This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and fruity flavors, making it a show-stopping dessert for any occasion. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a fresh strawberry topping, this pie is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, holiday celebration, or just to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No-Fail Graham Cracker Crust – Buttery, crunchy, and lightly sweetened for the perfect base.
Smooth & Creamy Filling – A rich cream cheese layer that’s lightened with fresh whipped cream.
Juicy Strawberry Topping – Fresh strawberries coated in a homemade glaze for a naturally sweet finish.
Easy to Make Ahead – Prep in advance and chill until ready to serve.
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 box (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipping cream
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cups strawberries, hulled
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake for 8-9 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely for at least 30 minutes before adding the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, then continue mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate it.
- Spread the filling evenly into the cooled pie crust.
- Cover and chill for 1-2 hours to allow the filling to firm up.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Glaze
- In a small saucepan, whisk together cornstarch, sugar, strawberry gelatin, water, and lemon juice.
- Cook over low heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and let it cool for 10-15 minutes until slightly warm.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Add the hulled strawberries to the saucepan and toss gently to coat them in the glaze.
- Arrange the glazed strawberries on top of the chilled cream cheese filling.
- Refrigerate the pie until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Expert Tips for the Best Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
- Cool the crust completely before adding the cream cheese filling to prevent melting.
- Soften the cream cheese at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Chill the mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream for the best results.
- Plan ahead—the first two layers can be made up to two days in advance, but the strawberry topping is best added the day of serving.
- For a shortcut, toss strawberries in warmed strawberry jam instead of making the glaze from scratch.
Serving Suggestions
This pie is best served cold for a refreshing and creamy treat. Pair it with:
- Fresh mint leaves for an elegant touch.
- A drizzle of melted chocolate for a rich contrast.
- Whipped cream on the side for extra indulgence.
How to Store & Make Ahead
- Refrigerate: Store the pie in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
- Freeze: You can freeze the pie without the strawberry topping for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding fresh strawberries.
Recipe Variations
- Use a different crust: Swap the graham crackers for Oreo crumbs or crushed vanilla wafers.
- Try different berries: Replace strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry blend.
- Make it no-bake: Skip baking the crust and simply chill it for 30 minutes before adding the filling.
Nutrition Facts (Per Slice)
- Calories: 591 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 94g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 56mg
- Sodium: 660mg
- Potassium: 175mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 57g
- Vitamin C: 33mg
- Calcium: 180mg
- Iron: 2mg
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines sweet, creamy, and tangy flavors in every bite. The buttery graham cracker crust, rich cream cheese layer, and fresh glazed strawberries create the ultimate indulgence. Whether you’re making it for a summer gathering or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, this recipe is a must-try!
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