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This strawberry cream cheese pie brings together a rich and velvety cream cheese layer tucked in a golden graham cracker crust, all topped with jewel-bright glazed strawberries. It is a classic southern dessert that never lasts long at our family get-togethers and the cold creamy filling is a hit every single summer barbecue.
My first try making this pie was for my grandmother’s birthday We had it on the porch with tall glasses of lemonade and everyone wanted seconds
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs Bring crunch and toasty sweetness Look for fresh crackers without stale smells
- Granulated sugar Gives a bit of crunch to the crust and sweetens the glaze Use pure white sugar for best presentation
- Butter Lends richness and helps hold the crust together Choose unsalted for more control over the flavor
- Cream cheese Main source of creaminess and tang Use a full fat brick-style cream cheese and let it fully soften
- Vanilla extract Balances the tang and gives the creamy layer a lovely aroma Opt for pure extract when possible
- Powdered sugar Dissolves seamlessly into the filling leaving it silk smooth Always sift if it looks clumpy
- Whipping cream Lightens the filling and creates that mousse-like texture Very cold cream is key for good whipping
- Cornstarch Thickens the strawberry glaze and gives it shine Select a good quality for a clear finish
- Strawberry gelatin Boosts color and flavor in the topping Go for a familiar favorite brand
- Lemon juice Adds brightness to the glaze Use freshly squeezed for best flavor
- Strawberries The star of the show Choose plump ripe berries with no bruises
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Crust
- Mix graham cracker crumbs sugar and melted butter together until the mixture looks like wet sand Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a nine inch pie pan Use a measuring cup for a compact press Bake at three hundred fifty degrees for eight to nine minutes then cool the crust completely for at least thirty minutes This keeps it crisp
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
- Beat softened cream cheese with vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy Any lumps will show so take time with this In a separate bowl whip the cold cream until soft peaks form then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture Use light strokes to avoid deflating the cream Spread this filling evenly into the cooled crust then chill for one to two hours so it firms up
- Make the Strawberry Glaze
- In a small saucepan whisk together cornstarch sugar strawberry gelatin water and fresh lemon juice Cook this over low heat whisking all the time to avoid lumps Continue until the mixture thickens and turns slightly clear Remove from the heat and cool for ten to fifteen minutes
- Glaze the Strawberries
- Once the glaze is cool but not set add clean hulled strawberries to the pan and stir so each berry gets an even shiny coating
- Assemble the Pie
- Arrange the glazed strawberries gently over the chilled filling starting from the edge and working to the center Refrigerate until ready to serve for neat slices
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I especially love the creamy layer for how it balances the sweet berries My son calls this his lucky pie because every time we celebrate something special he always asks for this as his treat
Storage Tips
Keep the pie covered and refrigerated It tastes best within forty eight hours but will hold up to three days Fresh berries tend to release juice if left too long so add the strawberry topping close to serving time If you need to travel with the pie add the fruit topping just before serving
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of graham crackers try vanilla wafer cookies or digestive biscuits For the glaze you can skip the gelatin and use warmed strawberry jam as a time saver Light cream cheese can be used but the pie may not set as firmly
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices chilled with extra fresh berries on the side A dollop of whipped cream makes it feel even more special For a pretty presentation place mint leaves on each slice I sometimes dust the crust edges with a bit of extra powdered sugar before serving
Cultural Context
Strawberry pies have a strong tradition in Southern cuisine where berry season is celebrated every year Cream cheese pies rose to popularity in the twentieth century for their easy no fuss preparation and simple ingredients This dessert is now a potluck and picnic staple across many regions
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What makes the cream cheese layer so smooth?
Softened cream cheese is whipped together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then lightened with freshly whipped cream. This creates a smooth, velvety base that sets up beautifully when chilled.
- → How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Baking the graham cracker crust helps it hold together and develop a crisp texture, acting as a sturdy base for the creamy and fruity layers on top.
- → Can the dessert be made ahead?
The crust and cream cheese layers can be assembled up to two days in advance. For freshest flavor and best texture, add the strawberry topping just before serving.
- → Is there a shortcut for the strawberry topping?
Yes, you can substitute homemade glaze with warmed strawberry jam or even use a fresh strawberry sauce for a faster version.
- → How can I achieve perfect whipped cream?
Make sure the cream, mixing bowl, and beaters are well chilled before whipping. This helps the cream whip faster and hold its shape, creating a light, airy filling.