Get ready to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie! It’s absolutely dreamy—a buttery, golden pie crust, pillowy whipped cream cheese filling, and a glistening layer of fresh strawberries set in strawberry-kissed gel. Every slice feels like a sweet celebration of summer, and it’s so easy you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Ultimate No-Fuss Dessert: Most of the magic happens in your fridge, not your oven—so it’s perfect for both new bakers and pie pros.
- Show-Stopper Presentation: Those ruby strawberries and swirls of whipped cream make every table look instantly festive.
- Year-Round Freshness: Use ripe summer berries or grab store-bought options—this pie delivers vibrant flavor anytime.
- Unforgettable Flavor Fusion: Creamy, tangy, and berry-bright, every bite balances texture and taste like the best childhood memories.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The beauty of Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie lies in its simple ingredients—each one plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and color. Let’s take a look at how you can use what you have at home, or adapt the recipe for your pantry.
- Pie crust: A homemade crust adds a buttery base, but store-bought works beautifully for a shortcut.
- Cream cheese: The heart of the filling—regular or light both work; just be sure it’s at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves effortlessly into the cream cheese for a cloud-like sweetness and silkiness.
- Vanilla: A splash brings warmth and elevates the overall flavor.
- Heavy whipping cream: Adds luscious, airy volume to the filling—it’s what makes each bite melt in your mouth.
- Strawberries: Fresh, thinly sliced or chopped—choose the juiciest, ripest ones you can find.
- Strawberry juice (or a similar red juice): Brings extra berry aroma to the topping and helps set the gelatin—cranberry or cherry juice can pinch-hit.
- Unflavored gelatin: Gives the strawberry layer its glistening, sliceable finish without any flavor distractions.
- Strawberry jam: Ramps up the strawberry impact and adds a beautiful, glossy look.
- Whipped cream (for serving): Optional, but utterly divine for that classic pie-shop effect.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Roll out your pie crust and gently press it into a 9” pie plate, crimping the edges as desired for that charming, homemade look. For a perfectly crisp shell, line the crust with parchment and fill with pie weights or dried beans, then bake until just golden. If you don’t have weights, a quick fork-prick in the bottom will keep things even. Let it cool completely on a wire rack—this prevents a soggy bottom when the creamy filling goes in later!
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
Using an electric mixer, beat your room-temperature cream cheese until ultra-smooth and dreamy. Next, add the vanilla and powdered sugar, blending on low to avoid sugar-snow, until silky and well combined. Pour in the heavy cream and mix on low, then crank up to high speed until the filling is thick, fluffy, and impossible to resist. Set it aside, but don’t sneak too many tastes—this is the soul of your Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie!
Step 3: Create the Strawberry Topping
In a medium bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over half a cup of cold strawberry juice and let it bloom for a few minutes—it’ll look a little weird, but that’s perfect. Meanwhile, whisk the remaining juice together with the strawberry jam and microwave until steaming hot but not boiling. Pour this hot mixture over the gelatin, whisking until everything is smoothly dissolved. Let it cool to room temperature, using the fridge if you’re in a hurry. This glossy gel will hold your strawberries in a jewel-like layer!
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Spoon the luscious cream cheese filling into your cooled crust, smoothing it out into a soft cloud. Scatter your fresh strawberry slices or pieces evenly over the filling, then slowly and carefully pour the cooled gelatin mixture overtop. If not every nook fills, don’t worry—it’ll still be showstopping. Pop the whole pie in the fridge for 4–6 hours to set—this is where the magic happens!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to serve, crown your Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie with generous dollops or swoops of homemade whipped cream. The contrast between the creamy base, fresh strawberries, and silky gel topping is pie perfection!
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
Garnishes
For a classic, irresistible finish, pile on fluffy homemade whipped cream, a few mint leaves, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest. Want it extra-glamorous? Try a drizzle of white chocolate or some chocolate shavings on top for that “bakery window” look!
Side Dishes
This showstopper deserves equally cheerful sides—think iced tea with fresh lemon, a crisp glass of sparkling wine, or for a family picnic, some sweet and salty snacks like kettle corn or a big fruit salad. The light, fruity flavor means it plays well with almost anything summer-inspired.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, try making mini Strawberry Cream Cheese Pies in tart pans or even muffin tins for adorable hand-held treats. Or serve individual slices topped with different berries for a berry rainbow effect. Plating with edible flowers or bright dishes makes every piece pop with color and charm!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover pie should be refrigerated and kept covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It stays beautifully fresh for up to 3 days—if you can resist it that long!
Freezing
While the creamy filling itself freezes well, the fresh strawberries and gel topping can lose their texture when thawed. If you must freeze, wrap tightly (without whipped cream) and enjoy within a month, bearing in mind the topping may become softer after defrosting.
Reheating
This is a pie to love cold—no reheating needed! If the crust seems a bit firm from the fridge, let the pie sit out for 10–15 minutes before slicing for a perfect creamy bite.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie?
You can, but fresh strawberries offer the best flavor and keep their beautiful shape. If using frozen, thaw and drain them well to avoid a watery topping.
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What’s the best way to make this recipe ahead of time?
The pie can be fully assembled (minus the whipped cream) up to a day in advance—just keep it chilled and add your decorative toppings right before serving for best flavor and texture.
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Is it possible to make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pie crust for the base; the filling and topping are naturally gluten-free.
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Can I use another type of fruit and jam in this pie?
You can swap in raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches with their matching jams and juices—the method remains the same, letting you experiment with delicious results!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that dazzles at every occasion, Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is your ticket. It’s simple, spectacular, and will have everyone begging for seconds—so go ahead and treat yourself. I truly can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy with your favorite people!
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
Description
This delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and fruity flavors. A buttery homemade crust is filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and topped with fresh strawberries in a glossy gelatin glaze. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 homemade pie crust
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 375 grams cream cheese (1 1/2 packages, 12oz – regular or light)
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (160 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
Strawberry Topping:
- 1 lb strawberries thinly sliced or chopped
- 3/4 cup cold strawberry juice* (or another red juice) divided
- 1 package unflavored gelatin (7g)
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- Whipped cream to serve if desired
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and press pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges as desired.
- Bake Crust: Place parchment paper over the pie crust and fill with dried beans or pie weights. Bake for 8-10 minutes, remove weights, and continue baking until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
- Cream Cheese Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth, add vanilla, powdered sugar, and cream. Beat until fluffy.
- Strawberry Topping: Dissolve gelatin in cold juice, heat remaining juice and jam, then combine. Allow to cool.
- Assembly: Spread cream cheese filling in pie crust, top with strawberries, pour gelatin mixture over strawberries. Refrigerate until set, about 4-6 hours. Serve topped with whipped cream.
