Strawberry Icebox Pie – Page 2

How to Make Strawberry Icebox Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preparing the crust for your pie:

Crush the graham crackers: If you’re starting with whole graham crackers, place them in a food processor or put them in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they form fine crumbs.
In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon (if using).
Pour the melted butter into the mixture and stir until everything is well coated and the crumbs begin to clump together.
Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan, tart pan, or springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create an even, compact layer.
Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes while you prepare the filling. Chilling the crust helps it set properly.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling

Now it’s time to prepare the creamy filling:

Puree the strawberries: Place the chopped fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until soft and smooth, using an electric mixer or stand mixer. Add the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. This should take just a couple of minutes with an electric mixer.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, then add the strawberry puree. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Now that the crust and filling are ready, it’s time to assemble the pie:

Pour the creamy strawberry filling into the chilled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or until the filling has set. If you have time, leaving it in the fridge overnight will give the flavors even more time to meld.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once the pie has set and is ready to serve, garnish it with sliced fresh strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream, and even a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for some extra texture. Slice it up and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Icebox Pie is perfect for any occasion, and you can serve it alongside a variety of other dishes:

For Summer Parties: This pie is a wonderful addition to any summer barbecue or picnic, offering a refreshing treat that won’t weigh you down.
As a Light Dessert: Pair it with light, fresh dishes like a spinach salad or grilled chicken to keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
For a Sweet Snack: Serve it with a cup of iced tea or lemonade for an afternoon treat.
Top with Other Fruits: Feel free to get creative with toppings—raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of tropical fruits would be delicious!

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, use fresh strawberries, but if they’re out of season, frozen strawberries will work too. Just make sure they’re well-drained and not too watery.
Chill the Pie: Be patient and let the pie set in the refrigerator for the full 4 hours (or longer). The longer it sets, the firmer and creamier it will become.
Swap the Crust: While graham crackers are the classic choice, feel free to use other crust options like Oreo crumbs, shortbread, or even a homemade cookie crust for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Icebox Pie is the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and fruity, offering a refreshing dessert that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a summer party, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this pie is guaranteed to be a hit. Light, cool, and utterly delicious, Strawberry Icebox Pie is a must-try for anyone who loves strawberries and creamy desserts.

So grab some fresh strawberries and whip up this crowd-pleasing dessert—it’s sure to become your new favorite! 🍓🍰

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