Description
Creamy strawberry icebox pie blends sweet, tangy flavors from classic Southern desserts. Cool summer treat promises refreshing slices that satisfy dessert cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (473 ml) strawberries, fresh, pureed
- 1 cup (237 ml) strawberries, fresh, sliced
- 6 tbsps (85 g) butter, unsalted, melted
- 1 ½ cups (355 ml) graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsps (25 g) sugar, granulated
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) sugar, powdered
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- ½ cup (118 ml) heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
- Whipped cream (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers with melted butter and sugar until they form a cohesive, sandy texture, then firmly press the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, creating an even, compact base.
- Chill Foundation: Refrigerate the crust for 10-15 minutes to stabilize its structure while preparing the strawberry filling.
- Cream Cheese Blend: Whip cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into a smooth, creamy consistency, then fold in pureed strawberries until the mixture transforms into a vibrant, uniform pink color.
- Filling Integration: Gently incorporate whipped cream into the strawberry mixture, creating a light, airy filling that promises a delicate, cloud-like texture.
- Pie Assembly: Pour the strawberry filling into the chilled crust, smoothing the surface with precision, and artfully arrange fresh strawberry slices on top in an elegant, geometric pattern.
- Chilling and Setting: Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld into a harmonious symphony of sweetness.
- Serving Finale: When ready to indulge, slice the pie with a sharp knife and optionally embellish each portion with a billowy dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.
Notes
- Choose Fresh Strawberries: Select ripe, bright red strawberries without bruises for the most intense and sweet flavor profile.
- Prevent Soggy Crust: Pre-bake the graham cracker crust for 8-10 minutes to create a barrier against moisture, keeping the base crisp and crunchy.
- Whip Cream Carefully: Whip cream to medium-stiff peaks, stopping just before it becomes grainy to maintain a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Temperature Matters: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a lump-free, silky filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg