Description
Indulge in the creamy, fruity goodness of this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie! With a buttery crust, luscious cream cheese filling, and a vibrant strawberry topping, it’s a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for special occasions, summer picnics, or simply treating yourself to something sweet.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, halved
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Topping
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice.
- Cook while stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Arrange the remaining fresh strawberries on top of the cream cheese layer, then pour the cooled strawberry glaze over them.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to set. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries make a big difference in flavor and appearance.
- Chill the Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends smoothly for a creamy filling.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the pie a day in advance for the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours
- Cuisine: American