Description: This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is a delightful dessert that combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy, luscious cream cheese filling studded with sweet strawberries. The reserved strawberry juice adds a beautiful glaze and intensifies the berry flavor, creating a refreshing and satisfying pie that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 (8 ounce/227g) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 (16 ounce/454g) package frozen sliced strawberries, thawed and drained (reserve 1/2 cup of juice)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the crust bakes evenly and sets properly. Prepare a 9-inch pie plate; this is the standard size for most pie recipes and ensures the correct filling-to-crust ratio.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until all the crumbs are moistened and the mixture resembles wet sand. This is crucial for the crust to hold together during baking. Ensure there are no dry pockets of crumbs remaining.
Step 3: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the 9-inch pie plate. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to firmly press the crumbs against the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate. This creates a stable and uniform crust that won’t crumble easily.
Step 4: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on the crust to prevent it from burning. Baking the crust beforehand helps it maintain its crispness when the wet filling is added. Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. A completely cooled crust is essential to prevent the filling from melting or becoming runny.
Step 5: While the crust is cooling, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
Step 6: Beat in the vanilla extract until well combined. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cream cheese and strawberries. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to incorporate the eggs evenly into the mixture, creating a smooth and stable filling. Overmixing can lead to a tough filling, so mix until just combined.
Step 7: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Soft peaks are achieved when the cream holds its shape but still droops slightly at the tip. Be careful not to overwhip the cream, as it can turn into butter.
Step 8: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Folding ensures that the whipped cream remains light and airy, which gives the pie a delicate texture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream by overmixing.
Step 9: Gently fold in the thawed and drained strawberries into the cream cheese mixture. Ensure the strawberries are well-drained to prevent the filling from becoming watery. Distribute the strawberries evenly throughout the filling.
Step 10: Pour the filling into the cooled graham cracker crust. Spread the filling evenly to ensure each slice has a consistent amount of strawberries.
Step 11: Pour the reserved strawberry juice evenly over the filling. This creates a beautiful glaze and enhances the strawberry flavor.
Step 12: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. The jiggliness indicates that the filling is not overbaked and will have a creamy texture. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
Step 13: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling the pie slowly helps the filling to set properly and prevents cracking.
Step 14: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving. This allows the filling to firm up completely and the flavors to meld together.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The buttery, crumbly graham cracker crust provides a perfect base for the creamy, tangy cream cheese filling. The sweet and juicy strawberries add a burst of freshness, and the reserved strawberry juice glaze elevates the overall taste and appearance of the pie. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. The balance of sweet and tangy notes, combined with the creamy texture, makes it an irresistible dessert that you’ll want to make again and again. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for entertaining.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the pie chilled, directly from the refrigerator.
- Garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Sprinkle a few fresh strawberries or a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top for added visual appeal and flavor.
- Pair it with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of sparkling wine for a perfect dessert pairing.
Tips:
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, creamiest filling.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Don’t overbake the pie, as it will continue to set as it cools.
- If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil during baking.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, use fresh strawberries instead of frozen, but make sure to drain them well.
- To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, brush it with melted chocolate after baking and before adding the filling.
- If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or other similar cookies for the crust.
- To make individual pies, use muffin tins lined with paper cups.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 80-90 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 250mg
Conclusion:
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie recipe is a guaranteed hit for any dessert lover. Its creamy, fruity, and decadent nature makes it a standout dessert, perfect for potlucks, holidays, or simply a sweet treat after dinner. The combination of the buttery graham cracker crust, the tangy cream cheese filling, and the burst of strawberry flavor creates a harmonious blend that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results. So, go ahead and bake this delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of crust for this pie?
A1: Yes, you can certainly use a different type of crust. While the graham cracker crust provides a classic flavor and texture, you can substitute it with a shortbread crust, a pastry crust, or even a chocolate cookie crust for a different twist. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly and ensure the crust is pre-baked to prevent sogginess.
Q2: Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
A2: Absolutely! Fresh strawberries can be used instead of frozen. However, it’s crucial to drain them well to prevent the filling from becoming too watery. You may also need to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling, depending on the sweetness of the fresh strawberries. Consider macerating the fresh strawberries with a tablespoon or two of sugar for about 30 minutes before adding them to the filling to draw out some of their juices and enhance their flavor.
Q3: How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
A3: There are several ways to prevent the crust from becoming soggy. First, make sure the crust is fully cooled before adding the filling. Second, you can brush the pre-baked crust with a thin layer of melted chocolate, which acts as a barrier against the moisture from the filling. Finally, ensure the strawberries are well-drained if using fresh or thawed frozen strawberries.
Q4: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A4: Yes, this pie is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, it’s recommended to refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving to allow the filling to set properly and the flavors to meld together. This makes it a convenient dessert option for entertaining or special occasions.
Q5: What can I do if the filling is not setting properly?
A5: If the filling is not setting properly, it could be due to a few factors. Ensure that you have used full-fat cream cheese and that it was properly softened. Also, make sure not to overmix the filling after adding the eggs, as this can incorporate too much air and prevent the filling from setting. If the pie is still jiggly after the recommended baking time, you can try baking it for an additional 5-10 minutes. Finally, ensure that the pie is refrigerated for a sufficient amount of time before serving to allow it to firm up completely.
