Strawberry Cream Pie

why make this recipe

Strawberry Cream Pie is a delightful dessert that is perfect for warm days and special occasions. It combines the creaminess of the filling with the fresh, sweet taste of strawberries. This pie not only looks beautiful but also tastes amazing. It’s a great way to impress friends and family with a homemade treat that is relatively easy to prepare.

how to make Strawberry Cream Pie

Ingredients:

• One pie crust (half of the recipe for one crust)
• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 5 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup strawberry puree, strained to remove seeds
• 3 cups whole strawberries, sliced
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
• 6 tbsp powdered sugar
• 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 6-7 strawberries, halved

Directions:

1. Place the pie crust in a 9-inch deep dish pie pan. Crimp the edges and prick the sides and bottom with a fork. Blind bake the pie crust and set it aside to cool.
2. In a large mixer bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, whip the cold heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, then gently fold in the remaining whipped cream.
4. Spread the filling evenly into the cooled pie crust and set it in the fridge.
5. In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Add the strawberry puree and stir. Cook over medium heat, stirring until it thickens and boils. Allow to boil for 1 minute, then cool to a pudding-like consistency.
6. Gently stir in the sliced strawberries and spoon the glaze over the cream cheese filling, spreading it evenly.
7. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours until completely chilled.
8. Prior to serving, make the whipped cream by whipping all the ingredients in a bowl until stiff peaks form. Pipe the whipped cream around the edge of the pie and top with halved strawberries.

how to serve Strawberry Cream Pie

Serve Strawberry Cream Pie chilled, sliced into wedges. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk. You can also enjoy it with a dollop of extra whipped cream on top for added richness.

how to store Strawberry Cream Pie

Store the strawberry cream pie in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. This pie is best eaten within a few days but can be enjoyed for up to a week if stored properly.

tips to make Strawberry Cream Pie

• Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. Make sure they are ripe and sweet.
• If making your own pie crust, allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.
• Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Whip the cream until stiff peaks form to achieve a light and fluffy texture in the filling.
• Let the pie chill for enough time to set properly; this enhances the overall taste and texture.

variation

You can add other fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, to the pie for a mixed berry flavor. Alternatively, try a chocolate drizzle over the top for a decadent twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, you can use a store-bought pie crust for convenience. It will save you some time in preparation.

2. How can I make the pie filling sweeter?
You can increase the amount of sugar in the cream cheese filling or the strawberry glaze if you prefer a sweeter taste.

3. Can I freeze Strawberry Cream Pie?
It’s not recommended to freeze this pie, as the cream filling may separate and the strawberries can become mushy. It is best enjoyed fresh.