Indulge your sweet tooth with a refreshing and creamy strawberry cheesecake pie. This tangy yet sweet dessert combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the fruity goodness of strawberries. It's an easy-to-make pie that's sure to impress your guests.
The main ingredients for this recipe are quite common – cream cheese, strawberries, and a graham crust. However, you might need to check for lemon zest and strawberry jell-o when you hit the supermarket. Lemon zest is the outer skin of a lemon and it's packed full of flavor. Strawberry jell-o is a type of gelatin dessert and it helps to set the strawberry topping.
Ingredients for the Strawberry Cheesecake Pie
Graham crust: A sweet, crumbly base for the cheesecake.
Cream cheese: Gives the filling a rich and creamy texture.
Lemon juice and lemon zest: Adds a tangy flavor to balance out the sweetness.
Sugar: Sweetens the filling and the topping.
Heavy cream: Whipped into peaks to add lightness to the cream cheese mixture.
Strawberries: Fresh, juicy strawberries are used for the topping.
Strawberry jell-o: Helps to set the strawberry topping.
Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry topping to a perfect consistency.
One reader, Haze Harvey says:
This strawberry cheesecake pie recipe is a game-changer! The creamy, tangy filling perfectly complements the sweet, juicy strawberries. It's a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake, and the graham crust adds a lovely crunch. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a refreshing, fruity dessert with a hint of indulgence.
Techniques Required for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Pie
How to prepare the cream cheese mixture: Combine the cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar in a large bowl and mix until fluffy.
How to make the whipped cream: In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
How to make the strawberry topping: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, jell-o, and cornstarch. Bring to a boil over medium heat and let it bubble for 1 minute.
How to assemble the pie: Spread the cream cheese mixture into the graham crust and refrigerate for 2 hours. Then, arrange the coated strawberries over the cream cheese and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
How To Make Strawberry Cheesecake Pie
Indulge yourself with a slice of this sweet and velvety strawberry cheesecake! It’s the perfect no-bake treat that takes only a couple of minutes to whip up.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1graham crust,prepared
- 8ozcream cheese
- 1tbsplemon juice
- 1tsplemon zest
- ¼cupsugar
- ½cupheavy cream
For Strawberry Topping:
- 4cupsstrawberries,washed, halved
- ¼cupsugar
- ½cupwater
- 1tbsplemon juice
- 3tbspstrawberry Jell-O
- 2tbspcornstarch
Instructions
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In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest and sugar until fluffy.
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In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
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Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, then spread them in a graham crust.
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Refrigerate for 2 hours.
Strawberry Topping:
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In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, Jell-O, and cornstarch.
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Bring to a boil over medium heat, then let bubble for 1 minute.
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Pour strawberries over the mixture, then toss to coat.
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Arrange the coated strawberries over the cream cheese.
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Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
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Serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 465.59kcal
- Fat: 21.13g
- Saturated Fat: 10.05g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.94g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.11g
- Carbohydrates: 65.59g
- Fiber: 2.01g
- Sugar: 49.20g
- Protein: 6.17g
- Cholesterol: 51.56mg
- Sodium: 367.12mg
- Calcium: 58.37mg
- Potassium: 199.28mg
- Iron: 1.08mg
- Vitamin A: 165.66µg
- Vitamin C: 46.58mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Your Strawberry Cheesecake Pie
When making the strawberry topping, ensure to let the mixture bubble for a full minute. This helps to fully dissolve the sugar and jell-o, creating a smooth, glossy glaze that will beautifully coat your strawberries. Also, when folding the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, use a gentle hand to keep as much air in the mixture as possible. This will result in a lighter, fluffier cheesecake filling.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the graham crust and strawberry topping the day before to save time on the day of serving.
Use pre-made crust: Consider using a store-bought graham crust to cut down on prep time.
Chill while prepping: While the cream cheese mixture is chilling, use that time to prepare the strawberry topping to maximize efficiency.
Organize ingredients: Lay out all the ingredients and tools needed before starting to avoid any last-minute scrambling.
Double batch: Consider making a double batch and freezing one for later to save time in the future.
Efficient equipment: Use efficient kitchen tools such as a food processor for crushing graham crackers or an electric mixer for whipping cream to speed up the process.
Multi-task: While the pie is chilling, use that time to clean up the kitchen and prepare other dishes to make the most of your time.
Substitute Ingredients For Strawberry Cheesecake Pie Recipe
graham crust - Substitute with chocolate cookie crust: The chocolate cookie crust will add a rich, chocolatey flavor to the pie, complementing the sweetness of the strawberries and cream cheese.
cream cheese - Substitute with vegan cream cheese: This substitute is suitable for those following a vegan diet and provides a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor to the traditional cream cheese.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice to provide a slightly different citrus flavor while still maintaining the necessary acidity in the recipe.
lemon zest - Substitute with orange zest: Orange zest can add a citrusy aroma and flavor to the pie, providing a refreshing twist to the traditional lemon zest.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener and will add a distinct flavor to the pie, enhancing the overall taste.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative, adding a subtle coconut flavor to the pie while still providing a creamy texture.
strawberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries can be used as a substitute for strawberries, providing a similar tartness and vibrant color to the pie.
strawberry jell-o - Substitute with raspberry jell-o: Raspberry jell-o can be used to replace strawberry jell-o, offering a different fruity flavor while still providing the gelatinous texture needed for the topping.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a thickening agent, similar to cornstarch, and is a suitable substitute for those looking to avoid corn-based products.
Presenting Your Strawberry Cheesecake Pie
Elevate the graham crust: Press the graham crust into a mold to create a smooth and even base for the cheesecake pie. Ensure the edges are neat and well-defined.
