Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy and fruity flavors with this strawberry cream cheese pie. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich cream cheese filling, and a topping of fresh, juicy strawberries. It's a treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up a few items from the supermarket. Fresh strawberries are essential for the topping, and make sure to get heavy whipping cream to achieve the perfect texture for the filling. Additionally, ensure you have cream cheese on hand, which is the star of the filling.
Ingredients For Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
Graham cracker crumbs: These form the base of the crust, providing a sweet and slightly crunchy foundation for the pie.
Sugar: Used to sweeten both the crust and the filling, balancing the tartness of the cream cheese and strawberries.
Butter: Melted butter binds the graham cracker crumbs together to form a cohesive crust.
Cream cheese: The main component of the filling, offering a rich and creamy texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of aromatic sweetness to the filling.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks and folded into the cream cheese mixture to create a light and airy filling.
Fresh strawberries: Sliced and used as a vibrant, juicy topping for the pie.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the graham cracker crust, ensure that the butter is fully melted and evenly mixed with the graham cracker crumbs. This will help the crust hold together better and prevent it from crumbling when you slice the pie. Additionally, pressing the mixture firmly into the pie dish using the bottom of a measuring cup or a flat-bottomed glass can create a more compact and even crust.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
graham cracker crumbs - Substitute with digestive biscuit crumbs: Digestive biscuits have a similar texture and slightly sweet flavor that works well for the crust.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and a bit of moisture to the crust.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar binding effect and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
cream cheese - Substitute with mascarpone cheese: Mascarpone has a creamy texture and mild flavor that can mimic cream cheese.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a natural sweetness and a unique flavor profile.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor to the pie.
heavy whipping cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can provide a similar richness and can be whipped to a similar consistency.
fresh strawberries - Substitute with fresh raspberries: Raspberries offer a similar tartness and vibrant color, making them a good alternative.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Pie
How to Store/Freeze This Pie
To keep your strawberry cream cheese pie fresh, store it in the refrigerator. Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors or flavors from other foods in the fridge.
If you plan to enjoy the pie over several days, consider storing individual slices in airtight containers. This not only helps maintain freshness but also makes it easier to grab a slice whenever you crave a sweet treat.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pie. First, place the pie in the freezer uncovered for about an hour. This will firm up the filling and make it easier to wrap without damaging the dessert.
Once the pie is slightly frozen, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the pie tasting fresh.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen strawberry cream cheese pie, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the pie's creamy texture and prevents it from becoming soggy.
If you're in a hurry, you can also let the pie thaw at room temperature for a few hours. However, be mindful not to leave it out for too long, as the cream cheese filling can spoil if left at room temperature for extended periods.
Once thawed, top the pie with fresh strawberries if desired, to give it that just-made look and taste. Enjoy your delicious dessert as if it were freshly prepared!
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the leftover strawberry cream cheese pie on a baking sheet.
- Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from becoming too brown or crisp.
- Heat the pie for about 10-15 minutes, or until the filling is warmed through.
- Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes if you want the crust to regain some of its crispiness.
- Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving to ensure the cream cheese filling sets properly.
Microwave Method:
- Place a slice of the strawberry cream cheese pie on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover the slice with a microwave-safe cover or another plate to prevent splatters.
- Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check the temperature and continue heating in 10-second intervals if needed.
- Be cautious not to overheat, as the cream cheese filling can become too soft and lose its texture.
- Let the pie sit for a minute before serving to allow the filling to firm up slightly.
Room Temperature Method:
- Remove the strawberry cream cheese pie from the refrigerator.
- Allow the pie to sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes.
- This method is ideal if you prefer the pie to be slightly chilled but not cold.
- Serve and enjoy the cream cheese filling at a pleasantly cool temperature.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place a slice of the strawberry cream cheese pie on a toaster oven tray.
- Cover the slice with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent the crust from over-browning.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking frequently to ensure the filling is warming evenly.
- Remove the foil for the last minute if you want a slightly crispier crust.
- Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
- Place a slice of the strawberry cream cheese pie in the air fryer basket.
- Cover the top of the slice with aluminum foil to protect the crust.
- Heat for about 5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even warming.
- Remove the foil for the last minute if you desire a crispier crust.
- Let the pie sit for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the graham cracker crust to give it a firm and crispy texture.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients like graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter for the crust.
Pie dish: The vessel where the crust is pressed into and the filling is added.
Electric mixer: Helps in beating the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Spatula: Useful for folding the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture and spreading the filling evenly over the crust.
Whisk: Used to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and heavy cream.
Measuring spoons: For precise measurement of smaller quantities like vanilla extract.
Knife: Needed to slice the fresh strawberries for the topping.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the strawberries.
Refrigerator: Essential for chilling the pie to set the filling before serving.
How to Save Time on Making This Pie
Prepare the crust ahead: Make the graham cracker crust a day before and store it in the refrigerator.
Use pre-made crust: Save time by using a store-bought graham cracker crust.
Soften cream cheese quickly: Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for faster softening.
Chill the bowl and beaters: Place the mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping the heavy cream.
Use an electric mixer: Speed up the process by using an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese mixture and whip the heavy cream.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
Ingredients
Crust
- 1.5 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
- ¼ cup Sugar
- ½ cup Butter, melted
Filling
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- ½ cup Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
Topping
- 2 cups Fresh Strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture into a pie dish to form the crust.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes. Let it cool completely.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust. Top with sliced strawberries.
- Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses for This Pie
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