• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Peanut Blossom
  • Start Here
  • Family Recipes
  • Cooking with Kids
  • Book Club
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • ABOUT
  • FAMILY RECIPES
  • COOKING WITH KIDS
  • HOLIDAY IDEAS
  • ONLINE BOOK CLUB
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • ABOUT
    • FAMILY RECIPES
    • COOKING WITH KIDS
    • HOLIDAY IDEAS
    • ONLINE BOOK CLUB
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » No-Bake Desserts

    Strawberry Cream Pie

    Published: Aug 10, 2023 by Tiffany Dahle · This post may contain affiliate links.

    • Share
    • Email Friend!
    Jump to Recipe - Pin Recipe
    The photo collage shows the strawberry cream pie next to the photo of the mixing bowl filled with strawberries and cream cheese.

    Strawberry cream pie is a no bake dessert made with a sweetened cream cheese filling. Chill it over night for the perfect make ahead party dessert.

    The no bake strawberry pie has a graham cracker crust and fresh strawberries on top. It is in a clear pie plate so you can see the crust.

    I love cool and creamy party desserts, give me a spoon and let me dig in if the recipe involves sweetened cream cheese and whipped topping.

    This juicy strawberry cream pie with a buttery graham cracker crust is on the top list of favorite options, especially when fresh strawberries are in season.

    Lucky for us, frozen strawberries are available all year round. You may need an alternate garnish if you plan to use them, be sure to see my easy variations for suggestions!

    Jump to:
    • Why This is the Best Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Make the Graham Cracker Crust
    • Macerate the Strawberries
    • Prepare the Strawberry Cream Filling
    • Garnish the Pie
    • Chill the Pie
    • Make Ahead Tips
    • Variations
    • Serving Suggestions
    • More No Bake Pies
    • More Fresh Strawberry Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why This is the Best Recipe

    Strawberry cream pie is such a popular southern recipe for good reason.

    I think no bake desserts are the perfect party dessert to make ahead but this is the best strawberry cream pie recipe because:

    1. Easy Prep: There is very little hands-on time to prep this recipe, most of the work comes in just waiting for it to chill overnight!
    2. Fresh Strawberries: There is nothing as delicious as a fresh, in-season strawberry when it comes to a strawberry dessert.
    3. 6 Ingredients: There are so few ingredients to this recipe, they all just help to make that strawberry flavor shine through.
    4. Cool and Creamy: When the heat rises, a refreshing chilled pie is the perfect answer to a family dessert.

    Ingredients

    The ingredients to make a strawberry cream pie are on the counter.

    To make this easy strawberry cream pie, all you need to have on hand is:

    • Graham Crackers
    • Fresh Strawberries: You could substitute frozen strawberries for this recipe but you'll need to thaw them first. You'll also need a different way to garnish the pie.
    • Cream Cheese: I strongly recommend a full-fat cream cheese so the pie holds its shape.
    • Whipped Topping: I strongly recommend a full-fat whipped topping so the pie holds its shape.
    • Powdered Sugar
    • Regular Sugar
    • Fresh Lemon: Optional. I think the fresh lemon zest gives this strawberry pie an extra-summer flavor, but you could omit it if you don't have a lemon handy.
    • Kosher Salt

    Make the Graham Cracker Crust

    The graham cracker crust will need one hour to chill before you can fill it so you'll want to prepare this first.

    Combine the graham cracker crumbs, pinch of salt, sugar, and melted butter with a fork.

    Press it into a 9-inch pie plate and chill for one hour.

    A graham cracker crust in a clear pie plate sits on the kitchen counter.

    Macerate the Strawberries

    First, wash all the fresh strawberries. Choose the 4 prettiest berries to garnish the top of the pie and set them aside.

    Chop the remaining strawberries and place them in a mixing bowl with the sugar. Stir together and let them sit.

    The sugar will draw out the strawberry juices, otherwise known as "macerating the strawberries."

    Chopped strawberries in a mixing bowl with sugar.

    Prepare the Strawberry Cream Filling

    When you're ready to fill the pie crust, finish the strawberry cream filling.

    First, place the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat them together with a hand mixer until smooth.

    Add the lemon zest and macerated strawberries with all of their juices to the bowl and blend them together.

    You want to see bits of fresh strawberry in the filling, so don't puree the strawberries. Just blend them together until the mixture is smooth.

    Gently fold in the whipped topping.

    Step by step photos show how to make the strawberry cream filling.

    Spoon the strawberry cream into the prepared graham cracker crust and smooth it out with the back of a spatula or knife.

