When the temperature rises, there’s nothing better than a refreshing, no-bake dessert to cool you down and satisfy your sweet cravings. Enter the Strawberry Icebox Pie — a luscious, creamy dessert that is perfect for hot summer days or whenever you’re looking for an easy yet impressive treat. This dessert combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with a silky, smooth filling, all sitting atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Plus, it’s super simple to prepare!
Ingredients for Strawberry Icebox Pie
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (you can substitute with gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free option)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping:
- Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh strawberry slices for garnish
Instructions for Strawberry Icebox Pie
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture holds together when pressed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan to form the crust. Place the crust in the fridge to set while you prepare the filling.
- Make the filling: In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh strawberries, cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy. You may want to scrape the sides of the blender occasionally to make sure everything is fully incorporated.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the strawberry mixture over the prepared crust and spread it evenly. Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the pie to set properly.
- Serve: Once set, top the pie with whipped cream and garnish with additional fresh strawberry slices. Slice and serve chilled for a delightful treat!
Cooking Notes
- Chill time: The longer the pie sits in the fridge, the better it sets. For best results, chill overnight.
- Freshness: Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. However, if strawberries aren’t in season, you can substitute with frozen strawberries, just be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
- Crust variation: You can substitute graham crackers with crushed Oreos or Nilla wafers to add a different flavor profile to the crust.
Variations of Strawberry Icebox Pie
- Lemon Icebox Pie: For a citrusy twist, add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling or mix in a small amount of lemon curd.
- Mixed Berry Icebox Pie: Swap the strawberries for other berries such as raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries for a delicious twist.
- Chocolate Strawberry Icebox Pie: Add a layer of chocolate ganache to the bottom of the crust before adding the strawberry filling for an extra indulgent treat.
Keto and Low Carb Versions of Strawberry Icebox Pie
If you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, you can still enjoy this delicious pie with a few simple substitutions:
For the crust:
- Replace graham crackers with almond flour, coconut flour, or a store-bought low-carb or gluten-free graham cracker crust. If you’re making your own crust, use a combination of almond flour, butter, and a low-carb sweetener (such as Stevia or Erythritol).
For the filling:
- Use a sugar-free sweetened condensed milk or make your own by mixing heavy cream with a low-carb sweetener like Stevia.
- Instead of regular cream cheese, you can opt for a full-fat cream cheese alternative made from almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
By making these swaps, you can create a delicious keto-friendly strawberry icebox pie that is just as satisfying as the original!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I store leftover Strawberry Icebox Pie? Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones? Yes! You can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess liquid. Fresh strawberries yield the best results, but frozen ones will work in a pinch.
3. Can I make this pie ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, making the pie a day ahead of time is ideal. The longer it chills, the better the flavors meld, and the pie sets more firmly.
4. Can I use a pre-made crust? Yes, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust or any other crust you prefer. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the package if the crust requires baking before adding the filling.
5. Is this pie gluten-free? It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free crust mix.
This Strawberry Icebox Pie is the perfect dessert for those warm summer days when you want something sweet without turning on the oven. It’s easy to make, refreshingly delicious, and can be customized in so many ways. Whether you stick with the classic version or try out a keto or low-carb twist, this pie is sure to become a family favorite!
Enjoy this delightful, creamy dessert at your next BBQ, picnic, or family gathering. It’s guaranteed to impress your guests and leave everyone asking for the recipe!
