Are you craving a dessert that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this homemade strawberry pie with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. It's the ideal choice for a quick weeknight treat or a delightful addition to your next summer gathering. Prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to create this stunning and delicious pie!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 16 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork.
- Blind bake: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
Making the Filling:
- Macerate strawberries: In a medium bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes to release their juices.
- Beat cream cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining granulated sugar and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Whip cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the macerated strawberries into the cooled pie crust. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberries.
Serving:
Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set. Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful homemade treat!
Tips & Variations:
- For a richer crust, use half butter and half shortening.
- Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a brighter flavor.
- Feel free to use other berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, in place of strawberries, or create a mixed berry pie.
- If you're short on time, you can use a store-bought pie crust.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Sugar: Approximately 30-35g
This easy strawberry pie recipe is a perfect example of how delicious and healthy meals can be achievable with homemade cooking. Enjoy this quick dinner dessert and savor every bite!