Here's a delightful take on a Strawberry Icebox Pie—a no-bake, creamy, and refreshing dessert that's perfect for warm days. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious strawberry filling, this pie is as easy to make as it is delicious.
I first fell in love with this recipe after searching for a simple yet impressive dessert for a summer barbecue. The moment I took my first bite, I knew it was a keeper—sweet, tangy, and irresistibly smooth. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or just because, this pie is sure to become a household favorite.
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Icebox Pie
Get ready to enjoy a dessert that’s equal parts nostalgic and refreshing. This Strawberry Icebox Pie is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the combination of fresh fruit and a creamy filling.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With no need to turn on the oven, this pie comes together with minimal effort—just mix, chill, and serve.
It’s also bursting with real strawberry flavor. Made with fresh strawberries, this pie captures the natural sweetness and slight tartness of the fruit in every bite.
Perfect for warm weather, this pie is best enjoyed straight from the fridge, offering a cool and creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether serving it at a summer gathering or keeping it all for yourself, this pie is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this pie lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The graham cracker crust forms the foundation of this pie, adding a sweet and buttery crunch. You can make your own by crushing graham crackers and mixing them with melted butter, or use a store-bought crust for convenience.
For the filling, fresh strawberries are essential. They provide natural sweetness and a vibrant pink color. Be sure to use ripe, juicy berries for the best results.
The sweetened condensed milk gives the pie its smooth and creamy texture. It also adds the perfect level of sweetness without being overpowering.
To lighten up the filling, whipped cream is gently folded in, creating a mousse-like consistency. Use freshly whipped cream for the best texture, but store-bought whipped topping works in a pinch.
A touch of lemon juice enhances the strawberry flavor and balances the sweetness, giving the pie a refreshing, tangy finish.
How To Make This Strawberry Icebox Pie
Creating this dreamy pie is a breeze, making it the perfect dessert for both beginners and experienced bakers.
Start by preparing the graham cracker crust. If making it from scratch, mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into a pie dish, ensuring it’s evenly distributed along the bottom and sides. Let it chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
For the filling, puree the fresh strawberries in a blender until smooth. Strain the mixture to remove any seeds, leaving you with a silky, vibrant strawberry puree.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice. This combination thickens slightly as it sits, creating a creamy base for the filling.
Next, fold in the strawberry puree, followed by the whipped cream, using gentle motions to maintain the airy texture. The result is a beautifully pink, velvety filling that’s bursting with strawberry flavor.
Pour the filling into the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours, or until the pie is fully set. For the best results, let it chill overnight.
Storage Options
This Strawberry Icebox Pie is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later enjoyment.
For short-term storage, keep the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. A plastic wrap or airtight lid helps maintain its freshness.
To freeze, wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to one month. Before serving, let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours.
When reheating isn’t necessary, enjoy this pie straight from the fridge for a perfectly chilled treat.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste and ingredient availability.
Swap the graham cracker crust for an Oreo crust if you love the combination of strawberries and chocolate. The slight bitterness of the chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy filling.
For a dairy-free version, use coconut condensed milk and coconut whipped cream. The tropical notes from the coconut add an extra layer of flavor that complements the strawberries wonderfully.
If strawberries aren’t in season, try using raspberries or mangoes for a twist. Both fruits blend seamlessly into the creamy base while offering a new flavor profile.
Want an extra burst of flavor? Add a splash of vanilla extract to the filling to enhance the overall taste with a warm, aromatic touch.
For a firmer texture, mix in a little gelatin dissolved in warm water. This will give the pie a more structured, sliceable consistency while still keeping it creamy.
No matter how you customize it, this Strawberry Icebox Pie is sure to be a hit. Experiment with different ingredients, have fun with it, and enjoy every creamy, fruity bite!
PrintStrawberry Icebox Pie Recipe
This delicious strawberry icebox pie is made with a sweet graham cracker crust, a creamy, no-bake filling, and fresh, juicy strawberries. A perfect chilled dessert for warm days!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (Chill Time: 4 hours)
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch pie dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour filling into the crust and smooth the top. Arrange fresh strawberries over the filling.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe over the pie.
- Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a store-bought graham cracker crust for a quicker version.
- Can be made a day ahead for better flavor.
- Substitute frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren't available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
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