There is something utterly magical about a No Bake Strawberry Pie with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe that makes it a standout dessert for any occasion. This pie combines the bright, fresh flavor of ripe strawberries with a luscious cream cheese filling, all nestled in a crunchy graham cracker crust. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to prepare and requires no oven time, perfect for warm days or last-minute gatherings when you want a beautiful, crowd-pleasing treat that tastes like it took hours of effort but really didn’t. Every bite bursts with creamy, fruity goodness, making it a perfect summer classic you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this pie lies in its simplicity — just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create layers of texture, sweetness, and freshness. Each element plays a vital role: the crust brings a buttery crunch, the cream cheese filling adds richness and tang, and the strawberries provide vibrant color and juicy sweetness.
- 9-inch graham cracker crust: The crispy, slightly sweet base that holds all the flavors together effortlessly.
- 1 quart strawberries (hulled and divided): Fresh, ripe strawberries add natural sweetness and a bright red pop of color.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: This thickens the strawberry sauce, giving it that glossy, jammy finish.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the strawberry sauce and balances the tartness.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Provides a smooth, creamy base that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
- 1 3/4 cups sweet whipped cream (fluffy, not liquid): Lightens the cream cheese mixture, adding airy softness to the filling.
- Garnishes – whipped cream, extra strawberries, fresh mint: Optional but highly recommended to make your pie picture perfect and taste even better.
How to Make No Bake Strawberry Pie with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Strawberries
Start by setting aside two pounds of hulled strawberries for decorating and layering on top of the pie later. Take the remaining pound and blend it until smooth to create a vibrant strawberry puree. To this smooth blend, add water until the mixture reaches two cups and transfer it to a small saucepan — this will be the base for a luscious strawberry sauce that ties the entire dessert together.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Sauce
Into your saucepan with the strawberry puree, stir in granulated sugar and cornstarch. Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it carefully to a boil while stirring continuously for one minute. This cooks the cornstarch, transforming the puree into a shiny, thick sauce without any clumps. Once thickened, remove it from heat and let it cool completely — patience here means a perfect texture in your final pie!
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
While your strawberry sauce is cooling, focus on the creamy, dreamy cheesecake layer. Beat your softened cream cheese until perfectly smooth and free of lumps. Gently fold in the sweet whipped cream — not liquid cream but the fluffy kind — to keep it light and airy. This combination creates a luscious filling that balances richness with delicate smoothness, making every slice heavenly.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Begin by spreading the cream cheese mixture evenly into the graham cracker crust, forming a plush foundation. Next, take your reserved whole strawberries and arrange them with their pointy ends facing upwards, filling the entire pie for eye-catching texture. Pour the cooled strawberry sauce over the arranged berries, filling every little nook and cranny with its sweet glaze. Finally, slice some additional strawberries into rounds and place them on top for added dimension and a gorgeous finishing touch.
Step 5: Chill the Pie
Refrigerate your beautiful creation for at least six hours, though letting it sit overnight is ideal to allow all the flavors to meld and the filling to set firmly. If you want dreamy, clean slices when serving, pop the chilled pie into the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes beforehand. When the time comes to serve, top with extra whipped cream, fresh berries, and a sprig of mint for that irresistible, fresh look.
How to Serve No Bake Strawberry Pie with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Garnishes
Whipped cream is the classic and perfect garnish for this pie, adding a light, creamy contrast to the fruity filling. Fresh strawberries not only elevate the visual appeal but also enhance the flavor profile with bursts of freshness. A few sprigs of mint add an herbal brightness that makes each bite feel extra special and refreshing.
Side Dishes
This pie is quite a star on its own, but if you want to complete your dessert spread, pair it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a chilled glass of sweet white wine like Riesling. For a truly decadent touch, serve alongside some vanilla bean ice cream or a simple bowl of mixed berries to keep the fruit theme going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the traditional pie plate and consider individual mini pie jars for a charming twist at parties or picnics. Layer the filling, berries, and sauce in clear glasses for lovely, edible parfaits. For a picnic-friendly option, slice into bite-sized bars and serve on a platter garnished with mint leaves and a light dusting of powdered sugar — such a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your No Bake Strawberry Pie with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe, wrap the leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh. Refrigerate and consume within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and texture since the crust can soften over time as it absorbs moisture from the filling.
