A No-Bake Silky Smooth Dessert with Fresh Strawberry Topping
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is the perfect light yet indulgent summer dessert! A creamy, fluffy cheesecake-like filling sits in a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with juicy macerated strawberries. It’s easy to make, requires no baking, and is always a crowd-pleaser.
📝 Ingredients Breakdown
For the Crust:
- 1 (9-inch) prepared graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips!)
1️⃣ Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until completely smooth (no lumps!).
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Chill your mixing bowl & beaters before whipping cream for best results.
2️⃣ Assemble the Pie
- Pour filling into graham cracker crust, smoothing the top evenly.
- In a bowl, toss strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit 10 minutes to macerate (this draws out juices).
- Arrange strawberries over the pie filling.
📌 Pro Tip:
- For a prettier presentation, blot strawberries lightly before arranging to remove excess juice.
3️⃣ Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours (or overnight) to set.
- Slice and serve chilled!
📌 Serving Suggestion:
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
✅ Yes! Thaw, drain well, and pat dry before using.
2. Why is my filling runny?
- Cream not whipped enough (should hold stiff peaks).
- Overmixed (fold gently to maintain fluffiness).
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
✅ Yes! Use a gluten-free graham cracker crust or almond flour crust.
4. How long does it last?
- Fridge: Up to 3 days (cover loosely).
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
5. Can I use a different fruit topping?
✅ Yes! Try blueberries, raspberries, or peaches.
🔥 Flavor Variations
- Lemon Berry: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest to the filling.
- Chocolate Strawberry: Spread melted chocolate on the crust before adding filling.
- Mixed Berry: Use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
⏱️ Time-Saving Tips
✔ Use store-bought crust for quicker prep.
✔ Make the filling ahead and assemble before serving.
🍽 Serving Occasions
- Summer BBQs
- Birthday parties
- Elegant dinner parties
💬 Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is light, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor—the perfect no-bake dessert for warm weather! The contrast of the fluffy filling and juicy strawberries makes every bite irresistible.
Perfect for when you want something impressive but easy! 🍓✨
Tried it? Share your pics below! 📸👇
