Dive into the delightful and refreshing flavors of this Strawberry Cream Pie, a perfect dessert for warm weather gatherings. This recipe features a buttery homemade crust, a light and fluffy cream cheese filling, and a vibrant strawberry glaze topped with fresh berries. It’s an elegant dessert that balances sweetness and tartness beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Fresh and Fruity: The use of fresh strawberries not only provides a bright, natural flavor but also makes this pie visually appealing.
- Creamy Texture: The combination of whipped cream and cream cheese creates a luxuriously smooth filling that complements the crisp pie crust.
- Versatile: This pie is perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to formal dinners.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare this pie ahead of time and let it set in the fridge, making it a convenient option for entertaining.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 3-5 tablespoons ice water
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Garnish:
- Whipped cream
Equipment:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Medium saucepan
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
Instructions:
Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, stirring until the dough forms a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place the crust in the dish, trim the excess, and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden. Let cool.
Make the Cream Filling:
- In a bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, whip the cream cheese until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese.
- Spread this mixture evenly into the cooled crust.
Prepare the Strawberry Glaze:
- In a medium saucepan, combine half the strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes clear.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly. Stir in the remaining strawberries.
Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the glazed strawberry mixture over the cream filling, arranging some of the strawberry halves for a decorative top layer.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the pie until set, about 3-4 hours.
- Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Keep the pie refrigerated and consume within 3 days for best freshness and texture.
- Freezer: It is not recommended to freeze this pie as the filling and glaze may separate upon thawing.
Tips:
- Crust Tip: Keep the dough chilled while working with it to ensure a flakier crust.
- Filling Tip: Ensure all ingredients for the filling are at room temperature to achieve a smoother texture.
- Glaze Tip: Allow the cooked glaze to cool slightly before adding the raw strawberries to prevent them from overcooking and losing their texture.
Enjoy your beautiful and tasty Strawberry Cream Pie, a dessert that’s sure to please both the eye and the palate!