Introduction
Indulge in a delightful frozen treat that combines the lusciousness of cream cheese filling, the sweetness of strawberry sauce, and the lightness of whipped cream. This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is a refreshing dessert that is perfect for hot summer days or any time you crave a cool and creamy delight. With its buttery graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and vibrant strawberry topping, this pie is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. So let's dive into the recipe and create this heavenly frozen delight!
Table of Contents
- Crust
- Cheesecake Filling
- Whipped Cream Topping
- Strawberry Sauce
- Assembly
- Serving
- Tips and Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
1. Crust
To start, we'll prepare the crust for the Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 1/2 cups (155 grams) finely ground graham cracker crumbs (from about 10 crackers)
- 3 tablespoons (40 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 pinches of sea salt
- 7 tablespoons (100 grams) unsalted butter, melted
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and sea salt. Stir until well mixed. Add the melted butter and stir until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a standard 9-inch pie dish. You can use the outer edge of a heavy measuring cup or your fingertips to press the crumbs firmly. Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 9 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Set the crust aside on a cooling rack to cool completely. For a firmer crust, transfer it to the freezer to chill.
2. Cheesecake Filling
Next, we'll prepare the creamy and delicious cheesecake filling. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until soft and fluffy. Slowly add the sweetened condensed milk and continue beating until the mixture is smooth. Beat in the lemon zest and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour the filling into the cooled crust and place the pie dish in the freezer. Allow it to freeze for 6 to 8 hours, or until firm.
3. Whipped Cream Topping
Now, let's prepare the light and airy whipped cream topping to add a touch of indulgence to our pie. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
In a bowl, whip the heavy cream with the sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the frozen cheesecake filling, covering it completely. Return the pie dish to the freezer until the topping becomes firm, which usually takes less than an hour.
4. Strawberry Sauce
To enhance the flavor and add a vibrant touch to our Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie, we'll prepare a delicious strawberry sauce. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Let the mixture macerate for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Then, cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a simmer. Continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the strawberry sauce cool completely. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the saucepan in a bowl of ice water. Once cooled, chill the strawberry sauce in the refrigerator until it is needed.
5. Assembly
When you're ready to serve the pie, remove it from the freezer. Take the strawberry sauce out of the refrigerator and spoon it over the whipped cream topping, spreading it evenly. The combination of the cold pie and the strawberry sauce creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
6. Serving
Slice the Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie into individual portions and serve immediately. The cream cheese base will be firm but not rock-hard, while the whipped cream topping will be creamy and light. The strawberry sauce adds a burst of fruity sweetness to every bite. If you prefer a softer whipped cream topping, you can add it right before serving or let it firm up for only 10 minutes in the freezer, striking a balance between texture and creaminess.
7. Tips and Variations
- For added texture and flavor, you can sprinkle crushed graham crackers or toasted almonds on top of the strawberry sauce.
- Experiment with different fruit toppings to create variations of this pie. Fresh raspberries, blueberries, or a combination of berries would all work wonderfully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How long can I store the Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie in the freezer?
A: The pie can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Q2: Can I use a different type of crust for this pie?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer a different crust, such as a cookie crust or a pastry crust, feel free to use your favorite recipe or a store-bought option.
Q3: Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of making it from scratch?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought whipped cream as a convenient alternative. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand for the best results.
Q4: Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries for the sauce?
A: Certainly! You can adapt the recipe to create different fruit sauces by substituting the strawberries with your preferred fruit. Just adjust the sugar and lemon juice quantities to taste.
Q5: Can I make individual servings of this pie instead of a whole pie?
A: Yes, you can create individual portions by using small tart pans or ramekins. Adjust the crust and filling quantities accordingly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is a refreshing and delightful frozen dessert that combines a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet strawberry topping. This pie is perfect for those hot summer days when you crave a cool and creamy treat. With its simple preparation and irresistible flavors, it's sure to become a favorite among your loved ones. So gather the ingredients, follow the steps outlined above, and enjoy the heavenly taste of this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie.