Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe

Dreamy Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe for Sweet Moments

Sweet dreams collide with a luscious strawberry cream cheese pie that promises pure indulgence.

Creamy layers melt together in a symphony of tangy and fruity notes.

Delicate strawberries nestle between silky smooth cream cheese, creating a dessert that whispers pure comfort.

Summer memories dance across each delectable slice, inviting you to savor every moment.

Grandma’s kitchen never knew such delightful magic as this simple yet stunning pie.

Bakers who crave something extraordinary will find pure bliss in this irresistible treat.

A single bite promises to transport you to dessert paradise.

Cream Cheese Pie with Sweet Strawberry Layers

  • Craft with Ease: Whip up this stunning strawberry pie without needing professional baking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
  • Impress with Minimal Effort: The recipe combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a showstopping dessert that looks professionally made.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for summer gatherings, potlucks, family dinners, or as a delightful weekend treat that everyone from kids to adults will adore.
  • Texture Paradise: Experience a delicious combination of crispy pecan crust, creamy filling, and fresh strawberry glaze that offers multiple delightful sensations in every single bite.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Ingredient Breakdown

Crust Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Fine white powder for a crumbly base.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweet, fine sugar for subtle sweetness.
  • Pecans: Crunchy nuts for textural depth.
  • Unsalted Butter: Rich binding agent for the crust.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Light and airy base for creamy texture.
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth and tangy primary filling ingredient.
  • Vanilla Extract: Warm flavor enhancer.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetener for the filling.
Strawberry Topping Ingredients:
  • Fresh Strawberries: Juicy, bright red fruit for topping.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetening agent for glaze.
  • Water: Liquid base for strawberry glaze.
  • Cornstarch: Thickening agent for glossy topping.
  • Red Food Coloring: Optional color enhancer for vibrant appearance.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Baking Guide

Step 1: Create Pecan Shortbread Crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, toss together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Powdered sugar
  • Chopped pecans

Pour melted unsalted butter into the dry ingredients and blend until everything sticks together. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie pan, making sure it covers the bottom and sides evenly. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown. Let the crust cool completely before moving forward.

Step 2: Whip Up Strawberry Glaze

Take half of your fresh strawberries and crush them into a saucepan. Add:
  • Water
  • Granulated sugar
  • Cornstarch

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it transforms into a thick, glossy sauce. Drop in a bit of red food coloring to give it that vibrant strawberry look. Set aside and let it cool down to room temperature.

Step 3: Craft Cream Cheese Filling

Grab your mixer and whip the heavy whipping cream until it forms stiff, fluffy peaks. In another bowl, blend softened cream cheese with vanilla extract and powdered sugar until silky smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light and airy filling.

Step 4: Build Your Pie Masterpiece

Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the cooled pecan crust. Artfully arrange the remaining whole strawberries on top. Drizzle the cooled strawberry glaze over the berries, making sure each one gets a beautiful coating. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours so all the flavors can mingle and the filling can set perfectly.

Easy Tips for Cream Cheese Strawberry Pie

  • Master the Pecan Crust: Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent a bland base for your pie.
  • Whip with Precision: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat until completely smooth to avoid lumpy filling that disrupts the silky texture.
  • Glaze Like a Pro: Cook strawberry mixture slowly and stir constantly to prevent burning and achieve a glossy, thick consistency that beautifully coats the fruit.
  • Stabilize Whipped Cream: Add a tablespoon of powdered sugar while whipping to help maintain the cream's structure and prevent weeping during refrigeration.
  • Slice with Ease: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts to create picture-perfect pie slices without dragging the creamy filling.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie: Chill And Serve Again

  • Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Slice the pie, place individual portions in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 1 month. Wrap each slice separately to prevent freezer burn and maintain texture.
  • Transfer frozen pie slices to the refrigerator overnight for gradual thawing. This helps preserve the creamy filling and prevents separation of ingredients.
  • Let refrigerated pie sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the cream cheese filling and enhance its creamy texture.

