The Strawberry Icebox Pie is a refreshing, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for warm weather or anytime you’re craving something fruity and indulgent. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a sweet strawberry topping, this easy pie is a showstopper for spring and summer gatherings.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required—perfect for summer
- Light, creamy, and full of fresh strawberry flavor
- Ideal make-ahead dessert for gatherings
- Easy to customize with other fruit or flavored whipped toppings
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For Garnish
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream
👩🍳 How to Make Strawberry Icebox Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes until firm.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Cook for about 5 minutes until soft. Mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth, then stir into the strawberry mixture. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until thickened. Let cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Spread half of the cream cheese filling into the crust. Layer half the strawberry sauce over it. Repeat with remaining filling and sauce, spreading evenly.
Step 5: Chill the Pie
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh strawberries and whipped cream before serving. Slice and enjoy this cool, creamy treat!
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Elegant Finish: Garnish with mint leaves and extra strawberry slices.
- Mini Pies: Make individual servings in muffin tins for party-ready portions.
- Top with Crushed Meringue: For a sweet crunch and visual appeal.
- Pair With: Iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling wine for a refreshing dessert pairing.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the pie (without whipped cream garnish) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Serving Tip: Serve chilled or slightly frozen for a firmer texture on hot days.
🍓 Strawberry Icebox Pie
Equipment
- 9-inch pie pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- For the Filling:
- 1 lb fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup cold water
- 1 package 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- For Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press mixture into a 9-inch pie pan, covering the bottom and sides evenly.
- Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes until firm.
- Step 2: Make the Strawberry Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, cook strawberries, sugar, and ¼ cup water for 5 minutes until softened.
- Whisk cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir into the strawberry mix.
- Cook 2–3 minutes until thickened. Let cool completely.
- Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Spread half the cream cheese filling into the crust.
- Layer half the cooled strawberry sauce on top.
- Repeat with remaining filling and strawberry sauce.
- Step 5: Chill the Pie
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best texture.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Top with fresh strawberries and whipped cream before serving.
- Slice and enjoy your chilled, creamy strawberry pie!
Notes
🔍 Nutrition (Per Slice – Approximate)
- Calories: ~410
- Carbs: ~42g
- Fat: ~26g
- Sugar: ~30g
- Protein: ~4g
- Sodium: ~180mg
🔥 Pro Tips
- Chill Overnight: Allows flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.
- Use a Food Processor: To crush graham crackers quickly and evenly.
- Cool Sauce Completely: Warm sauce will melt the filling and affect texture.
- Slice Cleanly: Use a hot, dry knife for neat, bakery-style slices.
🔄 Variations & Add-Ons
- Mixed Berry Version: Replace some strawberries with raspberries or blueberries.
- Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of melted chocolate or chocolate chips to the crust before adding filling.
- Citrus Kick: Add lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese layer for a bright contrast.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or a nut-based crust.
🔍 Nutrition (Per Slice – Approximate)
- Calories: ~410
- Carbs: ~42g
- Fat: ~26g
- Sugar: ~30g
- Protein: ~4g
- Sodium: ~180mg
❓ FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just thaw and drain them before cooking the sauce to avoid excess liquid.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s best made the night before to give it time to chill and set.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Is this pie freezer-friendly?
Yes! You can freeze it without toppings for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
✅ Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Icebox Pie is the ultimate no-bake dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Creamy, fruity, and cool, it’s a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether it’s for a holiday, backyard BBQ, or a simple sweet craving, this pie brings the flavor and the wow factor. 🍓❄️
