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If you’re looking for a dessert that delivers a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and refreshing all in one bite, this Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With its buttery graham cracker crust, luscious strawberry cream cheese filling, and vibrant fresh strawberries on top, this no-bake pie is a timeless treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s for a summer gathering or a spontaneous sweet craving, it’s the kind of dessert you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you – each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor that make this pie so special. From the crunchy crust to the smooth strawberry filling, these items come together in delightful harmony.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 1/2 cups): Provides a buttery, crunchy base that’s the foundation of the pie’s texture.
- Unsalted butter, melted (6 tbsp): Binds the graham cracker crumbs together and adds richness to the crust.
- Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Just enough sweetness to balance the crust without overpowering it.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): Gives the filling its creamy, tangy richness and smooth texture.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the filling while keeping it silky smooth.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese mixture.
- Fresh strawberries, pureed (2 cups): Infuses the filling with natural fruity flavor and beautiful color.
- Heavy whipping cream (1/2 cup, whipped to stiff peaks): Lightens the filling for that signature fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Fresh strawberries, sliced (1 cup): A juicy, fresh topping that adds texture and visual appeal.
- Whipped cream (for garnish): Optional, but highly recommended for an extra creamy flourish on top.
How to Make Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until all the crumbs are evenly moistened, which helps the crust stick together perfectly. Then, firmly press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish. The firmer you press, the sturdier your crust will be. Pop it in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, letting it turn a light golden brown. Once baked, set it aside to cool completely, setting the stage for our luscious filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the crust cools, it’s time to create the luscious filling. Beat the softened cream cheese along with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you get a silky smooth and creamy base. Then, puree fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth — this is the vibrant heart of the filling. Gently fold that strawberry puree into your cream cheese mixture, blending flavor and creaminess seamlessly. Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream separately until it holds stiff peaks; this step is crucial because it will give the filling that airy, dreamy quality. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the strawberry-cream cheese base, mixing until fully incorporated for that perfect light texture.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
Once your crust has cooled, pour your strawberry filling into the pie shell and spread it evenly using a spatula. The colors at this point are already tempting — the golden crust beneath a sea of pink strawberry filling is a promise of deliciousness ahead. Now, here’s the magic part: refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. This chilling process allows the filling to set properly and those flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in an effortless yet remarkably elegant dessert.
Step 4: Top and Serve
Just before serving, adorn the pie with freshly sliced strawberries for that burst of juicy freshness and visual appeal. For an extra decadent finishing touch, add a dollop of whipped cream on top. This final flourish elevates the pie from delicious to unforgettable.
How to Serve Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sliced strawberries are the star garnish, but why stop there? A sprinkle of finely chopped mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add both aroma and a subtle pop of freshness. Whipped cream isn’t just decorative – it adds a cloudlike creaminess that melts perfectly with each bite.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a crisp glass of sparkling rosé for summer soirées. For a more casual vibe, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or even a scoop of lemon sorbet to contrast the sweetness and add a citrusy zing.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving individual portions in mason jars with a strawberry slice on top for a fun twist. Another charming idea is layering the filling with extra strawberry puree in a clear trifle dish for a beautiful, layered dessert that everyone can share. No matter the presentation, this pie’s vibrancy shines through.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pie should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh and prevent the crust from becoming soggy. It tastes best within 2 to 3 days, as the fresh strawberry topping is at its prime.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe, wrap it securely with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge to preserve its creamy texture without becoming watery.
Reheating
This pie is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. If you prefer a slightly less cold dessert, simply let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
FAQs
Can I substitute frozen strawberries for fresh?
While fresh strawberries offer the best flavor and texture for this recipe, you can use frozen strawberries—just thaw them first and drain excess juice to avoid making the filling too watery.
Is the crust gluten-free?
Traditional graham cracker crumbs contain gluten, but you can substitute with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies to make this pie gluten-free friendly.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese or whipped cream?
Using low-fat versions might affect the creaminess and texture of the filling, making it less rich and silky. For best results, stick to full-fat ingredients.
How long should the pie chill before serving?
A minimum of 4 hours of chilling is necessary for the pie to set properly, but overnight chilling will give you the best flavor and texture.
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, with some adjustments. Use vegan cream cheese, dairy-free whipped topping, and vegan butter substitutes. Fresh strawberries remain a perfect fit for the vegan version.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe is one of those heavenly desserts that feels both nostalgic and fresh, simple yet impressive. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to delight friends or family without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, this creamy, fruit-filled pie will become a go-to favorite to whip up anytime the craving for something sweet and refreshing hits.
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Print
Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Icebox Pie is a refreshing and creamy no-bake dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust filled with a luscious strawberry and cream cheese filling, topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Perfect for warm days and easy to prepare ahead.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (pureed, about 1 pint)
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (whipped to stiff peaks)
Topping
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened.
- Form the Crust: Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish to form a crust. Use the back of a spoon to press it firmly and create an even layer.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for about 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the filling.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Puree the fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth, then gently fold the strawberry puree into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the strawberry-cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated, creating a light and airy filling.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the filling evenly into the cooled graham cracker crust and spread it with a spatula to smooth the surface.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set firmly.
- Add the Topping: Before serving, arrange the fresh sliced strawberries on top of the pie. Optionally, add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy touch.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy this creamy, refreshing strawberry icebox pie as a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Puree the strawberries thoroughly for a smooth filling texture.
- Chilling time is essential for the pie to set properly—do not skip or shorten this step.
- You can use store-bought whipped cream to save time if preferred.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