    The graham cracker crust is filled with strawberry cream.

    Garnish the Pie

    Slice the reserved fresh strawberries in half lengthwise and place them around the perimeter of the pie:

    The garnished strawberry cream pie has fresh strawberries around the edge.

    Chill the Pie

    Now comes the hardest part . . . waiting for the pie to chill before serving!

    The pie will slice best if it has a chance to chill for 8 hours. Even better, chill it overnight.

    If you just can't wait, you can enjoy the pie right away but expect the strawberry cream to be much softer and not hold its shape very well.

    Make Ahead Tips

    This strawberry cream pie is the perfect make ahead dessert because it needs 8 hours of chill time. You're smartest to make it the day before.

    To make the actual assembly of the pie go faster, you could prepare the graham cracker crust on Day 1.

    Then prepare the strawberry cream filling on Day 2.

    Serve the pie on Day 3.

    You could assemble and freeze the strawberry cream pie but not with the fresh strawberry garnish on top.

    Variations

    This easy recipe is so delicious just as it is but you could have fun playing with some simple variations:

    Chocolate Strawberry Cream Pie: Stir in mini chocolate chips to the strawberry cream filling or sprinkle them over the top instead of the fresh strawberry garnish.

    Strawberry Lemonade Pie: Squeeze the juice of the lemon into the cream cheese mixture instead of just using the lemon zest.

    Serving Suggestions

    A slice of strawberry cream pie on a plate next to the pie in the background.

    I served this easy strawberry pie for a fun family dessert. It was a refreshing treat on a hot summer day.

    This would make an excellent potluck dessert or party dessert at almost any time of year.

    More No Bake Pies

    Looking for more easy no bake desserts? Don't miss these other family favorites:

    • A slice of banana pudding sits on a stack of white plates. You can see that there are no bananas in the layers.
      Banana Pudding {No Bananas!}
    • The oreo cream pie has one slice missing so you can see the cookie crust, oreo cookie cream center, and whipped topping.
      OREO Cream Pie
    • A slice of no bake butterfinger pie sits on a floral plate. You can see the graham cracker crust and whipped topping.
      No-Bake Butterfinger Pie
    • A slice of layered lemon torte sits on a blue plate. You can see the yellow lemon layer, a white whipped topping layer, and the graham cracker crust. A twirled slice of lemon sits on top for garnish.
      Lickety Split Lemon Torte

    More Fresh Strawberry Recipes

    Looking for ways to use up all your fresh strawberries this season? Don't miss some of my favorite strawberry recipes:

    • A collander filled with fresh strawberries about to be rinsed.
      Essential Fresh Strawberry Recipes You'll Love
    • 2 crostini toasts are topped with diced strawberries and a sprinkle of fresh basil to show the strawberry bruschetta appetizer. A plate of crostini sits in the background.
      Fresh Strawberry Bruschetta
    • A classic strawberry shortcake has been split in half with fresh berries and whipped cream.
      Classic Strawberry Shortcake
    • A 9x13-inch pan has finished strawberry pretzel salad for serving, a plate with a single slice and a fork is in front.
      Strawberry Jello Pretzel Dessert

    📖 Recipe

    The no bake strawberry pie has a graham cracker crust and fresh strawberries on top. It is in a clear pie plate so you can see the crust.

    Strawberry Cream Pie

    5 from 1 vote
    Sweet strawberry cream pie is an easy no bake dessert that uses fresh strawberries and cream cheese. The longer chill time makes this an amazing make ahead dessert to serve at a party.
    TOTAL TIME 8 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
    PREP TIME 15 minutes minutes
    CHILL TIME 8 hours hours
    YIELD 8 servings
    PIN RECIPE FOR LATER PRINT RECIPE NOW

    Ingredients
      

    Graham Cracker Pie Crust:

    • 9 graham crackers about 1 sleeve of graham crackers, crushed
    • 3 tablespoon sugar
    • Pinch kosher salt
    • 8 tablespoon (1 stick) butter

    Strawberry Cream Filling:

    • 1 (16 oz) container fresh strawberries
    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • 1 ½ (8 oz) bricks of cream cheese softened
    • ¾ cup powdered sugar
    • 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping like Cool Whip
    • 1 lemon zested

    Instructions

    Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

    • Crush the graham crackers. In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter with a fork until evenly combined.
    • Pour the crumb mixture into a 9-inch pie plate and press firmly into place. Chill the crust for 1 hour.

