Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons cold water
Fresh Strawberries
- 2 cups ripe fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
Cream Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon gelatin or pectin (optional, for setting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Combine cold butter and all-purpose flour in a bowl. Gradually add cold water until the dough just comes together. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes. Roll out evenly into a 9-inch pie pan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely before filling.
- Make the Cream Filling: Whip softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to keep the filling light and airy. Optionally, dissolve gelatin or pectin as per package instructions and fold into the mixture for firmer setting.
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash and slice fresh strawberries, removing the stems. Optionally toss them lightly in sugar or a splash of lemon juice to enhance natural flavor and brightness.
- Assemble the Pie: Spread a thin layer of cream filling onto the cooled pie crust to keep the crust crisp. Add an even layer of sliced strawberries. Pour the remaining cream filling over the berries. Decorate the top with extra strawberry slices arranged beautifully.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the filling to firm up and flavors to meld for the perfect slice.
Notes
- Chill butter and cream cheese until just before use for best texture.
- Fold whipped cream gently into filling to retain fluffiness.
- Select ripe, fragrant strawberries for optimal flavor.
- Use a glass pie dish to monitor crust browning easily.
- Prevent sogginess by applying a thin layer of melted white chocolate or glaze on crust before filling.
- For gluten-free crust, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix.
- Dairy-free alternatives include coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Add lemon zest to filling for a tangy twist or incorporate mixed berries.
- Optional chocolate drizzle on top for a decadent finish.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: strawberry pie, cream pie, fresh strawberries, dessert, gluten free dessert, summer pie