This delicious velvety no-bake strawberry cream cheese pie recipe is super simple! All you need is 15 minutes of prep time and 7 ingredients you probably already have around your house.
I am excited to share with you the easy to follow steps for you to make a luscious cream cheese pie. As soon as you taste how scrumptious it is, you can't help but fall in love.
If you are a strawberry fanatic, you are going to want to taste this Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp too. It's so good!
Why this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie recipe works:
- The graham cracker crust only takes 2 ingredients, and you don't even need to bake it.
- The filling is super flavorful and has two heaping cups of fresh strawberries.
- Prep work only takes about 15 minutes.
- Strawberry cream cheese pie is decadent, rich, and flavorful.
- This cream cheese pie is a crowdpleaser for all your parties, barbecues, and events.
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How To Make No Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
FIRST STEP: Blend strawberries with a hand blender until smooth. Place a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and set a fine mesh strainer on top. Pour strawberries through the strainer into the saucepan. Press fruit and liquid through the strainer and discard solids. Bring to a boil for about 5-10 minutes until it is reduced by half. Transfer to a bowl and let cool to room temperature.
SECOND STEP: In a large bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs and melted butter just until combined.
THIRD STEP: Transfer to a parchment paper layered 9" (23cm) round springform pan. Evenly press crumbs into the bottom and halfway up the sides of the pan with the back of a measuring cup. Freeze for about 10 minutes.
FOURTH STEP: Meanwhile, make the filling. In a large mixing bowl mix with a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment cream cheese on medium speed until creamy for about 1 minute.
FIFTH STEP: Add reduced strawberries, sugar, and vanilla* and mix until smooth.
SIXTH STEP: Add heavy whipping cream and mix until soft peaks form for about 1-2 minutes. The filling is very liquid when you add the cream but don't worry, it will form soft peaks.
SEVENTH STEP: Pour filling into crust and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight until the filling is firm.
Continue spreading filling mixture evenly into pan.
EIGHTH STEP: Serve with whipped cream and strawberries on top if desired.
BAKER'S TIPS:
- Don't skip out on reducing the strawberries that is what gives the no-bake cream cheese pie it's intense flavor.
- When making the filling using a mixer instead of doing it by hand will give you that fluffy, creamy texture, you can't get enough of.
- To make the graham crackers into a fine powder, pulse them in the food processor until they are the consistency you are looking for. You can also place graham crackers into a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin to break them up.
Substitutions
This scrumptious strawberry cream cheese pie recipe is made to impress; however, there are a few things you can do to change the flavors too. It's wonderful to make substitutions to make this recipe your own.
- After you have the filling ready to go, you can gently fold in some diced strawberries to enhance the flavor even more.
- If you don't have fresh vanilla beans, you can replace them with 2 tsp of pure vanilla extract.
- Use chocolate graham crackers instead of regular.
Can You Make This No-Bake Cream Cheese Pie With Different Fruit?
Yes, absolutely! I chose to make this cream cheese pie because we can't get enough sweet strawberries, but you could certainly try some different fruits. Follow the same process as directed, and you will be good to go. Here are some ideas to try:
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Cherries
Note: It's essential to strain the reduced fruit so you don't end up with a bunch of seeds in the pie because they would be pretty crunchy and take away from the experience.
Adding Additional Flavors Into This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
When you taste this strawberry cream pie, you are going to be hooked on how decadent it is! If you want to incorporate some additional flavors, you certainly can. Try these ideas to get you started:
- Add 1/4 cup (32 grams) of white chocolate chips.
- Drizzle 2 tbsp (30 ml) with chocolate syrup on top of strawberry pie.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup (64 grams) of crushed Oreos in the filling.
Can I Use Vanilla Wafers Instead Of Graham Crackers?
Yes, you can exchange vanilla wafer cookies for graham crackers. The vanilla wafers will add a little bit of a buttery flavor to the crust. It's delicious no matter what kind of crust you use.
You can actually use other cookies, and flavors of graham crackers if you wish. Just run them through the food processor to make them powdery and you are set.
NOTE: I would stay away from cookies that have ingredients like chocolate chips because when you run it through the food processor, the particles from the cookie will clump to the chocolate chips.
What Can I Use As A Substitute For Cream Cheese?
If you have an aversion to cream cheese or you simply don't like it, don't worry! You can substitute cottage cheese or yogurt. Make sure if you use cottage cheese that you puree, so it's creamy and smooth.
The texture of the no-bake cream pie will be a little different when you use a substitute, but the flavor will still be magical.
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
Can You Make Cream Cheese Pie For A Crowd?
