This Strawberry Icebox Pie is a delightful, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for warm weather or anytime you’re craving a refreshing and indulgent treat. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy, sweet filling made with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, and a fresh strawberry topping, this pie is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, light, and full of fruity goodness. This no-bake pie is a great choice for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just a simple dessert at home.

The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy filling creates a balance of flavors and textures, while the graham cracker crust offers a subtle crunch to each bite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple and fun to prepare. The pie requires a little chill time in the fridge to set, but the result is worth the wait: a deliciously refreshing, cool dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Strawberry Icebox Pie because it’s a light yet indulgent dessert that combines the best of both worlds. The creamy filling is made with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, providing a fruity, rich taste without being too heavy. The graham cracker crust adds a satisfying crunch that complements the smooth filling, while the fresh strawberry topping is the perfect finishing touch. This pie is ideal for those who love desserts with fresh fruit, and since it’s no-bake, it’s perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. Plus, the pie can be made ahead of time, making it an ideal dessert for entertaining.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

Graham cracker crumbs
Unsalted butter (melted)
Granulated sugar

For the Filling:

Cream cheese (softened)
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Fresh strawberries (pureed)
Heavy whipping cream (whipped to stiff peaks)

For the Topping:

Fresh strawberries (sliced)
Optional: whipped cream for garnish

Variations

Berry Mix: Add a variety of fresh berries to the filling, such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries, to create a mixed berry icebox pie. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
Lemon Zest: Add a bit of lemon zest to the filling to enhance the freshness and give the pie a slightly tangy flavor that balances out the sweetness of the strawberries.
Chocolate Crust: For a decadent twist, make a chocolate graham cracker crust by substituting regular graham crackers with chocolate-flavored ones. This pairs wonderfully with the strawberry filling.
No-Cream Cheese: If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a pie dish to form the crust. Make sure the crust is evenly distributed and compacted. Place the crust in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and the pureed strawberries, and mix until everything is fully combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Once the crust has chilled and set, pour the strawberry filling into the prepared crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to evenly distribute the filling. Place the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the filling to firm up.

Step 4: Top with Fresh Strawberries

Before serving, arrange the sliced fresh strawberries on top of the pie for a beautiful and fresh finishing touch. Optionally, you can add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill Time: Be sure to allow enough time for the pie to chill and set. The longer you chill it, the firmer and better the texture will be.
Smooth Filling: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture for both the filling and topping. If using frozen strawberries, be sure to drain them thoroughly before pureeing to avoid excess water in the filling.
Even Crust: When pressing the graham cracker mixture into the pie dish, make sure to press it evenly around the edges and up the sides of the dish to form a consistent crust.

How to Serve

This Strawberry Icebox Pie is perfect for serving chilled as a refreshing dessert after any meal. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, light salads, or even as a standalone dessert for a summer picnic. You can also serve it alongside other desserts, like chocolate mousse or a fruit salad, for a complete dessert spread. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce to take it to the next level.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pie will remain creamy and delicious, though the crust may soften a bit over time due to the moisture from the filling.

Freezing

If you need to freeze the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before slicing and serving.

Reheating

Since this is a no-bake pie, there is no need to reheat it. Simply serve it chilled for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this pie?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

2. Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust if you want to save time. Just skip the step of making the crust from scratch.

3. Can I use a different fruit for the filling?

While this recipe is for strawberry icebox pie, you can substitute other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the pie will change depending on the fruit used.

4. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, this pie is perfect for making ahead. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

5. Can I make this pie without cream cheese?

If you prefer a lighter filling, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream.

6. How can I make the filling more firm?

If you find that the filling is too soft, you can add a small amount of gelatin (dissolved in warm water) to the mixture to help it set more firmly.

7. Can I add a topping other than fresh strawberries?

Yes, you can add other toppings like crushed graham crackers, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of strawberry syrup.

8. How do I make sure the crust is set?

Chill the crust for at least 30 minutes before filling it with the strawberry mixture to ensure it holds its shape.

9. Can I use heavy cream in the filling instead of whipped cream?

Using whipped cream adds a light, airy texture to the filling. If you prefer a denser filling, you can use heavy cream without whipping it, but the texture will be different.

10. How long can this pie sit out before it needs to be refrigerated?

Since this pie contains dairy, it’s best to keep it refrigerated. If serving at a party, try to limit the time it sits out to no more than 2 hours.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Icebox Pie is a refreshing, creamy, and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its sweet strawberry filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and fresh strawberry topping, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you make it for a family gathering, holiday celebration, or just to enjoy a treat at home, this pie will quickly become a favorite. It’s simple, no-bake, and utterly delicious—a perfect way to end any meal!