Get ready to fall in love with this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie—a no-fuss dessert that tastes like summer in every bite. With its buttery graham cracker crust, rich and tangy cream cheese filling, and a crown of juicy, glazed strawberries, this pie delivers the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fruity. It’s ridiculously easy to make and absolutely ideal when you want something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s for a picnic, potluck, or just a weeknight treat, this pie is pure joy in sliceable form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Foolproof: There’s no baking required (except for the crust if you want it firmer), and the steps are so simple that anyone can pull it off—yes, even on a busy Tuesday.
Deliciously Decadent: The cream cheese filling is smooth, lightly sweet, and tangy—the perfect partner for fresh strawberries and a buttery crust.
Seasonal or Anytime: Best made with fresh strawberries when they’re in season, but still delightful with store-bought berries year-round.
Great for Make-Ahead: This pie tastes even better after chilling, making it a perfect dessert to prepare in advance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie—and why each one matters:

Graham cracker crumbs: The base of the crust; buttery and slightly sweet, it balances the creamy filling.
Butter: Binds the crumbs together and gives the crust its rich, toasty flavor.
Cream cheese: The heart of the filling; it brings that creamy, tangy base we all crave in a cheesecake-style dessert.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without any graininess—don’t swap for granulated.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch rounds out the cream cheese and adds warm depth.
Fresh strawberries: These are the stars! Use ripe, bright berries for the juiciest, most flavorful topping.
Strawberry glaze or jelly: Adds shine and a sweet finish to the fresh berries while helping them stay in place on the pie.
Whipped cream (optional): For garnish and a little extra indulgence—because why not?

Variations

Want to mix things up? Try one of these tasty twists:

Berry Mix: Combine strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a beautiful, mixed berry topping.
Chocolate Crust: Swap the graham crackers for chocolate cookie crumbs for a richer base.
Lemon Zest: Add some lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a citrusy pop.
Mini Pies: Use a muffin tin and make individual servings—adorable and perfect for parties.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

Step 1: Make the Crust

Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press the mixture into a pie dish. Use the bottom of a glass to compact the crust firmly. Chill for 30 minutes or bake at 350°F for 10 minutes for a firmer texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until fully combined and velvety.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Arrange halved strawberries (cut side down) in concentric circles on top of the filling.

Step 4: Add the Glaze

Warm the strawberry glaze or jelly slightly so it’s pourable. Gently brush or spoon it over the strawberries to coat them in a glossy finish.

Step 5: Chill

Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better—to allow it to set completely and develop flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room temperature cream cheese: This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
Dry the strawberries: Pat them dry after washing to prevent the glaze from sliding off.
Chill thoroughly: Don’t rush the chilling time. The flavors meld beautifully the longer it rests.
Use a sharp knife: For clean slices, wipe your knife between cuts and dip it in hot water if needed.

How to Serve

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is lovely all on its own, but here’s how to make it even more special:

Garnishes:

Top with whipped cream, fresh mint leaves, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an elegant touch.

Pairing:

Serve with a cup of hot coffee or a chilled glass of Prosecco to complement the sweet, fruity flavors.

Presentation:

A slice of this pie on a white dessert plate with a strawberry fan or edible flower garnish adds instant wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the pie in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 4 days. The crust may soften slightly over time, but the flavor stays amazing.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled pie (without glaze and strawberries) for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge, then top with fresh strawberries and glaze before serving.

Reheating

This pie is best served cold or at room temperature—no reheating needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Frozen strawberries aren’t ideal for this pie because they release a lot of moisture and don’t hold their shape well. Stick with fresh for the best texture and appearance.

Is the pie overly sweet?
Not at all! The tangy cream cheese balances the sweetness beautifully, and you can always adjust the glaze if you prefer a lighter touch.

Can I use a store-bought crust?
Absolutely. A ready-made graham cracker crust works just fine if you’re short on time—just skip the crust-baking step.

How far in advance can I make this pie?
You can make it up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, it tastes better when it’s had time to chill and set completely.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is the kind of dessert that wins hearts effortlessly. It’s a dreamy, no-stress treat packed with fresh flavor and creamy richness. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just need a sweet pick-me-up, this pie is a guaranteed hit. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised how easy it is to impress with something so simple!

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe