Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe

Heavenly Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe for Summertime Bliss

Cool summer afternoons feel magical with a delightful strawberry icebox pie waiting in the refrigerator.

Sweet berries burst with intense flavor in this no-bake dessert that comes together quickly.

Layers of creamy filling and fresh fruit create a delectable treat perfect for relaxing gatherings.

Minimal ingredients mean you can whip up this stunning pie without complicated techniques.

Crisp graham cracker crust provides a delicious foundation for the luscious strawberry mixture.

Each slice promises a refreshing combination of textures and vibrant fruit essence.

Chill this amazing dessert and watch everyone’s faces light up with pure delight.

Grab a fork and savor every delectable bite of this irresistible summer classic.

Why You’ll Keep Making Strawberry Icebox Pie

Why You’ll Keep Making Strawberry Icebox Pie
  • Quick and Easy Dessert: Prepares in just a few simple steps with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for beginner bakers wanting a delicious homemade treat.
  • No-Bake Summer Delight: Chills in the refrigerator instead of using an oven, making it an ideal cool dessert for hot days and outdoor gatherings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Crowd-Favorite: Features vibrant strawberry flavor and creamy texture that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the party will enjoy a slice.
  • Versatile Party Dessert: Works perfectly for summer barbecues, potlucks, family dinners, and casual weekend celebrations without complicated preparation.

Strawberry Icebox Pie What You’ll Need

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs, Granulated Sugar: Sweet base that provides a crunchy foundation for the pie.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust together and adds rich flavor.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Fresh Strawberries: Provides natural sweetness and fruity core of the pie, best when ripe and in season.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a smooth, creamy texture and adds rich sweetness.
  • Cream Cheese: Gives a tangy flavor and helps stabilize the filling, best when softened at room temperature.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, subtle notes.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a light, fluffy topping that adds richness and visual appeal, best when chilled before whipping.

Making Strawberry Icebox Pie

Making Strawberry Icebox Pie

Step 1: Create Crispy Crust Foundation

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs.

Blend with sugar and melted butter until mixture becomes moist and sandy.

Press firmly into pie dish, ensuring an even layer across bottom and sides.

Refrigerate crust while preparing filling to help it set firmly.

Step 2: Whip Delightful Strawberry Base

Gather ingredients:
  • Fresh strawberries
  • Condensed milk
  • Cream cheese
  • Vanilla extract

Pulse strawberries in blender until smooth.

Add condensed milk, cream cheese, and vanilla.

Blend until mixture becomes silky and vibrant pink.

Ensure no strawberry chunks remain for perfect texture.

Step 3: Craft Fluffy Whipped Topping

Pour heavy cream into chilled mixing bowl.

Sprinkle powdered sugar over cream.

Whip using electric mixer until peaks stand tall and firm.

Stop mixing once cream creates stiff, cloud-like peaks that hold shape.

Step 4: Merge Layers Gently

Carefully fold whipped cream into strawberry mixture.

Use gentle circular motions to maintain cream’s airiness.

Blend until color becomes uniformly pink and texture looks light and creamy.

Step 5: Chill and Set Pie

Pour strawberry mixture into prepared graham cracker crust.

Smooth top with spatula.

Refrigerate pie for minimum 4 hours or overnight.

Ensure pie sits undisturbed in coldest part of refrigerator.

Step 6: Decorate and Serve

Remove pie from refrigerator.

Garnish with fresh strawberry slices on top.

Slice with sharp knife and serve chilled.

Enjoy cool, creamy dessert perfect for summer gatherings.

Icebox Strawberry Pie With Chill and Slice Success Tricks

  • Use a food processor or place graham crackers in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin for uniform, fine crumbs.
  • Add a pinch of cream of tartar or cornstarch to help whipped cream maintain its structure and prevent deflating.
  • Use ripe, in-season strawberries for the most intense and sweet filling taste.
  • Dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry before cutting to create clean, smooth pie slices.
  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or ground almond cookies for a celiac-friendly version.

Keep Strawberry Icebox Pie Cold For Later

  • Store the pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Place wax paper between individual slices when storing to prevent sticking and maintain pie's shape.
  • Consume within 2-3 days for the best texture and flavor, as whipped cream and fresh strawberries can lose quality quickly.

Cool Pairings for Strawberry Icebox Pie

  • Pair with Crisp Rosé Wine: Complement the sweet, creamy strawberry pie with a chilled rosé that balances the dessert's richness and echoes its fruity notes.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of smooth, classic vanilla ice cream alongside the pie to enhance its creamy texture and add a cool contrast.
  • Brew Fresh Mint Tea: Steep mint leaves for a light, refreshing beverage that cuts through the pie's sweetness and provides a clean, herbal counterpoint.
  • Create Strawberry Cocktail Companion: Mix a strawberry mojito or daiquiri that mirrors the pie's fruit flavor while offering a festive, adult twist to the dessert experience.

Strawberry Icebox Pie with Creamy Cold Layers

  • Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Crust: Swap traditional graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Berry Bliss Pie: Replace cream cheese and condensed milk with silken tofu, coconut cream, and maple syrup. Use coconut whipped cream as a dairy-free topping for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Berry Sensation: Substitute condensed milk with Greek yogurt and use stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Choose fresh strawberries and minimize added sugars for a healthier dessert option.
  • No-Bake Frozen Fruit Variation: Transform the pie into individual frozen parfaits by layering the mixture in mason jars. Freeze for a portable, single-serve summer treat that's easy to store and share.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before blending to prevent the pie from becoming too watery.

  • How do I prevent the graham cracker crust from getting soggy?

Press the crust firmly into the dish and pre-chill it for about 15 minutes before adding the filling. This helps create a barrier that keeps the crust crisp.

  • Is there a way to make this pie lighter or less sweet?

Reduce the condensed milk slightly or use a sugar-free alternative. You can also use Greek yogurt in place of some cream cheese to cut down on richness.

  • Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pie can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator. Just add fresh strawberry garnish right before serving.

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Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe

Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe


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4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Cool summer days find sweet relief in this classic strawberry icebox pie, where creamy layers and fresh berries create delightful harmony. Chilled and silky, you’ll savor each refreshing bite of this nostalgic dessert that celebrates seasonal strawberries with pure, simple pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, mashed
  • 1 (14 ounces/397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (8 ounces/227 grams) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Flavor Enhancer:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs, blending with sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand.
  2. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a pie dish, creating an even layer with compact edges.
  3. Refrigerate the crust for 15 minutes to solidify its structure and enhance stability.
  4. In a food processor, puree fresh strawberries until completely smooth and vibrant.
  5. Incorporate condensed milk, softened cream cheese, and vanilla extract into the strawberry puree, blending until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
  6. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar, beating vigorously until the cream develops sturdy, glossy peaks that hold their shape.
  7. Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture, creating a light and airy filling with delicate swirls.
  8. Pour the creamy strawberry mixture into the chilled graham cracker crust, spreading evenly and smoothing the top surface.
  9. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the filling to set and flavors to meld.
  10. Before serving, garnish with fresh sliced strawberries and optional mint leaves for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener for low-carb or diabetic-friendly version.
  • Freeze extra portions in individual containers for quick dessert options that last up to one month.
  • Use fresh seasonal strawberries at peak ripeness to enhance natural sweetness and maximize flavor intensity.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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