Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

The only thing better than fresh strawberry pie is Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie! This bright, fruity summer dessert blends the best of pie and cheesecake into a single, show-stopping dish. Ready in about 30 minutes and assembled without baking the filling, it’s an easy no-bake dessert perfect for warm weather.

An overhead image of a strawberry cream pie with a striped napkin next to it.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Pie with Cream Cheese:

This pie takes the silky texture of a cream cheese filling and pairs it with glossy, sweet strawberry slices for a dessert that’s both elegant and approachable. It’s ideal when strawberries are at their peak—bright, tart, and full of flavor. The creamy filling contrasts with the fruit and gives each slice a smooth, luxurious mouthfeel. Because the filling is no-bake, this recipe stays cool and light, making it a go-to for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a relaxed weekend treat.

  • No-bake filling keeps the kitchen cool on hot days
  • Quick prep—most of the work is assembly and chilling
  • Tart strawberries balance the rich cream cheese layer
  • Elegant presentation for parties or special occasions
  • Flexible: use a ready-made pie crust or graham cracker crust for a true no-bake pie
An image looking straight at a slice of strawberry cream cheese pie with a bite taken off revealing the creamy filling with the strawberries on top.

Ingredient Information and Substitutions

Keep the ingredient list simple to let the strawberries shine. For the filling, full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream give the best texture and flavor; reduced-fat versions will work but may be less creamy. A pre-baked pie crust is convenient, or choose a graham cracker crust if you want the entire pie to be no-bake. The strawberry topping is a cooked glaze made from water, cornstarch, sugar, lemon juice, and a small amount of strawberry gelatin mix for color and stability—then folded with fresh sliced strawberries.

  • Pie crust: store-bought or homemade; graham cracker crust works well for a no-bake approach
  • Cream cheese filling: heavy cream, cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla extract; use full-fat dairy for best results
  • Strawberry topping: water, cornstarch, granulated sugar, lemon juice, strawberry gelatin mix, and fresh strawberries; the glaze must be cooked briefly to thicken
An overhead image of the labeled ingredients for this recipe.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Pie

Step 1: Make the cream cheese filling.

Whip the heavy cream in a large bowl until it forms firm, fluffy peaks and set it aside. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the confectioner’s sugar and pure vanilla extract until smooth. Fold the cream cheese mixture gently into the whipped cream to keep the filling light and airy. Transfer the blended filling into your baked and cooled pie crust and smooth the surface. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the strawberry glaze.

Whipped cream in a stand mixer bowl after being whipped in to stiff peaks.
All cream cheese filling ingredients in a stand mixer bowl.

Step 2: Create the strawberry topping.

Combine water, cornstarch, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk frequently until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the strawberry gelatin powder until fully dissolved. Let the glaze cool for a couple of minutes before pouring it over a bowl of sliced strawberries. Stir to combine and allow the glazed strawberries to cool completely before using.

Glaze mixture thickening on the stove with a whisk in it.

Step 3: Assemble the pie.

Once the glazed strawberries are cool, arrange the slices on top of the chilled cream cheese filling. Lay them in slightly overlapping rows, starting from the center and working outward for a neat, attractive pattern. Shake off any excess glaze before placing each slice; this prevents the pie from becoming watery and helps the topping set cleanly.

Cream cheese mixture spread in the baked pie shell.
Glazed strawberries shingled onto the top of the pie.

Step 4: Chill and serve.

Chill the assembled pie for at least one hour before serving to let the filling firm up and the flavors meld. Serve chilled with an optional dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

A close up image of a fork piercing into the strawberry pie with cream cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should strawberry cream cheese pie be refrigerated?

Yes. Refrigerate after assembly so the filling sets and slices cleanly. Chilling also improves the overall texture and flavor balance.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake and cool the crust and prepare the cream cheese filling ahead, then refrigerate until you’re ready to add the glaze and strawberries. For the best texture, assemble the fruit topping the day you plan to serve the pie.

Can I freeze strawberry cream cheese pie?

Freezing is possible, but texture may change after thawing. If you prefer a frozen dessert, try freezing a slice and see if you like the result.

A close up image of the strawberries shingled on top of the pie.

Tips for Making Cream Cheese Strawberry Pie

  • For a homemade look, use an unrolled pie crust and your favorite pie pan.
  • To prevent crust shrinkage while blind-baking, line the crust with parchment and use pie weights or dried beans.
  • If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield partway through baking.
  • Arrange strawberries one by one for the best presentation and even coverage—start in the middle and work outward.
  • Remove excess syrup from each strawberry before placing it to avoid a soggy crust.
  • Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days.

What to Serve With Strawberry Glaze Pie

This pie is delightful on its own. If you’d like to add something extra, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small dollop of whipped cream complements the tart strawberries and creamy filling. For a full summer meal, pair the pie with a light grilled main and a fresh green salad.

Other Delicious Pie Recipes to Try

  • Raspberry Lemon Icebox Pie
  • Bourbon Apple Pie
  • Mint Chip Ice Cream Cake
  • Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
An overhead image of a strawberry cream pie with a striped napkin next to it.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

Jessy Freimann

Bright, creamy, and topped with glossy fresh strawberries—this no-bake cream cheese pie is a summer favorite that’s simple to make and impressive to serve.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Chill Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 434 kcal per serving

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Liquid measuring cup
  • Pie pan
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer (optional)
  • Small saucepan

Ingredients

Pie

  • 1 pint heavy cream
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 baked and cooled pie crust (10-inch recommended)

Glaze and Strawberries

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin mix
  • 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Instructions

Pie assembly

  1. Beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
  2. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with confectioner’s sugar and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the whipped cream. Chill if making ahead.
  4. When ready to serve, spread the filling into the baked and cooled pie crust and refrigerate while preparing the glaze.

Glaze and strawberries

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together water, cornstarch, sugar, and lemon juice.
  2. Stir frequently until the mixture thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and whisk in the strawberry gelatin until combined. Cool for 2–3 minutes.
  4. Pour the glaze over the sliced strawberries and let cool completely.
  5. Arrange the cooled, glazed strawberries on the chilled cream cheese filling, overlapping slices for a neat pattern.
  6. Refrigerate for at least one hour before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • To keep crust edges from burning, use foil or a pie shield while blind-baking.
  • Place strawberries one at a time for even coverage and best presentation.
  • Prep ahead: bake the crust and make the filling in advance; add the fruit on the day of serving.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days.

Nutrition

Serving size: 1 slice (approx.) — Calories: 434 kcal; Carbohydrates: 38 g; Protein: 5 g; Fat: 37 g; Saturated Fat: 21 g; Sodium: 202 mg; Sugar: 11 g.