When summer hits or your oven just needs a break, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is your dream dessert. It’s cool, creamy, and topped with a glossy layer of sweet strawberries. With no baking required and only a few ingredients, this recipe is as easy as it is impressive. Perfect for gatherings, brunches, or just a treat yourself moment it’s got that retro diner pie feel with modern day simplicity.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
Here’s everything you need to make this luscious no bake dessert from crust to topping:
🥧 For the Crust
- 1 (9-inch) graham cracker pie crust (store bought or homemade)
🧀 For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
🍓 For the Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, halved
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
What Makes This Pie So Special?
This dessert has the perfect texture contrast: a buttery graham cracker crust, fluffy whipped cream cheese layer, and juicy strawberries encased in glossy jam. It’s like cheesecake met fresh fruit pie and they became best friends. No gelatin, no oven, and no complicated steps. Just chill, slice, and enjoy.
“No bake. No stress. Just strawberries, cream, and a buttery graham cracker base.”
Best of all, this pie holds up beautifully in the fridge and slices cleanly if you give it a good chill. It’s one of those recipes you’ll make once and then again and again for every picnic, potluck, or summer party.
Ingredient Notes
- Cream cheese: Use full fat block cream cheese for the best texture. Spreadable or low fat versions may be too soft.
- Whipping cream: Chill the bowl and beaters before whipping for the fastest results and maximum volume.
- Strawberries: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for topping. Frozen ones can release too much water and affect the pie texture.
- Jam: Choose a good quality strawberry jam for gloss and flavor. You can gently warm it to thin it out for easy spreading.
Step by Step to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
1: Whip the Cream Cheese Base
- Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until completely smooth and lump free (about 2 minutes).
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat again until fully combined, light, and fluffy.
2: Whip the Cream Separately
- In another chilled bowl, pour in the cold heavy cream.
- Using clean beaters, whip the cream on medium high speed until stiff peaks form this should take 3-5 minutes.
- Do not overwhip. Stop once it holds shape when the beaters are lifted.
3: Fold the Whipped Cream Into the Filling
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in batches using a rubber spatula.
- Continue folding until fully incorporated, creating a smooth and airy filling.
4: Fill the Graham Cracker Crust
- Spoon the finished filling into your 9-inch graham cracker crust.
- Spread evenly using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Smooth the top surface.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) to firm up.
5: Prepare the Strawberry Topping
- While the pie chills, rinse and halve your fresh strawberries. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a small saucepan or microwave safe bowl, gently warm the strawberry jam until slightly runny. Stir in the lemon juice if using.
- Let it cool to room temperature before topping the pie.
6: Assemble the Final Topping
- Once the pie is well chilled and set, arrange the halved strawberries on top in a circular pattern or pile them naturally for a rustic look.
- Spoon the cooled strawberry jam mixture over the strawberries to coat and give them that glossy finish.
- Return the pie to the fridge for another 30 minutes to help the topping set before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- For clean slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.
- Serve chilled with extra whipped cream or mint leaves for garnish.
- Great alongside lemonade, iced coffee, or sparkling water with berries.
“This pie is proof that you don’t need an oven to create something stunning, silky, and downright irresistible.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe. Frozen berries tend to release excess water as they thaw, which can ruin the topping’s texture and make the pie soggy.
How long does this pie need to chill?
Chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for firm slices and perfect flavor. If you’re short on time, 2 hours in the freezer can help speed things up.
Can I use a homemade graham cracker crust?
Absolutely! Mix 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and 6 tablespoons melted butter. Press into a 9-inch pan and chill or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes. Make the pie up to 2 days ahead. Keep it refrigerated and add the fresh strawberries and jam topping the day you plan to serve it for the freshest look.
How do I keep the topping glossy?
Gently warming the jam and adding lemon juice helps it coat the strawberries smoothly. Chill the finished pie so the topping sets beautifully without becoming sticky.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
Love creamy no bake desserts like this one? Follow us on Facebook for more quick and easy recipes that everyone will love!