Strawberry Cream Pie Recipe

The Perfect Strawberry Cream Pie Recipe: Sweet Summer Bliss

Strawberry cream pie tantalizes taste buds with its luxurious blend of smooth, velvety textures and vibrant fruity essence.

Sweet, luscious berries create a stunning centerpiece that reinvents ordinary dessert moments into extraordinary culinary experiences.

The delicate balance between creamy filling and fresh fruit delivers an irresistible sensation that beckons food lovers.

Delightful layers promise a harmonious symphony of rich, silky cream and bright, natural sweetness.

Home bakers can craft this elegant dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.

Each slice represents a perfect marriage of classic comfort and refined sophistication.

Passionate dessert enthusiasts will find themselves craving this decadent treat that celebrates seasonal freshness.

Strawberry Cream Pie That Feels Fresh and Bright

  • Create a Creamy Dreamy Delight: This strawberry cream pie delivers an irresistible combination of silky smooth cream cheese layer and vibrant fresh strawberries, making every bite a luxurious experience that melts in your mouth.
  • Craft a Seasonal Showstopper: Perfect for summer gatherings, this dessert showcases bright red strawberries in a stunning arrangement that looks professionally prepared yet remains incredibly simple to make, guaranteed to impress friends and family.
  • Master a No-Bake Wonder: With minimal cooking required and straightforward steps, this recipe allows even novice bakers to create an elegant dessert without complex techniques, saving time while delivering maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Ingredients to Make Strawberry Cream Pie

Pie Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crust: Classic base with buttery, sweet crumb texture perfect for creamy pies.
  • Butter: Helps bind and create a rich, golden crust with crisp texture.
Cream Layer Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Granulated Sugar: Smooth, sweet base for creamy filling with tangy undertone.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Provides light, airy texture and rich dairy flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor that complements cream and strawberries.
  • Lemon Zest: Optional bright, citrusy note that enhances overall freshness.
Strawberry Topping Ingredients:
  • Fresh Strawberries: Bright, juicy fruit that adds color and natural sweetness to the pie.
Strawberry Glaze Ingredients:
  • Water, Sugar, Cornstarch: Creates clear, glossy base for strawberry glaze with smooth consistency.
  • Strawberry Gelatin: Adds intense strawberry flavor and helps set the glaze.

How to Prepare Strawberry Cream Pie from Scratch

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base

  • Softened cream cheese
  • Granulated sugar
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Vanilla extract
  • Lemon zest (optional)

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Pour in heavy whipping cream and vanilla, then whip on high speed until peaks form. Gently fold in lemon zest for a zesty twist. Spread this dreamy mixture evenly across your cooled pie crust.

Step 2: Artfully Arrange Strawberries

Carefully layer strawberries over the cream base. Create a stunning design with two rows of sliced strawberries and one row of whole berries. Feel free to slice all strawberries for easier serving if you prefer a more casual look.

Step 3: Create Glossy Strawberry Glaze

  • Water
  • Sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Strawberry gelatin

In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. When the mixture bubbles and thickens, remove from heat. Stir in strawberry gelatin until completely dissolved. Let the glaze cool slightly.

Step 4: Finish and Chill

Drizzle the warm glaze over strawberries, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate the pie for 2-4 hours until the filling sets completely. Keep chilled until serving time.

Baking Tips for Strawberry Cream Pie Success

  • Chill Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free cream layer.
  • Whip Cream Like a Pro: Use cold heavy whipping cream and a chilled mixing bowl to achieve maximum volume and stiff, stable peaks.
  • Arrange Strawberries Strategically: Cut strawberries uniformly for a professional look and ensure they're completely dry before placing on the cream layer to prevent excess moisture.
  • Control Glaze Consistency: Stir cornstarch mixture constantly while cooking to prevent burning and achieve a glossy, clear glaze that sets beautifully.
  • Maximize Flavor Freshness: Add lemon zest for a bright, subtle citrus note and serve the pie chilled for the most refreshing taste experience.

