This recipe is for a delightful No-Bake Strawberry Cream Pie, a refreshing and easy-to-make dessert that requires no oven time, making it perfect for warm weather or when you’re looking for a quick and satisfying treat. This pie features a buttery and crumbly crust, typically made from graham crackers, filled with a light and airy strawberry-infused cream filling, and often topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for an elegant presentation. The no-bake aspect simplifies the process, as the crust is simply pressed together and chilled, and the filling sets in the refrigerator thanks to ingredients like gelatin or simply through the thickening power of whipped cream and cream cheese. The strawberry cream filling is the star of the show, combining the sweet and slightly tart flavor of fresh or frozen strawberries with the creamy richness of cream cheese and the light fluffiness of whipped cream. A touch of sugar sweetens the filling to perfection, and sometimes a hint of vanilla extract is added for extra flavor. The strawberries can be pureed and folded into the cream mixture, or chopped and distributed throughout for a more textured filling. The pie is typically chilled for several hours to allow the filling to set firmly. Before serving, it is often garnished with a generous layer of whipped cream and arranged slices of fresh, vibrant red strawberries, creating a visually appealing and irresistibly delicious dessert. No-Bake Strawberry Cream Pie is a crowd-pleaser that is easy to customize with different fruits and is a wonderful option for potlucks, picnics, or any occasion where a light and fruity dessert is desired. The image shows a slice of no-bake strawberry cream pie on a plate. The pie has a golden-brown graham cracker crust, a light pink and creamy strawberry filling, and is topped with swirls of white whipped cream and slices of fresh red strawberries. A few green mint leaves add a touch of freshness. In the background, the rest of the pie sits in a pink pie dish, also adorned with fresh strawberries.
The texture of No-Bake Strawberry Cream Pie is a delightful combination of a crumbly and slightly firm crust, a light, airy, and smooth creamy filling, and the soft, juicy texture of fresh strawberry slices and whipped cream topping.
The flavor profile is a refreshing blend of sweet and slightly tart strawberries, the creamy richness of the filling (often with a hint of tanginess from cream cheese), and the buttery sweetness of the crust.
No-Bake Strawberry Cream Pie is a perfect dessert for warm weather, offering a light, fruity, and creamy treat that requires no baking and is easy to assemble.
The preparation involves making a no-bake crust, preparing a strawberry-infused cream filling, layering them in a pie dish, chilling until set, and then topping with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
Ingredients:
For the No-Bake Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 full graham crackers)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Strawberry Cream Filling:
- 1 pound fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to sweetness of strawberries)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 1 teaspoon gelatin powder (optional, for firmer set)
- 2 tablespoons cold water (if using gelatin)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowls
- Food processor (or zip-top bag and rolling pin for crushing graham crackers)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until fine crumbs form. Alternatively, place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir until well combined. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the 9-inch pie dish. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the crust to set.
- Prepare the Strawberry Puree: If using fresh strawberries for the filling, reserve some for garnish and hull the rest. Place the hulled strawberries in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. If using frozen strawberries, thaw them and then puree.
- Soften Gelatin (Optional): If using gelatin for a firmer set, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the cold water in a small bowl and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined. Stir in the strawberry puree. If using bloomed gelatin, gently heat it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until just liquid (do not boil) and then whisk it into the cream cheese mixture until well incorporated.
- Whip the Heavy Cream for Filling: In a separate chilled bowl, beat the chilled heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry cream cheese mixture until light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the strawberry cream filling into the chilled graham cracker crust. Spread it evenly. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping: Just before serving, prepare the whipped cream topping. In a chilled bowl, beat the chilled heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Garnish and Serve: Spoon or pipe the whipped cream over the top of the chilled strawberry cream pie. Arrange fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves (if using) on top for garnish. Slice and serve immediately.
Enjoy this refreshing and easy No-Bake Strawberry Cream Pie! Its creamy texture and vibrant strawberry flavor make it a perfect dessert for any occasion.