Artfully arrange the strawberries: Slice the strawberries uniformly and arrange them in a visually appealing pattern on top of the cream cheese filling. Consider creating a gradient effect or a symmetrical design for an elegant presentation.
Garnish with lemon zest: Sprinkle a fine dusting of freshly grated lemon zest over the strawberry cheesecake pie just before serving. This will add a pop of color and a burst of citrus aroma to the dish.
Create a strawberry sauce drizzle: Using a squeeze bottle, drizzle a delicate strawberry sauce over the plated pie to add a touch of finesse and a burst of fruity flavor to each slice.
Add a dollop of whipped cream: Place a small quenelle or a carefully piped swirl of whipped cream on the side of the slice to balance the richness of the cheesecake and complement the sweetness of the strawberries.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce edible flowers, such as pansies or micro orchids, to the presentation for a sophisticated and luxurious touch. Ensure the flowers are clean and pesticide-free.
Use a tempered chocolate garnish: Create delicate chocolate curls or shards using tempered chocolate and place them strategically on top of the pie for an exquisite and professional finish.
Serve on a chilled plate: Prior to plating, chill the serving plates to ensure the strawberry cheesecake pie remains cool and visually striking throughout the dining experience.
Accent with mint leaves: Place a few pristine mint leaves strategically around the slice to add a refreshing aroma and a burst of green color, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Incorporate a decorative sauce swirl: Using a fine-tip squeeze bottle, create an intricate decorative swirl of strawberry sauce on the plate before placing the slice, adding a touch of elegance and artistry to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making a Strawberry Cheesecake Pie
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for making pie crusts, cheesecake fillings, and processing the strawberry topping for the pie.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and heavy cream to create the creamy cheesecake filling. It's also useful for tossing the strawberries with the jell-o mixture for the topping.
Saucepan: A saucepan is needed to cook the strawberry topping. It's used to combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, jell-o, and cornstarch, and to cook the mixture until it thickens and coats the strawberries.
Whisk: A whisk is essential for beating the heavy cream to stiff peaks before folding it into the cream cheese mixture. It's also useful for stirring and combining ingredients when making the strawberry topping.
Refrigerator: The refrigerator is necessary for chilling the cheesecake pie after assembling it. It helps the filling set and allows the flavors to meld together.
Storing and Freezing Your Strawberry Cheesecake Pie
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for the strawberry cheesecake pie recipe:
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the filling to set properly and the flavors to meld together.
- Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator.
- The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the pie:
- Wrap the entire pie tightly with plastic wrap, making sure there are no air pockets.
- Place the wrapped pie in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze the pie for up to 1-2 months for best quality.
- To thaw the frozen pie:
- Remove the pie from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw gradually.
- Once thawed, remove the plastic wrap and let the pie sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to soften slightly.
- If you have any leftover pie, wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Interesting Trivia About Strawberry Cheesecake Pie
The strawberry cheesecake pie recipe is a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries. It's a perfect dessert for summer gatherings or special occasions. The strawberries provide a burst of sweetness, while the creamy cheesecake filling adds a rich and indulgent flavor. This dessert is a great way to showcase the delicious flavors of fresh strawberries and is sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Is Making Strawberry Cheesecake Pie at Home Cost-Effective?
The strawberry cheesecake pie recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of cream cheese and heavy cream may increase the cost, but the simple ingredients and minimal use of specialty items balance it out. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries in a graham crust.
Is Strawberry Cheesecake Pie Healthy or Unhealthy?
This strawberry cheesecake pie recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High sugar content from the graham crust, added sugar in the filling, and the sugary strawberry topping
- Significant amount of saturated fat from the cream cheese and heavy cream
- Lack of nutritional value, as it primarily consists of simple carbohydrates and fats
However, with a few tweaks, this recipe can be made healthier without compromising on taste:
- Swap the graham crust for a whole-wheat or nut-based crust to increase fiber and reduce processed ingredients
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and topping, or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
- Replace some of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt to lower the fat content and increase protein
- Use a combination of fresh and frozen strawberries in the topping to reduce the need for added sugar
- Incorporate more fruit into the filling, such as pureed strawberries or raspberries, to boost the nutritional value and natural sweetness
- Serve smaller portions and pair with a side of fresh berries to encourage mindful indulgence
By making these adjustments, you can transform this strawberry cheesecake pie into a more balanced and nourishing treat that still satisfies your sweet tooth. Remember, moderation is key, and it's perfectly okay to enjoy a slice of this modified dessert as part of a well-rounded diet.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Dessert
The combination of creamy cheesecake filling and fresh strawberry topping in this recipe creates a delightful dessert that is sure to impress. The contrast of the tangy cream cheese with the sweet and juicy strawberries offers a perfect balance of flavors. The addition of lemon juice and zest adds a refreshing citrusy note, elevating the overall taste profile. The graham crust provides a satisfying crunch, complementing the smooth and luscious texture of the filling. This strawberry cheesecake pie is a wonderful treat for any occasion, and its vibrant colors make it a visually stunning addition to any table.
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Why trust this Strawberry Cheesecake Pie Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful dessert experience with its creamy cream cheese filling and fresh strawberry topping. The incorporation of lemon juice and lemon zest adds a zesty and refreshing twist, elevating the flavors. The use of heavy cream ensures a rich and luscious texture, while the combination of sugar and strawberry jell-o in the topping creates a perfect balance of sweetness. The detailed instructions and careful layering of ingredients ensure a visually appealing and delicious strawberry cheesecake pie that users can trust to impress their guests.
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