Cream Cheese Pie What Goes Well

  • Pair Creamy Sweetness with Sparkling Prosecco: The light, bubbly nature of Prosecco cuts through the rich cream cheese filling, creating a delightful palate-cleansing experience that enhances the strawberry's brightness.
  • Complement Nutty Crust with Almond Liqueur: A small glass of smooth almond liqueur echoes the pecan shortbread's nuttiness while providing a sophisticated counterpoint to the dessert's sweet profile.
  • Balance Richness with Herbal Tea: A chilled chamomile or mint tea offers a refreshing, subtle backdrop that prevents the pie's creaminess from feeling overwhelming, adding a gentle herbal complexity.
  • Elevate Dessert with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A small scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream alongside the pie creates a temperature and textural contrast, with its pure, smooth flavor harmonizing beautifully with the strawberry and cream cheese elements.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie: Berry Combo Options

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Swap all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly crust. Use gluten-free cornstarch and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Berry Bliss: Replace butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives like cashew cream, and whip coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream. Substitute eggs with chia seed gel if needed.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar. Choose fresh strawberries with natural sweetness and reduce overall sugar content in the glaze and filling.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Replace pecan shortbread crust with graham cracker crust or oat-based crust. Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch if desired, ensuring no nut cross-contamination.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture. Frozen strawberries can make the filling watery and less vibrant. If using frozen, thaw and drain them completely before cooking.

  • How do I know if my cream cheese is properly softened?

Softened cream cheese should be at room temperature and easily spreadable. It should not be too cold or melted. Leave it out for about 30-45 minutes before using, or gently microwave for 10-15 seconds.

  • What if my whipped cream doesn't form stiff peaks?

Ensure your heavy cream is very cold and use a chilled mixing bowl. Beat at medium-high speed, stopping when peaks stand straight up when the beater is lifted. Don’t overbeat, or it will turn into butter.

  • Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, this pie is perfect for preparing in advance. You can make it a day before serving and keep it refrigerated. The flavors will meld together, making it even more delicious.

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Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Luscious strawberry cream cheese pie delivers a symphony of sweet and tangy flavors dancing across creamy homemade layers. Summer’s freshest berries mingle with silky cream cheese, creating a dessert that invites pure indulgence for eager taste buds.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.75 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 pounds fresh strawberries
  • 1.25 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter

Sugar and Sweeteners:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Baking and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 0.75 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 0.75 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 57 drops red food coloring

Instructions

  1. Craft a delicate pecan shortbread foundation by blending flour, powdered sugar, and finely chopped pecans into a crumbly mixture.
  2. Drizzle melted butter into the dry ingredients and thoroughly incorporate until the texture resembles coarse sand.
  3. Transfer the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing firmly and evenly across the bottom and sides to create a uniform crust.
  4. Slide the crust into a preheated 350°F oven and bake until edges turn a light golden brown, approximately 15-18 minutes.
  5. Remove from oven and allow the crust to cool completely, ensuring a crisp base for the pie.
  6. Crush half of the fresh strawberries into a smooth pulp for the glaze.
  7. Combine the strawberry mash with water, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat.
  8. Stir the mixture continuously until it transforms into a thick, glossy sauce with a vibrant red hue.
  9. Set the strawberry glaze aside to cool to room temperature.
  10. Whip heavy cream until it forms stiff, voluminous peaks that hold their shape.
  11. In a separate bowl, blend cream cheese with vanilla and powdered sugar until silky and smooth.
  12. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining the airy texture.
  13. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the cooled pecan crust, creating a luxurious layer.
  14. Artfully arrange whole strawberries atop the cream cheese surface.
  15. Generously drizzle the cooled strawberry glaze over the berries, ensuring complete coverage.
  16. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set perfectly.

Notes

  • Swap pecans for graham crackers or gluten-free cookies to create an allergy-friendly crust option.
  • Reduce sugar content by using fresh strawberries without additional glaze or replacing sugar with stevia for a lower-calorie version.
  • Ensure cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature to prevent lumpy filling and achieve smooth, creamy texture.
  • Chill mixing bowls and whisk before whipping cream for faster, more stable peaks that maintain structure longer.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 31 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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