Yes, you can make cream cheese pie for a crowd. You can either use several pie pans or use a glass baking dish instead. When preparing for a large group or party, it's helpful to use a container that has a lid, so it's easy to transport.
Is Cream Cheese Okay If Left Out Overnight?
No, you don't want to use any cream cheese that has been left out overnight. Bacteria will have started multiplying, and it can make you ill. A good rule of thumb is not to use cream cheese after it has been out longer than 2 hours.
Why Is My Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Lumpy?
If you are experiencing lumps in the strawberry cream cheese pie, then it could be because the cream cheese was too cold. Whenever you are making a recipe that requires cream cheese, and it is supposed to be smooth, your best bet is to use room temperature cream cheese.
It's best if you set the cream cheese on the counter around an hour before you are getting ready to use it. This will allow for a nice smooth, and creamy texture.
How To Store Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
Store strawberry cream cheese pie in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly so no air can get to it. On average, it will last around 3 days in the fridge. You can use plastic storage containers or glass, depending on your preference.
It's important not to let the cream cheese pie sit out longer than 2 hours, or it will go bad.
Can No-Bake Cream Cheese Pie Be Frozen?
While some pies do not do well in the freezer, this no-bake cream cheese pie does excellent! You can freeze it by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap, then placing in an airtight storage container.
You can also use the flash freeze method to ensure that the top doesn't get damaged or smashed. To flash freeze, place the pie in the freezer for 1-2 hours until it has frozen relatively solid. Then you can transport it to an airtight container.
On the search for more strawberry recipes
If you make this No-Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie recipe leave a comment, rate it and tag a photo #alsothecrumbsplease on Instagram! Would love to see your snap!
No-Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
Ingredients
Graham cracker crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (7oz / 200g)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (113g)
Strawberry cream cheese filling
- 2 heaping cups strawberries, hulled and pureed (380g)
- 2 cups cream cheese (16oz / 455g)
- 3/4 cup granulated white sugar (150g)
- 2 vanilla beans* (or 2 tsp vanilla extract)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240ml)
Instructions
- Blend strawberries with a hand blender until smooth. Place a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and set a fine mesh strainer on top. Pour strawberries through the strainer into the saucepan. Press fruit and liquid through the strainer and discard solids. Bring to a boil for about 5-10 minutes until it is reduced by half. Transfer to a bowl and let cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs and melted butter just until combined. Transfer to a parchment paper layered 9" (23cm) round springform pan. Evenly press crumbs into the bottom and halfway up the sides of the pan with the back of a measuring cup. Freeze for about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the filling. In a large mixing bowl mix with a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment cream cheese on medium speed until creamy for about 1 minute. Add reduced strawberries, sugar, and vanilla* and mix until smooth. Add heavy whipping cream and mix until soft peaks form for about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour filling into crust and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight until the filling is firm. Serve with whipped cream and strawberries on top if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.
Video
Notes
*First, cut off the straight end of the vanilla bean. Then place the tip of your sharp knife below the curled end and cut the vanilla bean through the middle of the bean lengthwise. Although you don't need to cut it all the way through, it's ok when you do so. Then open the vanilla bean and scrape out the flavorful seeds with the back of your knife. Just use the seeds. Substitutions: Diced STRAWBERRIES:
After you have the filling ready to go, you can gently fold in some diced strawberries to enhance the flavor even more. PURE VANILLA EXTRACT
If you don't have fresh vanilla beans, you can replace them with 2 tsp of pure vanilla extract. CHOCOLATE GRAHAM CRACKERS
Replace regular graham crackers for chocolate graham crackers. Consider adding in the following ingredients:
- Add 1/4 cup (32 grams) of white chocolate chips.
- Drizzle 2 tbsp (30 ml) with chocolate syrup on top of strawberry pie.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup (64 grams) of crushed Oreos in the filling.
- Place the strawberry pie in the fridge for at least 4 hours to allow it time to set up before serving.
- Serve with whipped topping and sliced strawberries.
I'm not usually a big fan of cream cheese based pie fillings, but this recipe was perfectly flavored. I was very generous with the strawberries, did both extract and vanilla bean and added the zest and a juice from half a lemon to brighten it up a bit causes strawberries aren't in season. Also subbed Nilla Wafers and Walkers shortbread for the crust. It tasted like a Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake popsicle in pie form.
Will definitely be making this again next year when I can get fresh berries. Might try adding raspberry next time too!
That sounds delicious. Raspberries would be lovely as well. Thanks for the nice feedback!
Can I just use Strawberry purée instead of actually crushing the strawberries into purée??
Yes, absolutely.