Description
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is a luscious no-bake dessert that combines a creamy, fluffy cream cheese layer with a sweet and tangy strawberry topping. Nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, this pie features a homemade strawberry compote thickened with cornstarch and fresh strawberries, making it a perfect refreshing treat for spring and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 9-10″ graham cracker crust (prepared and baked)
Strawberry Mixture
- 5–6 cups quartered strawberries, stems removed (divided)
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberry Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of quartered strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until the strawberries start 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. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Cook and Cool: Boil the mixture for 1 minute while stirring constantly, then remove from heat. Transfer to a heat-proof container to cool more quickly. Set aside while preparing the cream cheese layer.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Whip Cream: In a separate clean bowl, beat the heavy cream to stiff peaks to create a light, fluffy texture.
- Combine Cream Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined, yielding a thick and fluffy filling.
- Assemble Cream Cheese Layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust and place it in the refrigerator to chill while the strawberry mixture cools completely.
- Finish Strawberry Topping: Once the cooked strawberry mixture is fully cooled, stir in the remaining 3-4 cups of fresh quartered strawberries.
- Top the Pie: Pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, mounding the strawberries toward 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 proper texture and flavor melding.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries for both the cooked and fresh strawberry portions.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the cream cheese layer.
- The pie must chill thoroughly to set properly; do not skip the refrigeration time.
- You can garnish with additional fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving if desired.
- The graham cracker crust can be homemade or store-bought, but ensure it is baked and cooled prior to assembling the pie.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie, no-bake pie, graham cracker crust, strawberry dessert, creamy strawberry pie
