There’s no better way to celebrate sun-soaked days than with a Frozen Strawberry Cream Pie — a blissfully creamy, berry-packed dessert that magically balances sweet and tangy flavors in every frosty bite. This dessert is like summer in a slice, featuring a luscious strawberry cream filling nestled inside a buttery graham cracker crust. Best of all, it’s simple to assemble, delightfully chill, and always guaranteed to become a new favorite at barbeques, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving something refreshing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Frozen Strawberry Cream Pie comes together with a handful of classic ingredients, each playing its own important role. From velvety cream cheese to sun-ripened strawberries and crispy graham crackers, every component contributes to its irresistible taste, creamy texture, and gorgeous pink hue.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The base of your pie, these crumbs provide that iconic crunch and warmth, perfect for holding all the creamy goodness.
- Granulated sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness blended into the crust for balance.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust together and adds that rich, buttery flavor we all adore.
- Cream cheese (softened): Gives the filling its signature smooth, tangy-creamy consistency.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Lends luscious sweetness and creaminess, ensuring a silky pie filling.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with its mellow, aromatic notes.
- Frozen strawberries (thawed and drained): Stars of the show, these bring juicy strawberry flavor and the vibrant color that makes this pie irresistible.
- Heavy whipping cream (whipped): Folds in lightness and air for that dreamy, mousse-like texture.
- Additional whipped cream and fresh strawberries for garnish (optional): The perfect finishing touch for a beautiful presentation and even more flavor.
How to Make Frozen Strawberry Cream Pie
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, stirring until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring even coverage for a sturdy base. Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes, just until golden and fragrant. Let it cool completely before adding the filling, so you don’t melt the creamy layer.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Cream Filling
While the crust cools, beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until it’s luxuriously smooth with no lumps. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, blending until everything is creamy and well-combined — this is the rich foundation for your Frozen Strawberry Cream Pie filling.
Step 3: Puree the Strawberries
Take your thawed and well-drained strawberries, place them in a blender or food processor, and puree until the mixture is perfectly smooth. Draining beforehand ensures you won’t water down the filling, keeping it thick and creamy.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Gently fold the strawberry puree into the cream cheese mixture until evenly distributed, creating that signature fluffy pink filling. Next, carefully fold in the freshly whipped cream, taking care not to deflate the airiness — this step gives your pie the most luxurious, cloud-like texture.
Step 5: Freeze, Set, and Serve
Pour the strawberry cream mixture into your cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover the pie and place it in the freezer for at least 6 hours, or overnight for best results. When you’re ready to serve, allow the pie to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes; this makes slicing a breeze. Top with generous swirls of whipped cream and a handful of fresh strawberries for a show-stopping finish.
How to Serve Frozen Strawberry Cream Pie
Garnishes
For that little extra wow factor, top your Frozen Strawberry Cream Pie with clouds of whipped cream and slices of fresh, juicy strawberries. A sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs or even a handful of freeze-dried strawberries can add delectable texture and color.
Side Dishes
This pie is the star of any dessert table, but if you want to round out your spread, pair it with crisp lemon shortbread cookies, a light fruit salad, or sparkling berry lemonade. These sides complement the pie’s creamy coolness without overpowering its delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving petite squares in cupcake liners for a fun twist at parties, or layer individual portions in mason jars for a picnic-perfect treat. You can even drizzle with a bit of melted white chocolate or garnish with a sprig of mint for a sophisticated look. The Frozen Strawberry Cream Pie truly shines in any shape or style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Frozen Strawberry Cream Pie should be kept tightly covered in the freezer to maintain its fresh flavor and creamy consistency. If possible, store individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container.
Freezing
This pie is made to live in the freezer! It holds up beautifully for several weeks, so you can prepare it well in advance. For best texture, avoid frequent thawing and refreezing, and always ensure it’s well-protected from freezer odors.
Reheating
No real reheating is needed for this chilly treat. Simply transfer the pie from the freezer to the fridge or counter about 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This will make slicing a breeze without compromising that delicious frozen texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries work beautifully. Just hull and slice them before pureeing, and ensure you drain off any excess liquid for the same creamy pie texture.
Can I make this pie without baking the crust?
Yes, you can skip baking if you’re in a rush or prefer a no-bake version. However, baking helps the crust hold together a bit better and adds a lovely toasted flavor.
What can I use instead of graham crackers for the crust?
For a fun twist, try vanilla wafer cookies, digestive biscuits, or even chocolate cookies as your crust base. Each option brings its own unique flavor to your Frozen Strawberry Cream Pie.
How do I ensure the pie filling sets up firmly?
Make sure the strawberries are completely drained and the filling is thoroughly chilled in the freezer for at least 6 hours. The whipped cream and condensed milk work together to stabilize the filling, so don’t skip either!
Is it possible to make this pie dairy-free?
You can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream, and sweetened condensed coconut milk. The texture may differ a bit, but you’ll still end up with a deliciously cool treat.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about slicing into a Frozen Strawberry Cream Pie and sharing it with people you love. Whether you’re a lifelong pie enthusiast or just searching for a simple, stunning dessert, this recipe is sure to earn a spot on your favorites list. Give it a try, and prepare for lots of strawberry smiles!
Print
Frozen Strawberry Cream Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the refreshing and creamy delight of Frozen Strawberry Cream Pie. This no-bake dessert is perfect for summer days, featuring a luscious strawberry filling in a buttery graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups frozen strawberries, thawed and drained
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
- Additional whipped cream and fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a pie dish. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then cool.
- Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add condensed milk and vanilla. Puree strawberries, fold into cream cheese. Add whipped cream and mix.
- Assemble: Pour filling into crust. Freeze for 6 hours or overnight until firm.
- Serve: Let pie sit at room temperature before slicing. Garnish with whipped cream and strawberries.
Notes
- You can use a store-bought crust for convenience.
- For a tangier flavor, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the filling.
- Ensure strawberries are well-drained to prevent excess moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