Keeping Strawberry Cream Pie Fresh in the Fridge

  • Refrigerate: Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the pie away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Freeze: Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Serve Chilled: For best taste and texture, enjoy the strawberry cream pie directly from the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing to make cutting easier.

What Goes Best with Strawberry Cream Pie

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the sweet, creamy strawberry pie with a chilled Moscato or Riesling, which will enhance the fruity flavors and cut through the richness of the cream cheese layer.
  • Serve with Fresh Mint Tea: A light, refreshing mint tea provides a cooling contrast to the sweet pie, cleansing the palate and adding a subtle herbal note that pairs beautifully with the strawberry glaze.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a small portion of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the pie to create a classic dessert combination that amplifies the creamy texture and adds an extra layer of indulgence.
  • Create a Sparkling Strawberry Mocktail: Prepare a light strawberry mocktail with sparkling water, fresh strawberry puree, and a touch of mint to echo the pie's flavors and provide a refreshing accompaniment for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.

Strawberry Cream Pie Variations You Might Enjoy

  • Berry Bliss Pie: Replace strawberries with a mix of fresh raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a vibrant, multi-berry experience.
  • Tropical Dream Pie: Swap strawberries with fresh mango and passion fruit, adding a hint of coconut extract to the cream layer for a tropical escape.
  • Chocolate Lovers' Pie: Incorporate cocoa powder into the cream cheese mixture and top with chocolate-dipped strawberries for an indulgent dessert.
  • Lavender Lemon Pie: Infuse the cream layer with dried lavender and add extra lemon zest, garnishing with candied lemon peel for an elegant touch.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Strawberry Cream Pie Recipe

Strawberry Cream Pie Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet strawberry cream pie brings together luscious fruit and silky smooth filling in a buttery graham cracker crust. Summer’s favorite dessert delivers pure pleasure with each creamy, fruity bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds strawberries (washed, hulled, and dried)
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 baked pie crust (completely cooled)

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest from ½ lemon (optional)

Thickening and Gel Agents:

  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 ounces (85 grams) strawberry gelatin
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

  1. Craft a luxurious cream base by whipping softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until silky and uniform in texture.
  2. Integrate heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract, beating vigorously until the mixture forms sturdy, glossy peaks.
  3. Enhance the cream with delicate lemon zest for a subtle citrus undertone, gently folding to maintain the whipped texture.
  4. Spread the velvety cream mixture across the pre-chilled pie crust, creating an even, smooth foundation.
  5. Design an elegant strawberry landscape by meticulously arranging fresh strawberries – alternate between whole and sliced berries for visual intrigue.
  6. Construct a vibrant strawberry glaze by combining water, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan, whisking continuously over medium heat.
  7. Allow the mixture to bubble and thicken, transforming from cloudy to translucent within 1-2 minutes of constant stirring.
  8. Incorporate strawberry gelatin off the heat, stirring until completely dissolved and creating a lustrous, ruby-hued glaze.
  9. Tenderly drizzle the cooled glaze over the arranged strawberries, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
  10. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours, allowing the layers to set and flavors to meld together.
  11. Serve chilled, revealing a stunning dessert that promises a symphony of creamy, fruity indulgence.

Notes

  • Chilling is crucial for achieving the perfect creamy texture and allowing the glaze to set completely.
  • Create a stunning visual presentation by strategically layering strawberries with whole and sliced varieties.
  • Whip the cream mixture until stiff peaks form to ensure a light, airy, and stable cream cheese filling.
  • The homemade strawberry glaze adds a professional touch and locks in the fresh fruit’s vibrant color and flavor.
  • For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to guarantee a smooth, lump-free cream layer.
  • Serve chilled for maximum flavor and optimal slicing, keeping the pie refrigerated until just before serving.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 367
  • Sugar: 37 g
  • Sodium: 186 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star