If you’re searching for a dessert that captures the essence of summer, look no further than Strawberries & Cream Pie. This delightful treat combines a creamy, cloud-like filling with a crown of fresh, juicy strawberries and a glossy homemade glaze all nestled in a buttery pie crust. Every bite is pure bliss, balancing sweet and tangy flavors with the satisfying comfort of simple ingredients. Whether served at a backyard cookout or as an after-dinner finale on a weeknight, this pie feels like a celebration in every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here—just a handful of familiar ingredients come together to create something unforgettable. Each element has a role to play, adding its own unique note to the symphony of flavor and texture in Strawberries & Cream Pie.
- Pre-baked 9-inch pie crust: Whether you love a classic graham cracker base or a traditional pastry crust, this sturdy shell holds all the luscious layers together.
- Cream cheese (softened): Gives that rich, creamy backbone to the filling, adding subtle tang and incredible texture.
- Powdered sugar: The fine sweetness blends seamlessly into the cream cheese, leaving the filling ultra-smooth.
- Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon brings warm, aromatic depth that perks up the whole pie.
- Whipped topping: Lightens up the filling, folding in air for a dreamy, mousse-like consistency.
- Fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced): The undeniable stars—juicy, vibrant, and sweet, they make every slice pop with color and flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and thickens the luscious strawberry glaze that shimmers atop the pie.
- Cornstarch: Works its magic to thicken the glaze and keep it perfectly shiny.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and cornstarch, ensuring a smooth, easy-to-pour glaze.
- Lemon juice: Just a splash brightens the entire pie, balancing sweetness and letting the strawberries shine.
- Whipped cream (optional): For garnish—a crowning swirl or dollop never hurts!
How to Make Strawberries & Cream Pie
Step 1: Make the Creamy Filling
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and adding your softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat this trio together until you see absolutely no lumps—the smoother, the better! Next, gently fold in the whipped topping. Don’t overmix; you want to keep things light and airy. Once combined, spread this dreamy filling into your cooled, pre-baked pie crust and pop it in the fridge. Chilling firms up the base, making it ready to support the star strawberry topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Glaze
In a small saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar and cornstarch. Pour in the water and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Place over medium heat, and keep up a constant stir—within just a few minutes, the mixture will turn clear and thick, almost like magic. This is your shiny, sweet glaze! Move the pan off the burner and let everything cool slightly. The goal is to pour it over the strawberries while it’s still pourable but not piping hot.
Step 3: Layer the Strawberries
Take your sliced strawberries and artfully arrange them over the chilled cream filling. You can go for perfect concentric circles, or just tumble them on for a rustic look—both are equally gorgeous. The real trick is to cover the cream evenly with a generous layer of berries, ensuring every bite gets plenty of strawberry bliss.
Step 4: Glaze and Chill
When your glaze is slightly cooler but not set, pour or spoon it evenly over the strawberries, making sure every slice gets a glossy coat. The glaze locks in juiciness and gives the pie that irresistible sheen. Slide the whole pie into the fridge for at least 2 hours; this chilling time lets everything set beautifully so slicing is a breeze.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
When you’re ready to serve, add a flourish of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra festive. Each slice should look like a showstopper, with the shining strawberries on top and that decadent creamy middle waiting underneath. Now all that’s left is to dig in!
How to Serve Strawberries & Cream Pie
Garnishes
This pie loves a little extra flair: a dollop of whipped cream, a sprig of fresh mint, or even some white chocolate curls are simple but stunning. For a fresh twist, sprinkle on a bit of lemon zest, which echoes the zest in the glaze and makes the colors pop. The goal is to let the vibrant strawberries steal the show!
Side Dishes
While Strawberries & Cream Pie definitely stands tall on its own, it pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a totally indulgent plate. For a lighter touch, serve with a side of mixed berry salad—the juicy, tart notes really bring out the pie’s creamy sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving at a gathering, you can slice the pie ahead and layer each piece in parfait glasses with extra berries and cream for a handheld treat. Mini tartlets made in a muffin tin are adorable, or use the same filling and glaze to top shortbread cookies for individual bites. No matter how you serve it, Strawberries & Cream Pie shines as the centerpiece at any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The flavors meld even more after a night in the fridge, although the crust might soften slightly over time. Aim to enjoy any remaining slices within 2–3 days for the best texture and taste.
Freezing
While the cream layer freezes surprisingly well, the fresh strawberries can become a little watery once thawed. If you need to make your Strawberries & Cream Pie far in advance, try freezing just the prepared cream base in the crust, tightly wrapped. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge, add fresh strawberries and glaze, and chill as usual.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this pie—it’s meant to be served chilled! If you want to bring out the flavors, simply let a slice rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. The filling will soften slightly, creating the creamiest, dreamiest mouthfuls.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! A homemade graham cracker or baked pie crust works beautifully and adds a lovely, personal touch. Just be sure it’s completely cool before adding your cream filling to keep things nice and tidy.
What if I don’t have whipped topping?
No worries! You can substitute an equal amount of homemade whipped cream, sweetened to taste. It adds an even richer, silkier finish to the Strawberries & Cream Pie.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
For best results, stick with fresh strawberries. Frozen berries can release extra moisture and may not hold their shape as well on top of the creamy filling.
How far ahead can I assemble the pie?
You can assemble the pie up to one day in advance. Just keep it chilled and garnish right before serving for the freshest look and taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The filling and glaze are naturally gluten-free, so just swap in a gluten-free pie crust and you’re set for a celiac-friendly treat!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sharing a homemade Strawberries & Cream Pie—it’s the kind of dessert that brings people together and sparks smiles with every slice. I can’t recommend it enough for your next celebration, weeknight treat, or anytime you want a taste of simple joy. Give it a try, and watch it disappear!
Print
Strawberries & Cream Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the luscious combination of fresh strawberries and creamy filling with this delightful Strawberries & Cream Pie recipe. A perfect no-bake dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
Pie:
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (graham cracker or traditional)
Cream Filling:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Strawberry Topping:
- 3 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional Garnish:
- whipped cream
Instructions
- Cream Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
- Assembly: Spread the cream mixture evenly into the cooled pie crust and refrigerate while you prepare the topping.
- Strawberry Topping: In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar and cornstarch. Whisk in water and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick and clear.
- Layering: Arrange sliced strawberries over the cream layer in the pie. Pour the cooled glaze evenly over the strawberries.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set. Serve with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix a few chopped strawberries into the cream layer.
- You can also use a chocolate cookie crust for a twist.
- Best enjoyed within 2–3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