    Prepare the Strawberry Cream Filling

    • Wash the fresh strawberries and choose 4 of the prettiest ones to garnish the top of the pie. Set them aside. Chop the remaining strawberries into small pieces and add them to a medium sized mixing bowl.
    • Add the sugar to the strawberries and stir. Let them sit for 15 minutes so the sugar can draw out the juices.
    • In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth.
    • Add the lemon zest and fresh strawberries with all of their juices. Blend together until the strawberries have been mostly broken up in the mixture.
    • Gently fold in the whipped topping to the strawberry cream.

    Finish the Strawberry Cream Pie

    • Spoon the strawberry cream filling into the prepared graham cracker crust. Smooth it out into a pretty, even layer.
    • Cut the reserved fresh strawberries in half lengthwise and place each strawberry half cut side down around the perimeter of the pie.
    • Chill the pie for 8 hours or overnight before slicing and serving.
    COURSEDessert
    CUISINEAmerican
    AUTHORTiffany Dahle

    Save This Recipe to Your Recipe Box

    Find this delicious recipe next time you visit by saving it to your very own recipe box on my site. All your favorites stored in one easy place!

    SAVE THIS RECIPESaved!
    The photo collage shows the strawberry cream pie next to the photo of the mixing bowl filled with strawberries and cream cheese.

    More No Bake Dessert Recipes

    • A clear pie plate is filled with the perfect Oreo cookie crust.
      Oreo Cookie Crust
    • A ruffled bowl of cannoli dip has mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios on top. A waffle cookie is being dunked into it.
      Best Cannoli Dip
    • A cake plate has several squares of cereal bars in rainbow colors with mini marshmallows scattered about.
      Mini Trix Rice Krispie Treats
    • Easy Cheesecake Toppings for Delicious Desserts

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Share Your Thoughts Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Tiffany!
    I believe a great family recipe is one that makes everyone at the table happy, not just the kids. I'm the author of two bestselling cookbooks for kids that are chock full of recipes everyone in your family will love. I'm also the hostess of the best online book club for women.

    More about me →

    What's Trending Now

    • The photo collage shows several easy football party appetizers like raw veggies and dip, taco bites, buffalo chicken dip, and a bowl filled with meatballs and cocktail picks.
      35 Easy Football Party Appetizers
    • The photo collage shows several one pot dinner ideas using a skillet or dutch oven.
      60 One Pot Dinner Ideas for Busy Nights
    • A bottle of Mike's Hot Honey is in a photo collage next to 3 recipes it could be used in.
      20 Hot Honey Recipes You Have to Try
    • A blue baking dish filled with mac and cheese with bread crumb topping. A serving spoon has removed a portion to show the creamy elbow noodles.
      Make Ahead Mac and Cheese

    Popular

    • A freezer-friendly metal pan holds an 8x8-inch apple crisp with crumble topping.
      Freezer Friendly Apple Crisp
    • A stack of the best books for book club in 2023
      Best Book Club Picks 2023
    • A taco salad made with mini frozen tacos.
      10-minute Trader Joe's Meals
    • A photo collage shows a table set with ground beef taco fillings and tortilla shells on a pan next to alternative taco tuesday recipes ideas.
      30 Taco Tuesday Recipes for a Family Fiesta
    • A collage of easy dinners for busy nights.
      30 Quick Family Dinners for Busy Nights
    • A wicker picnic basket with white flowers and a bottle of water with fresh fruit sits on a picnic blanket outside.
      What to Pack for a Picnic: 45 Easy Recipes
    • A meal train dinner kit featuring supplies for tacos sits in an aluminum tray for delivery.
      30 Clever Meal Train Ideas with Recipes
    • Harry Potter themed snacks are in a platter with a witch hat sitting next to an open copy of a Harry Potter book.
      21 Harry Potter Snacks for Movie Night

    Footer

    As Seen On

    The Taste of Home Logo
    The Pioneer Woman Logo
    The Country Living Logo
    The Buzzfeed logo
    The Good Housekeeping Logo

    About

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Contact
    Privacy Policy
    Disclaimer
    Terms of Service

    Favorites

    Bread Recipes
    Soup Recipes
    Quick Dinner Recipes
    Harry Potter Fan Club
    Reading with Kids

    Holidays

    Easter Recipes
    Catholic Celebrations
    Thanksgiving Recipes
    Christmas Recipes

    Recipes

    Appetizers
    Dinners
    Main Dishes
    Salads
    Side Dishes
    Desserts
    Brunch
    Homemade Pantry

    ↑ back to top

    Copyright © 2023