Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie

Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie is a refreshing, creamy dessert that combines the flavors of classic strawberry shortcake with the convenience of a no-bake freezer pie. This delightful treat features a buttery, crumbly graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy filling infused with fresh strawberries, and a topping of sweet, whipped cream.

Perfect for warm weather or special occasions, this pie offers the sweetness of ripe strawberries and the creamy indulgence of a frozen dessert. It’s ideal for making ahead, as it stores beautifully in the freezer and can be served straight from the pan. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, celebrating a birthday, or just treating yourself, Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie is guaranteed to please.

This recipe captures the essence of summer while requiring minimal effort in the kitchen. With its vibrant strawberry flavor and smooth texture, it’s a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Refreshing Dessert: Cool and creamy, this pie is perfect for warm days when you need a light, sweet treat.

No-Bake Convenience: Requires no oven time, making it ideal for busy days or hot weather.

Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, add layers of fruit, or switch up the crust to make it your own.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepares in advance and stores well in the freezer, ensuring a stress-free dessert.

Family Favorite: With its creamy filling and sweet strawberry flavor, this pie is loved by kids and adults alike.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 6 hours or overnight
Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: 1 slice

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 20g

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced

For the Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• Additional fresh strawberries for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Add the melted butter and mix until evenly moistened.
2. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan to form a crust. Chill in the freezer for 15–20 minutes while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Make the Whipped Cream

1. In a chilled bowl, beat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
2. Gently fold in the whipped cream from Step 2 until smooth.
3. Fold in the diced strawberries, distributing them evenly throughout the filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 6 hours, or until firm.

Step 5: Add the Topping

1. Just before serving, whip the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the frozen pie.
2. Garnish with additional fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for extra flair.

Ingredient Background

Fresh Strawberries

Fresh strawberries are the highlight of this dessert, providing natural sweetness, vibrant color, and juicy texture. Choose ripe, fragrant berries for the best flavor.

Graham Cracker Crust

The buttery, crumbly graham cracker crust serves as the perfect base for the creamy filling, adding a subtle sweetness and crunch.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese creates a rich, velvety texture in the filling, balancing the sweetness with a slight tanginess.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk adds a smooth, caramel-like sweetness that complements the strawberries and cream.

Technique Tips

Chill the Bowl: For the best whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before use.

Don’t Overmix: When folding the whipped cream into the filling, mix gently to retain its light and airy texture.

Freeze Thoroughly: Ensure the pie is fully frozen before serving to achieve a firm, sliceable texture.

Slice Cleanly: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to cut clean slices without cracking the crust or pulling the filling.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Mini Pies: Make individual pies using muffin tins lined with cupcake liners for a portable, party-ready dessert.

Layered Parfaits: Assemble the crust, filling, and whipped cream in glasses for an elegant, layered presentation.

Chocolate Crust: Swap the graham cracker crust for a chocolate cookie crust for a more indulgent variation.

Strawberry Swirl: Puree a portion of the strawberries and swirl it into the filling for a marbled effect.

Additional Tips for Success

Use Fresh Strawberries: Avoid frozen strawberries in the filling, as they release excess water and can make the pie runny.

Adjust Sweetness: Taste the filling before freezing and adjust the sugar if needed based on the sweetness of your strawberries.

Garnish Thoughtfully: Add whole or sliced strawberries to the top of the pie just before serving to prevent them from freezing solid.

Recipe Variations

Lemon Strawberry Pie: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the filling for a tangy twist.

Chocolate Strawberry Pie: Incorporate melted chocolate into the filling or drizzle it over the top for a decadent flavor.

Berry Medley Pie: Use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful and flavorful variation.

Dairy-Free Option: Replace the cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives, such as coconut cream and vegan cream cheese.

Freezing and Storing

Freezing: Store the pie tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 1 month. Add whipped cream and garnish just before serving.

Refrigeration: If leftovers soften slightly after serving, cover and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Serving Tip: For best results, let the frozen pie sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Low-Fat Cream Cheese: Use reduced-fat cream cheese to cut down on calories and saturated fat without sacrificing flavor.

Natural Sweeteners: Replace granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a less processed option.

Whole Grain Crust: Swap the graham crackers for whole-grain or gluten-free crackers for added fiber.

Extra Fruit: Add a layer of fresh strawberry slices or other berries between the crust and filling for a nutrient boost.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Summer Barbecue: Serve this pie as a refreshing dessert alongside grilled fruit and iced tea for the perfect summer BBQ spread.

Holiday Gathering: Add this pie to your holiday dessert table for a cool, festive option that complements heavier treats.

Birthday Party: Decorate with colorful sprinkles or additional fruit for a birthday-worthy presentation.

Casual Brunch: Pair with coffee, tea, or mimosas for a light and refreshing brunch dessert.

Special Equipment

Springform Pan: A springform pan is highly recommended for this recipe as it allows for easy removal of the pie without disturbing the delicate crust or creamy filling. The sides release effortlessly, ensuring a clean and professional presentation. If you don’t have a springform pan, a standard pie dish works too, though it may require extra care when slicing and serving.

Electric Mixer: Whipping cream to the perfect soft peaks can be a time-consuming task by hand, which is why an electric mixer is a game-changer. It speeds up the process and ensures consistently smooth and fluffy results. Use it to blend the cream cheese filling as well, creating a silky, lump-free texture.

Spatula: A sturdy silicone or offset spatula is invaluable for achieving a smooth, even filling layer. It also makes spreading the whipped cream topping effortless, ensuring a polished and uniform finish. A spatula with a flexible edge can help scrape every bit of the delicious filling from the bowl, minimizing waste.

Pie Server: A good pie server helps slice and lift each piece of the pie cleanly, preserving the crust and layers for a perfect presentation. Look for a sturdy, slightly sharp-edged server to glide through the frozen layers easily. It’s especially useful when serving guests, making the experience both elegant and hassle-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   It’s best to use fresh strawberries for the filling to avoid excess water. However, frozen strawberries can be used for garnishes or sauces.
2. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
   Yes! This pie is perfect for making ahead and can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
3. What if I don’t have a graham cracker crust?
   Substitute with a pre-made shortbread crust or make your own using crushed digestive biscuits.
4. How do I prevent the crust from crumbling?
   Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan, ensuring an even layer. Chill before adding the filling to help it set.
5. Can I add more fruit?
   Absolutely! Layer additional fruit in the filling or on top for extra flavor and texture.
6. What’s the best way to transport this pie?
   Keep it frozen until ready to serve, transporting it in a cooler with ice packs to maintain its firmness.
7. Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream?
   Yes, store-bought whipped topping works as a convenient substitute.
8. Is this pie gluten-free?
   To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust.

Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie is a delightful combination of sweet strawberries, creamy filling, and a buttery crust that’s perfect for any occasion. This no-bake dessert is as easy to prepare as it is impressive, with a refreshing taste that captures the essence of summer.

Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply treating your family, this pie is sure to steal the show. Its vibrant flavors and creamy texture make it a dessert you’ll want to make time and time again.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the cool, creamy indulgence of Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie!

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