, you can substitute the graham cracker crust with a pre-baked pie crust, shortbread crust, or even an Oreo cookie crust. Each will give a slightly different flavor and texture to the pie.

• How do I know when the graham cracker crust is done baking?

The crust is done when it turns a light golden brown color and becomes slightly firm to the touch. Be careful not to overbake, as it can become too hard and lose its delicate texture.

• Is it necessary to cool the crust completely before adding the filling?

Absolutely. Cooling the crust prevents the filling from melting and ensures a stable, well-structured pie with a crisp crust and smooth filling.

Strawberry Cream Pie Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy, dreamy strawberry cream pie brings summer’s sweetness to your dessert table. Fresh strawberries and silky filling create a luscious treat that will delight your taste buds with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Crush graham crackers into fine, uniform particles, ensuring no large chunks remain.
2. Drizzle melted butter over cracker crumbs and incorporate sugar, mixing until the mixture coheres when pressed.
3. Carefully mold the crumb blend into the pie dish, using fingertips to create an even, compact layer across bottom and sides.
4. Transfer the crust to the preheated oven, allowing it to transform into a golden-hued foundation with a slightly toasted essence.
5. Remove the crust and allow it to cool completely, permitting the butter to solidify and create a sturdy base.
6. Whip cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps, creating a silky texture.
7. Gently fold sweetened condensed milk into the cream cheese, blending until uniformly integrated.
8. Incorporate fresh lemon juice, which will help stabilize the mixture and add a subtle brightness.
9. Fold whipped cream into the cream cheese blend, maintaining a light, airy consistency.
10. Spread the creamy filling evenly across the cooled graham cracker crust.
11. Arrange fresh, vibrant strawberries in an artful pattern atop the cream layer.
12. Refrigerate the pie for minimum 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and filling to set completely.
13. Before serving, optionally garnish with additional whipped cream or mint leaves for elegance.

Notes

• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and sweetest taste in your pie.
• Chill the pie crust thoroughly before filling to prevent a soggy bottom and maintain a crisp texture.
• For a gluten-free version, swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almonds.
• Stabilize the whipped cream by adding a tablespoon of powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract while whipping to help it hold its shape longer.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg