If you’re a fan of cheesecake and strawberries, you’re going to absolutely love this no-bake Strawberry Cheesecake Pie! With a creamy, luscious cheesecake filling and a vibrant, sweet strawberry topping, this dessert is everything you want in a summer treat or an elegant dessert for any occasion. This pie comes together effortlessly, without the need for baking, making it the ideal choice for busy days when you want a stunning dessert with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing for a special celebration, or just craving a sweet indulgence, this pie will surely impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Convenience: This pie requires no oven time, making it perfect for hot days when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen.
- Creamy and Dreamy Texture: The cheesecake filling is velvety smooth and rich, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
- Fresh Strawberry Topping: The natural sweetness and bright flavor of fresh strawberries make this pie extra special.
- Quick and Easy to Make: You can whip this dessert up in no time with just a few simple ingredients.
- Customizable: From the crust to the filling, there are plenty of ways to personalize this recipe to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients for the perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Pie. You can easily find all these at your local grocery store.
Main Ingredients:
- Graham Cracker Crust: You can use a store-bought graham cracker crust for ease or make your own using crushed graham crackers, butter, and sugar.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese ensures a rich, smooth texture in the filling.
- Whipped Cream: Heavy whipping cream, freshly whipped, is key to making the cheesecake filling light and airy.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten the filling and topping with a little sugar.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a deep, warm flavor to the cheesecake filling.
- Fresh Strawberries: The star of this dessert, fresh strawberries provide a burst of color and sweetness.
- Lemon Juice: A small amount of lemon juice helps balance the sweetness and adds a tangy layer to the filling.
Optional Additions:
- Powdered Sugar: For a smoother, more refined texture in the cheesecake filling.
- Strawberry Gelatin: If you want a glossy finish to the strawberry topping, adding a bit of strawberry gelatin can enhance the look.
- Chocolate Drizzle: If you’re a chocolate lover, drizzle some melted chocolate on top of the pie for an extra indulgent touch.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Pie
Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: If you’re making your own crust, start by crushing graham crackers in a food processor or by hand until finely crushed. Combine the crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a pie dish to form the crust. Chill the crust in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to set it before filling.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer. Add the vanilla extract and lemon juice, and continue mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until everything is incorporated and light.
Fill the Pie Crust: Once your crust is chilled, spoon the cheesecake filling into the crust and spread it evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula for a beautiful finish.
Prepare the Strawberry Topping: Hull and slice the fresh strawberries. For a simple topping, just arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the cheesecake filling in a decorative pattern. If you’re using strawberry gelatin or powder sugar, combine it with water according to package instructions and pour it over the strawberries for a glossy finish.
Chill the Pie: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Pie
- Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For the richest, creamiest filling, always opt for full-fat cream cheese.
- Chill the Pie Well: Make sure to give the pie enough time to set in the fridge—this helps the cheesecake filling firm up and ensures a clean slice when you cut it.
- Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: The best topping comes from ripe, sweet strawberries. They’ll provide the perfect balance to the rich cheesecake filling.
- Whip the Cream to Stiff Peaks: Make sure your whipped cream forms stiff peaks to give the filling a light, airy texture.
- Make It Ahead of Time: This pie is perfect for making in advance, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy your day before serving.
What to Serve with Strawberry Cheesecake Pie
This Strawberry Cheesecake Pie is delicious on its own, but it can be served with:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top adds extra richness.
- Fresh Berries: Add a few extra fresh berries on the side for a pop of color and flavor.
- Mint Leaves: Garnish with fresh mint for a touch of freshness.
- Chocolate Shavings: For chocolate lovers, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings elevates this dessert even more.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but fresh strawberries will give you the best texture and flavor.
Can I make the crust from scratch? Absolutely! To make your own graham cracker crust, simply crush graham crackers, mix them with melted butter and sugar, and press them into the pie dish.
How can I make the cheesecake filling even creamier? For a creamier filling, make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature before mixing it. Additionally, using heavy whipping cream rather than light cream will create a richer texture.
Variations
- Chocolate Crust: Swap the graham cracker crust for a chocolate cookie crust for a richer, chocolatey flavor.
- Other Fruit Toppings: Try using blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a different fruity topping.
- Mini Cheesecake Pies: Turn this recipe into individual portions by making mini pies in muffin tins or tart pans.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Cheesecake Pie is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves creamy, sweet, and fruity treats. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and sure to impress your guests. With its no-bake nature, you’ll have more time to enjoy the company of others while savoring every bite of this delightful dessert. Whether for a family gathering, party, or simply as an indulgence, this pie is bound to become your new go-to recipe for any occasion!
Strawberry Cheesecake pie
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust or homemade
- 2 cups cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp sugar for whipped cream
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves for glaze
- 1 tbsp lemon juice optional, for a fresh zing
- Fresh mint optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: If you’re making your own crust, start by crushing graham crackers in a food processor or by hand until finely crushed. Combine the crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a pie dish to form the crust. Chill the crust in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to set it before filling.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer. Add the vanilla extract and lemon juice, and continue mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until everything is incorporated and light.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Once your crust is chilled, spoon the cheesecake filling into the crust and spread it evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula for a beautiful finish.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping: Hull and slice the fresh strawberries. For a simple topping, just arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the cheesecake filling in a decorative pattern. If you’re using strawberry gelatin or powder sugar, combine it with water according to package instructions and pour it over the strawberries for a glossy finish.
- Chill the Pie: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Chill Time: Let the pie chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) for the best texture.
- Strawberry Topping: Mix the strawberries with the jam and lemon juice for a glossy, sweet topping.
- Crust Options: Swap the graham cracker crust for a chocolate cookie crust for a fun twist.
- Make-Ahead: Perfect for making the night before a gathering — it tastes even better the next day!