Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is like a summer day on a plate, bursting with vibrant colors and sweet-tart flavors. Imagine sinking your fork into a creamy filling that dances between velvety smoothness and the occasional delightful crunch of butter crust.
This delightful dessert whisks you back to childhood picnics where laughter mingled with the scent of strawberries. Whether served at a birthday bash or as a sweet ending to a family dinner, this pie promises to bring smiles and second helpings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for those last-minute gatherings
- The flavor is a delightful balance of sweet and tangy, with fresh strawberries stealing the show
- Its stunning presentation makes it an instant centerpiece on any table
- Versatile enough for picnics or cozy family dinners, this pie satisfies every craving
I still remember the first time I made this pie; my friends devoured it within minutes, leaving only crumbs behind and begging for the recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Strawberries: Choose bright red, firm berries for the best flavor and sweetness; wash them well before use.
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy texture that holds up beautifully in the filling.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; adjust according to your taste preference or if using sweeter strawberries.
Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract for an authentic flavor that enhances the cream cheese filling.
Pie Crust: You can use either homemade or store-bought crust—both work great, though homemade has that extra love.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens flavors; it’s the zesty secret weapon in this pie.
Whipped Cream (optional): Lighten things up with homemade whipped cream on top for added indulgence.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a store-bought crust, simply place it in your pie dish and set aside. For homemade crusts, roll out your dough on a floured surface until about 1/8-inch thick, then transfer it into your dish.
Bake the Crust: Blind bake your crust by placing parchment paper over it and filling it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for about 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove weights and let cool completely.
Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and lemon juice, continuing to mix until everything is well combined. This step should have your kitchen smelling heavenly.
Add Fresh Strawberries: Chop half of your fresh strawberries into small pieces and fold them gently into the cream cheese mixture. Reserve some whole strawberries for decoration later—they’ll make your pie look fancy.
Assemble the Pie: Pour the cream cheese filling into your cooled pie crust, spreading evenly with a spatula. Top with remaining whole strawberries placed cut-side down for an eye-catching finish.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least two hours to allow it to set properly—this is crucial. The patience will pay off when you slice into that creamy goodness.
Now you’ve crafted a beautiful Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie that’s sure to impress. Enjoy each bite as you savor those nostalgic moments wrapped around this delicious treat.
You Must Know
- The Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is a delightful dessert that balances sweetness and tanginess
- This pie is not just visually stunning; it’s easy to prepare, making it the perfect treat for gatherings or a quiet night in
- The combination of creamy filling and fresh strawberries is simply irresistible
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust first, allowing it to cool while you mix the cream cheese filling and strawberries. This sequence keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping strawberries for blueberries or raspberries, or adding a splash of lemon juice for zing. This customization elevates your dessert’s flavor profile and makes it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, enjoy it cold straight from the fridge; reheating isn’t recommended as it may alter the texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling that blends easily
- Avoid overmixing to keep the filling light and fluffy
- Fresh strawberries are key; they should be ripe but firm for the best taste and presentation
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone eagerly awaited dessert time. The delighted smiles on their faces made every effort worthwhile.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for my Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie?
Frozen strawberries work but may release extra moisture; drain them well before using.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Bake the crust until golden brown and allow it to cool completely before adding filling.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
Mascarpone or Greek yogurt can be great alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is a delightful summer dessert that combines a creamy, tangy filling with fresh strawberries, all nestled in a buttery crust. This easy-to-make pie is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual picnics. With vibrant colors and irresistible flavors, each slice brings back joyful memories of sunny days and sweet moments. Prepare to impress your guests with this stunning centerpiece that’s sure to leave them asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie crust in a dish and set aside.
- Blind bake the crust by covering it with parchment paper and filling it with weights or dried beans for about 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove weights and cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add in vanilla extract and lemon juice; mix until fully combined.
- Fold in half of the chopped strawberries into the cream cheese mixture, reserving some whole berries for decoration.
- Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust and top with remaining whole strawberries cut-side down.
- Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving to allow the pie to set.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (112g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider using blueberries or raspberries as substitutes for strawberries. To prevent sogginess, ensure the crust is baked until golden brown before adding the filling.
