When it comes to desserts that hit the perfect note between creamy indulgence and fruity freshness, few treats deliver like a Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie. It combines a crisp buttery crust, velvety cream cheese filling, and a vibrant, fresh strawberry topping. This no-bake dessert is ideal for warm weather when you want something sweet without heating up the kitchen.
Whether you’re preparing for a dinner party, a family gathering, or simply craving a slice of blissful indulgence, this pie is a showstopper in both taste and presentation. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to craft the ultimate Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie from scratch.
Preparation Time Overview
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (minimum)
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories per serving: ~420 kcal
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)
For the Strawberry Topping:
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ cup water
Optional Garnish:
Whipped cream for topping
Extra strawberry slices for decoration
White chocolate shavings
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
9-inch pie pan
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Medium saucepan
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Food processor (optional, for crust)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Crush the crackers – Place graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until they form fine crumbs. If you don’t have a processor, you can place them in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin.
Mix with butter and sugar – In a medium bowl, combine the crumbs with the sugar and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Form the crust – Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to press it down evenly.
Chill – Place the crust in the fridge for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat the cream cheese – In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Add sugar and vanilla – Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
Whip the cream – In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
Fold together – Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Take your time to keep the mixture light and airy.
Fill the crust – Spoon the cream cheese filling into the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Chill – Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Topping
Cook the glaze – In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy (about 5–7 minutes).
Cool slightly – Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
Add strawberries – Gently fold in the sliced strawberries until they’re coated with the glaze.
Top the pie – Carefully spoon the glazed strawberries over the chilled cream cheese layer.
Chill again – Return the pie to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 more hours, or until the topping is set.
Helpful Tips for Success
1. Room Temperature Cream Cheese
Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing—this prevents lumps and ensures a smoother filling.
2. Crust Customization
You can swap graham crackers with crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits for a different flavor. For a more indulgent twist, try using chocolate graham crackers.
3. Don’t Skip the Chill
This dessert is best served cold and set. Rushing the chill time will make the slices runny and messy.
4. Sweetness Level
Adjust sugar in the filling and glaze to taste. If your strawberries are very sweet, you might reduce the sugar in the glaze slightly.
5. No Fresh Strawberries?
Frozen strawberries can be used in the glaze but aren’t ideal for the topping because of their texture after thawing. If needed, top with strawberry preserves or jam for a quicker alternative.
How to Serve
Serve your Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie chilled, straight from the refrigerator. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between each slice for clean cuts. Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: The cream cheese base can be frozen, but the strawberry topping may not hold up well. If freezing, do so without the topping and add fresh strawberries before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 17g |
| Sugar | 25g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
Note: These are estimates and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
No baking required – Perfect for summer or when your oven is busy.
Creamy and fruity – The tangy cream cheese complements the sweet strawberries beautifully.
Make-ahead friendly – Can be made the day before an event, saving you time and effort.
Customizable – Works with different fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even a tropical mango glaze.
Variations to Try
1. Chocolate Strawberry Pie
Add a layer of melted chocolate over the crust before adding the cream cheese filling.
2. Mixed Berry Topping
Substitute half the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a vibrant mixed berry pie.
3. Mini Cheesecake Bites
Use a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners to create individual no-bake cheesecakes with strawberry topping.
4. Oreo Crust
Replace the graham cracker crust with crushed Oreos and melted butter for a cookies-and-cream twist.
Perfect Occasions for Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
Spring and summer picnics
Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day
Potlucks and birthday parties
Baby showers or brunch events
Any time you’re craving an effortless yet elegant dessert
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is more than a dessert—it’s a bite of joy wrapped in creamy layers, fruity freshness, and a buttery crunch. It’s versatile, crowd-pleasing, and a guaranteed hit with everyone at the table.
Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe gives you everything you need to impress. Serve it chilled, slice it generously, and enjoy the smiles it brings.
