No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Pie Recipe

Heavenly No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Pie Recipe for Summer Bliss

Sweet summer memories come alive with this no-bake strawberry shortcake pie that promises pure dessert magic.

Crisp graham cracker crusts cradle luscious layers of creamy filling and vibrant berries.

Freshness bursts through each delectable bite, creating an irresistible treat perfect for warm afternoons.

Cool and light, this dessert requires zero oven time while delivering maximum flavor impact.

Minimal ingredients blend seamlessly into a spectacular showcase of seasonal strawberries.

Simple techniques make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

You’ll find yourself falling in love with every decadent spoonful of this effortless summer sensation.

Grab a fork and let the delightful indulgence begin!

No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Pie Must-Knows

  • Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations where everyone craves a cool, sweet treat that's simple to prepare.
  • Fresh strawberries transform this pie into a vibrant, fruity sensation that captures seasonal freshness and delivers restaurant-quality taste at home.
  • Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, allowing even novice cooks to create an impressive dessert.

Ingredients in No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Pie

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the pie.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps bind the ingredients.
  • Butter: Melted butter helps the crust hold together and creates a rich flavor.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy base for the pie filling.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a silky texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the filling.
  • Heavy Cream: Whipped cream gives the filling a light and fluffy consistency.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Fresh Strawberries, Sugar: Macerated strawberries add a fresh, sweet, and juicy element to the pie.
  • Vanilla Extract: Optional extra flavoring for the strawberry topping.

Making No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Pie

Step 1: Create Crumbly Crust Foundation

Grab a mixing bowl and combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar.

Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture transforms into a cohesive, moldable texture.

Press this delightful mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring an even, compact base.

Use the back of a spoon to smooth and compress the crust.

Slide the dish into the refrigerator and let it chill and set for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Whip Dreamy Cream Cheese Filling

In a spacious mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until it becomes silky smooth and creamy.

Sprinkle in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, blending until completely incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until soft, billowy peaks emerge.

Tenderly fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light, airy filling that promises pure indulgence.

Step 3: Construct Luscious Pie Layer

Gently pour the cream cheese filling over the chilled crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a perfectly smooth surface.

Carefully cover the pie with plastic wrap and transfer to the freezer.

Allow the pie to freeze for a minimum of 4 hours, or until the filling becomes delightfully firm.

Step 4: Prepare Succulent Strawberry Topping

While the pie freezes, slice fresh strawberries and toss them with sugar.

Let the berries sit and release their natural juices for about 30 minutes.

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the strawberries’ sweetness.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Remove the pie from the freezer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly.

Generously top with the macerated strawberries, creating a vibrant and juicy crown.

Slice and serve immediately, allowing everyone to enjoy this refreshing summer dessert.

Tips for No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Pie Success

  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends easily.
  • Use a chilled bowl and whisk or electric mixer attachment to achieve maximum volume and stable soft peaks for the lightest texture.
  • Adjust sugar when macerating strawberries based on their natural ripeness and your preferred sweetness level for a personalized topping.
  • Refrigerate the graham cracker crust for at least 15 minutes before adding filling to create a crisp, sturdy base that won't get mushy.
  • Dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts to create clean, smooth slices of the frozen pie without dragging the filling.

Chill and Store Strawberry Shortcake Pie

  • Store the pie covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep strawberries separate and add just before serving to maintain crispness.
  • Wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Place in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
  • Remove pie from freezer and let sit in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving. This gradual thawing prevents texture changes and maintains creamy consistency.
  • Run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe dry before cutting each slice. This technique ensures clean, smooth cuts through the frozen filling.

What Matches No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Pie

  • Pair with Crisp Prosecco: Bubbly, light Prosecco cuts through the rich, creamy pie with its effervescent sweetness and complements the fresh strawberry notes perfectly.
  • Serve with Lavender Honey Tea: Delicate lavender and sweet honey tea provides a gentle, aromatic counterpoint to the dense, creamy pie texture, enhancing the dessert's fruity profile.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Gelato: Smooth, pure vanilla gelato adds an extra layer of cool creaminess that amplifies the pie's silky filling and highlights the fresh strawberry topping.
  • Complement with Almond Biscotti: Crunchy, nutty almond biscotti offers a delightful textural contrast to the soft pie, while its subtle sweetness echoes the graham cracker crust.

Spin-Offs for No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Pie

  • Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Alternative: Replace traditional graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies like almond or coconut flour-based options for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Cream Cheese Swap: Substitute dairy cream cheese with cashew-based or coconut cream cheese alternatives and use coconut whipped cream instead of heavy cream to create a plant-based version of the pie.
  • Low-Sugar Berry Modification: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar in both the crust and filling, and choose fresh berries with lower natural sugar content like raspberries or blackberries to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Keto-Friendly Crust Option: Create a nut-based crust using ground almonds, pecans, or macadamia nuts mixed with melted butter and a small amount of sugar substitute for a low-carb alternative that maintains the pie's delicious texture.

FAQs

  • How firm will the pie filling be?

The filling will be creamy and set, similar to a cheesecake-like texture that’s soft but holds its shape when sliced.

  • Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture. Frozen strawberries will release too much moisture and make the topping watery.

  • Is this dessert kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet, creamy filling and fresh strawberries make this pie a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. It’s not too complicated and has simple, familiar flavors.

  • How long does this pie take to prepare?

Total preparation time is about 30 minutes, with an additional 4-5 hours of freezing time. Most of the time is hands-off, making it an easy dessert to make ahead.

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No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Pie Recipe

No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Pie Recipe


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4.5 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Luscious no-bake strawberry shortcake pie delivers summer’s sweetest sensations with creamy graham cracker crust and fresh berries. Chilled perfection awaits you, promising a delightful dessert that captures pure seasonal joy in every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 crackers)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter (melted)

Filling:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (whipped to soft peaks)

Topping:

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Craft a robust foundation for the pie by pulverizing graham crackers and blending with sugar, then integrating melted butter until the mixture coheres when compressed.
  2. Transfer the crumbly mixture into a 9-inch pie vessel, methodically pressing and compacting with the back of a spoon to create an even, solid base.
  3. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for approximately 15 minutes to solidify its structure.
  4. Whip cream cheese in a mixing bowl until silky and uniform, working for roughly 2 minutes to eliminate any lumps.
  5. Incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, thoroughly blending until the mixture achieves a consistent, smooth texture.
  6. In a separate container, agitate heavy cream until soft, billowy peaks emerge, which typically requires 3-4 minutes of vigorous whisking.
  7. Delicately integrate the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, folding gently to maintain a light, airy consistency.
  8. Cascade the creamy filling onto the chilled crust, using a spatula to create a pristine, level surface.
  9. Encase the pie in plastic wrap and transfer to the freezer, allowing it to solidify for a minimum of 4 hours.
  10. While the pie freezes, slice strawberries and sprinkle with sugar, permitting them to macerate and release natural juices for approximately 30 minutes.
  11. Optional: Enhance the strawberry mixture with a splash of vanilla extract for deeper flavor complexity.
  12. Remove the pie from the freezer, allowing it to soften slightly for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
  13. Embellish with the macerated strawberries and serve immediately for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

  • Chill the crust thoroughly to ensure a crisp, compact base that holds together perfectly when slicing.
  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing that creates a silky texture.
  • Whip heavy cream to soft peaks carefully to maintain its light, airy structure without overbeating.
  • Macerate strawberries with a touch of balsamic vinegar for an unexpected depth of flavor that elevates the dessert.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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