Freezing
While this pie is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Wrap securely in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the creamy texture and avoid sogginess. Keep in mind the fresh strawberries might lose some firmness after freezing, so it’s best for short-term storage.
Reheating
Since this is a no bake dessert served cold, reheating is not necessary nor recommended. The chilled cream cheese filling and strawberry sauce shine best when served cool, so just allow the pie to come to just above fridge temperature if desired for a softer bite before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this pie?
Fresh strawberries are ideal for both taste and texture in this recipe. However, if you only have frozen strawberries on hand, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before using to avoid a watery filling.
What can I use instead of a graham cracker crust?
If graham cracker crust isn’t your favorite, crushed digestive biscuits or a simple shortbread crust can work beautifully. Just press the crumbs with melted butter to create a firm base for the filling.
Is it possible to make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. Fold the whipped cream in right before assembling the pie for the best texture.
How do I get clean slices when serving?
For neat slices, chill your pie thoroughly and freeze it for 20-30 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts to make slicing smooth and easy.
Can I substitute the whipped cream with something else?
While traditional whipped cream works best for the lightness it adds, you can use whipped coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative. Just be sure it’s thick and fluffy to maintain the filling’s texture.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this No Bake Strawberry Pie with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance, with fresh strawberries and creamy filling that come together so naturally. Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a special celebration, this pie delivers smiles and sweet satisfaction every single time. Give it a go, and prepare for delighted compliments and requests to make it again!
Print
No Bake Strawberry Pie with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No Bake Strawberry Pie with Cream Cheese Filling is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert perfect for warm days or when you want a quick yet impressive treat. Featuring a creamy cheesecake layer topped with fresh strawberries and a homemade strawberry sauce poured over a crunchy graham cracker crust, this pie combines luscious textures and fruity flavors without requiring any baking.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 9-inch graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
Strawberry Layers
- 1 quart strawberries, hulled and divided (approximately 3 pounds; 2 pounds whole reserved, 1 pound blended)
Strawberry Sauce
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Water to make 2 cups when combined with blended strawberries
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 3/4 cups sweet whipped cream (fluffy whipped cream, not liquid whipping cream)
Garnish
- Additional whipped cream
- Extra strawberries
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Prep strawberries: Set aside 2 pounds of hulled strawberries for decoration and topping. Blend the remaining 1 pound (about 1 1/2 cups) of strawberries until smooth. Add water to the blended strawberries to reach a total volume of 2 cups, then pour this mixture into a small saucepan.
- Make strawberry sauce: To the blended strawberry mixture in the saucepan, add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 3 tablespoons cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly for about one minute until it thickens. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Make cream layer: While the strawberry sauce cools, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth. Gently fold in 1 3/4 cups of fluffy sweet whipped cream until the mixture is smooth and well combined without deflating the whipped cream.
- Assemble the pie: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly on the bottom of the graham cracker crust. Arrange the whole reserved strawberries on top, standing them pointy end up to fill the pie’s surface. Pour the cooled strawberry sauce over the arranged strawberries, spreading gently to fill all nooks and crevices. Slice remaining strawberries into rounds and layer them decoratively on top of the sauce.
- Chill the pie: Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set properly. For easier slicing, freeze the chilled pie for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. When ready to serve, garnish with additional whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and mint leaves if desired.
Notes
- Use fluffy whipped cream and not liquid whipping cream to ensure the cream cheese filling maintains its light texture.
- Freezing the pie for a short time before serving helps achieve clean slices.
- If making your own graham cracker crust, pre-bake it for a crisp base before assembling the pie.
- The pie must chill long enough to set the filling, so plan ahead for at least 6 hours refrigeration.
- Fresh mint is optional but adds a nice fresh aroma and color contrast as a garnish.
