Velvety Strawberry Cream Pie Recipe

Fluffy Strawberry Cream Pie Recipe: Sweet Berry Bliss

Summers buzz with sweet possibilities, and this strawberry cream pie delivers pure bliss where creamy decadence meets fresh fruit magic.

Silky layers of smooth filling create an irresistible dessert that sings of sunny afternoons.

Ripe strawberries nestle into a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Every forkful promises a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort to produce an impressive treat that feels elegant yet approachable.

Weekend gatherings or quiet evening desserts find their perfect companion in this luscious pie.

Let this strawberry cream pie become your new secret weapon for delighting everyone at the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 9

Strawberry Cream Pie Ingredient Guide

For Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crunchy, buttery foundation that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust together and adds rich, golden flavor.
For Cream Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a luxurious, tangy base that gives the pie its signature smooth texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream and balances the tanginess of cream cheese.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds lightness and helps create a fluffy, airy texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, aromatic essence.
  • Lemon Zest: Brings a bright, zesty note that lifts the entire dessert.
For Strawberry Topping and Glaze:
  • Fresh Strawberries: Delivers vibrant color, natural sweetness, and juicy freshness to the pie.
  • Water: Helps create the smooth, glossy glaze base.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the glaze and gives it a beautiful, glossy consistency.
  • Strawberry Gelatin: Intensifies strawberry flavor and provides a beautiful, shiny finish to the topping.

Equipment for Making Strawberry Cream Pie

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining cream cheese, sugar, and whipping cream smoothly.
  • Electric mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese and whipping cream to perfect consistency.
  • Small saucepan: Needed for preparing the strawberry glaze.
  • Whisk: Helpful for stirring glaze and ensuring no lumps form.
  • Knife: Used for slicing strawberries and cutting pie servings.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Pie dish: Serves as the base for assembling and chilling the pie.
  • Spatula: Great for spreading cream mixture and scraping bowls clean.

Directions for Strawberry Cream Pie Perfection

Strawberry Cream Paradise

  • Creamy Foundation

Blend softened cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Whip heavy cream with vanilla until peaks rise majestically. Optional zesty twist with lemon adds unexpected brightness.

  • Berry Beautiful Landscape

Artfully scatter fresh strawberries across cream layer. Create visual drama with strategic placement – some sliced, some whole berries peeking through creamy canvas.

  • Glistening Strawberry Cloak

Craft glossy glaze by simmering water, sugar, and cornstarch. Watch mixture transform into clear, thickened liquid. Stir in strawberry gelatin until seamlessly blended.

  • Chilled Transformation

Drench strawberries with shimmering glaze, ensuring every berry gets a luxurious coating. Slide pie into refrigerator’s cool embrace. Let magic happen as layers meld and set.

  • Sweet Celebration

After patient waiting, unveil your masterpiece. Slice through layers revealing ruby-red berries nestled in cloud-like cream. Each bite promises summer’s sweet memory.

Flavor Tips for Strawberry Cream Pie

  • Experiment by adding a tablespoon of orange or almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for subtle, sophisticated undertones.
  • Mix fresh strawberries with raspberries or blueberries to create a vibrant, colorful fruit topping that adds complexity and visual appeal.
  • Replace water with fresh strawberry juice for an intensified fruity flavor, or use sugar-free gelatin for a lighter version of the dessert.
  • Prepare the pie one day in advance to allow flavors to meld and ensure the perfect set consistency, making it ideal for stress-free entertaining.

Creative Serving Ideas for Strawberry Cream Pie

  • Elegant Summer Dessert Pairing: Serve this strawberry cream pie alongside a chilled glass of sparkling rosé or moscato wine for a sophisticated and refreshing combination that elevates the entire dessert experience.
  • Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle some fresh mint leaves, add a light dusting of powdered sugar, or garnish with candied lemon zest to create a visually stunning presentation that adds extra layers of flavor and elegance.
  • Brunch Centerpiece Magic: Transform this pie into a showstopping brunch centerpiece by creating individual mini versions in small mason jars or serving it with a side of fresh whipped cream and additional sliced strawberries for guests to customize their sweet indulgence.
  • Temperature Perfect Moment: Allow the pie to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the cream layer slightly, which enhances the creamy texture and allows the flavors to become more pronounced and delightful.

How to Store Strawberry Cream Pie Properly

  • Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate the strawberry cream pie for at least 2-4 hours to allow the cream layer and strawberry glaze to set completely, ensuring perfect slicing and optimal flavor fusion.
  • Freshness Shield: Store the pie in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture absorption and protect the delicate strawberry topping from drying out or absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Shelf Life Insight: Enjoy the pie within 2-3 days for maximum taste and texture. After this period, the strawberries may start to release moisture, potentially affecting the cream layer's consistency.
  • Smart Serving Tip: When ready to serve, remove the pie from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the cream to soften slightly, making it easier to cut clean, beautiful slices that showcase the pie's elegant layers.
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Velvety Strawberry Cream Pie Recipe

Velvety Strawberry Cream Pie Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Homemade strawberry cream pie delivers a delightful summer dessert perfect for gatherings. Sweet strawberries nestled in silky cream create a refreshing treat you’ll savor with each heavenly bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (907 g) strawberries (washed, hulled, and dried)
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 baked pie crust (completely cooled)
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • Zest from ½ lemon (optional)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsps cornstarch
  • 3 oz (85 g) strawberry gelatin
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

  1. Cream Preparation: Blend cream cheese and sugar until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency, creating a luxurious base for the pie.
  2. Whipping Process: Incorporate heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract, whipping vigorously until forming robust, glossy peaks that hold their shape.
  3. Flavor Enhancement: Gently fold in lemon zest, introducing a subtle citrus note without compromising the whipped cream’s delicate structure.
  4. Crust Layering: Spread the cream mixture evenly across the pre-chilled pie crust, establishing a smooth, elegant foundation for the dessert.
  5. Strawberry Arrangement: Create a visually compelling design by strategically placing whole and sliced strawberries, generating depth and texture across the surface.
  6. Glaze Creation: In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cornstarch, whisking constantly over medium heat until the mixture transforms from cloudy to translucent.
  7. Glaze Refinement: Remove from heat, stirring in strawberry gelatin until completely dissolved, producing a glossy, vibrant ruby-colored coating.
  8. Final Assembly: Delicately drizzle the cooled glaze over the strawberries, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage that accentuates the fruit’s natural beauty.
  9. Chilling Stage: Refrigerate the pie for 2-4 hours, allowing layers to solidify and flavors to harmonize into a cohesive, indulgent dessert.

Notes

  • Chill Wisely: Refrigerate cream cheese and whipping cream for 30 minutes before whipping to achieve maximum volume and smooth texture.
  • Zest with Precision: Grate lemon zest carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith, to add a bright, subtle citrus note without overpowering the strawberry flavor.
  • Glaze Mastery: Whisk cornstarch mixture continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a clear, glossy strawberry glaze that sets perfectly.
  • Set Perfectly: Allow pie to rest in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to develop full flavor and achieve ideal slice-able consistency.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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