This No-Bake Fresh Strawberry Pie captures the essence of spring and summer with its bright, juicy strawberries and smooth, creamy filling. Ideal for any special occasion or as a delightful finish to a family meal, this pie promises a refreshing taste with every bite.
Ingredients:
Pie Crust:
- 1 homemade or store-bought pie crust, blind-baked and cooled
For the Glaze & Topping:
- Strawberries: 3 cups (about 1-1.5 lbs), cleaned and hulled
- Water: 1/3 cup
- Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup
- Cornstarch: 2 1/2 tablespoons
For the Whipped Cream:
- Heavy Cream: 2 cups
- Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup
For the Filling:
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened
- Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon
Directions:
- Prepare the Pie Crust:
- Ensure your pie crust is blind baked to a golden hue and completely cooled before you begin filling.
- Prepare the Strawberry Glaze:
- Blend 1 cup of strawberries with water and lemon juice until smooth.
- In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar and cornstarch, then stir in the strawberry puree.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and clears. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Make the Whipped Cream:
- In a bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy.
- Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in half of the whipped cream, reserving the rest for topping.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture into the cooled pie crust.
- Spoon half of the cooled strawberry glaze over the cream cheese layer.
- Arrange the remaining fresh strawberries on top of the glaze.
- Pour the remaining glaze over the strawberries to cover.
- Chill and Set:
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to set.
- Final Touches:
- Before serving, top the pie with the remaining whipped cream for a luxurious finish.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes (for the crust if not pre-baked)
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: About 2 hours
Baking Tips:
- For a firmer glaze that holds its shape better, consider incorporating a small amount of gelatin.
- Slice the strawberries evenly to ensure each slice of pie has a generous amount of fruit.
- Keep the pie chilled until serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Conclusion: This No-Bake Fresh Strawberry Pie is a visually stunning and deliciously rewarding dessert that combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with a creamy, luscious filling. Perfect for any gathering, it’s sure to impress with its layers of vibrant colors and enticing flavors. Enjoy the freshness of strawberries in a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to serve.