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