Are you dreaming of a deliciously sweet and refreshing dessert? Look no further! This Strawberry Pie with Cream Cheese recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and fruity goodness. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This homemade treat is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a simple weeknight indulgence. Get ready to experience the ultimate taste of summer!
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 Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to 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. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. Blind bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Beat cream cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add sugar and vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold in the whipped cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Assembling the Pie:
- Macerate strawberries: In a separate bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices. If you prefer a thicker topping, mix in the cornstarch.
- Fill the crust: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the pre-baked pie crust.
- Top with strawberries: Arrange the macerated strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pie to set.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Pie:
- Use high-quality, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Don't overmix the cream cheese filling, as this can make it runny.
- If your strawberries are not very juicy, you can add a little more lemon juice or a tablespoon of strawberry liqueur.
- For a beautiful presentation, arrange the strawberries in a decorative pattern.
- You can easily adapt this recipe to use other berries, like raspberries or blueberries.
Variations:
- Chocolate Crust: Add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the pie crust for a decadent twist.
- Lemon Cream Cheese Filling: Add the zest of one lemon to the cream cheese filling for a zesty flavor.
- Ginger Strawberry Topping: Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the strawberry topping for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: Approximately 20-25g Sugar: Approximately 30-40g
This Strawberry Pie with Cream Cheese is a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious combination of sweet strawberries and creamy cream cheese! It’s a recipe that will quickly become a favorite among your quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Remember to share this easy recipe with your friends and family!