A Slice of Summer: Strawberry Cream Cheesecake Pie

As the first warmth of summer kisses the garden and strawberries begin to blush on the vine, there’s one dessert that always finds its way to the center of my kitchen table—Strawberry Cream Cheesecake Pie. This recipe is more than a treat. It’s a tradition steeped in Sunday afternoons, picnics under big oak trees, and potlucks where everyone asks, “Who brought the pie?”

Growing up, my grandmother had a way of making even the simplest meals feel like rituals. She believed that the best desserts celebrated the seasons, and come June, she would bring out her worn ceramic pie dish and gather the sweetest strawberries from the local market. She always said a pie made with love needed no special occasion—and this creamy, dreamy pie proved her right every time.

Strawberry Cream Cheesecake Pie is all about balance: the crunch of the graham cracker crust, the silkiness of a whipped cheesecake center, and the glossy, ruby-red strawberries on top, gleaming like jewels. It’s perfect for when you want a dessert that looks impressive but doesn’t require an oven or hours of fuss. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, celebrating a baby shower, or just indulging on a slow Saturday, this pie brings joy to every bite.

Let’s bring this summer classic to life, one dreamy layer at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pie hits all the high notes of a classic cheesecake—rich, creamy, sweet—but with a fresh twist. It’s lighter thanks to the whipped filling, easier thanks to its no-bake method, and brighter because of the juicy strawberries that crown it. Here’s why it’s bound to become a favorite:

• No baking required for the filling—great for warm days.
• Make-ahead friendly—the flavor deepens as it chills.
• Customizable—swap in other berries or even a citrus glaze.
• Visually stunning—perfect centerpiece for gatherings.

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INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

For the Graham Crust:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 crackers)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

For the Strawberry Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Topping:

• 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheesecake Pie

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make the Crust:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until the crumbs are fully moistened and resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes until lightly golden and set. Let it cool completely before adding any filling.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, keeping it airy. Spoon this fluffy filling into your cooled pie crust and spread evenly. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 to 2 hours to firm up.

3. Cook the Strawberry Glaze:
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the cornstarch, sugar, strawberry gelatin, water, and lemon juice. Whisk continuously until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble—this should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

4. Assemble the Topping:
Once the glaze is lukewarm, add your halved strawberries and gently toss to coat. Carefully spoon the strawberries over the chilled cheesecake layer, arranging them in a decorative pattern or piling them high. Pour any remaining glaze over the top for that glistening finish.

5. Chill Again:
Place the assembled pie back into the fridge for another hour or two to fully set. This also helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

Tip from my kitchen: I always make this pie the night before a big gathering. It tastes even better the next day when all the layers have had time to rest and chill together.

Helpful Tips

• Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. Overripe berries can become mushy in the glaze.
• Chill each layer properly. Rushing the process can result in a runny pie.
• To slice cleanly, dip your knife in warm water and wipe it clean between each cut.
• Substitute the gelatin glaze with warm strawberry preserves for a quick fix.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 3–4 hours (including chilling)
• Yield: 8–10 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-bake (partial bake for crust)
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• For a citrus variation, add a bit of orange zest to the filling and swap the glaze for an orange marmalade drizzle.
• If you’re serving a crowd, double the recipe and prepare it in a 9×13 pan for cheesecake bars.
• This pie travels well, making it perfect for potlucks and family picnics.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

• Calories: ~590
• Carbohydrates: 94g
• Fat: 23g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 60g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best for texture and visual appeal. Frozen berries release too much water and can make the topping soggy.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How do I prevent a runny filling?
Make sure the heavy cream is whipped to stiff peaks and the filling is well chilled before adding the strawberries.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If making ahead, wait to add the strawberries until a few hours before serving. For freezing, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap without the strawberry topping. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• No-Bake Summer Berry and Peach Cheesecake
• Lemon Raspberry Meringue Cheesecake
• Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Cheesecake Pie is a celebration of everything we love about homemade desserts—simple ingredients, rich textures, and memories made in every slice. Whether you’re enjoying it under the sun or by candlelight after dinner, this pie brings a little magic to the table. So gather your berries, whip your cream, and let this timeless dessert bring sweetness to your day.