Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries really shine in this pie because they keep their shape and don’t weep. Frozen berries tend to release too much liquid, which can make the filling runny and the crust soggy. For best results, stick with fresh.

Is it possible to make this pie a day ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, making the pie ahead and letting it chill overnight helps the flavors meld and makes for cleaner slices. Just add whipped cream right before serving.

Can I use a homemade pie crust?

Yes, go for it if you have the time! A homemade crust adds a personal touch and extra flakiness. Just bake thoroughly and cool before filling.

What if I don’t have a hand mixer?

A sturdy whisk—and a little elbow grease—will work to blend the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Ensure the cream cheese is very soft for easier mixing.

Charlotte's Eats & Sweets Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe

Name: Charlotte's Eats & Sweets Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 store-bought pie crust, defrosted; 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 pounds fresh strawberries, cored (hulled); 1/2 cup strawberry jam; Whipped cream, for garnish

Looking for a dessert that captures summer in every bite, yet won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours? This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie from Charlotte’s Eats & Sweets is exactly what you need. Imagine a buttery, flaky crust filled with a cloud of sweetened cream cheese, crowned with juicy strawberries glistening in rich jam—each forkful bright, creamy, and refreshing. The best part? You can whip this up with minimal effort, making it a weeknight savior or a show-stopping treat for last-minute guests. If you adore desserts that are as irresistible as they are easy, this pie is your ticket to delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless and Quick: With a few store-bought shortcuts and minimal hands-on time, this pie is ready before you know it.
No-Fuss, No-Bake Filling: Only the crust needs a quick bake—most of the magic happens in the fridge while you relax.
Luscious Layers: Creamy, tangy cream cheese and syrupy strawberries create pure dessert bliss—every layer delivers a distinct texture and flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a family picnic, or a holiday feast, this pie never disappoints.
Highly Customizable: Don’t have strawberries? Want to skip a step? There’s wiggle room for creativity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Store-Bought Pie Crust
Saves time, but feel free to use homemade if you’re feeling ambitious. Choose a crust that bakes golden and holds up beautifully under a creamy filling.
Cream Cheese
Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for ultra-smooth mixing—no lumps, just cloud-like richness.
Powdered Sugar
This easily dissolves to smoothly sweeten the cream cheese filling.
Vanilla Extract
A splash adds depth—you can even experiment with almond extract for a twist.
Fresh Strawberries
Pick ripe, juicy berries for maximum flavor and sweetness. Hull them for the prettiest, neatest slices.
Strawberry Jam
Coats the berries in glossy sweetness and ties the whole pie together. Look for a high-quality, thick jam for best results.
Whipped Cream
A generous cloud on top brings a creamy, light finish. Go homemade or store-bought.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Mixed Berry Pie: Swap in raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries with the strawberries for a berry medley.
Chocolatey Crunch: Melt a bit of chocolate and spread a thin layer over the crust before the cream cheese.
Graham Cracker or Chocolate Crust: Use a graham cracker or chocolate cookie crust for a flavor boost.
Jam Flavors: Try raspberry or apricot jam for a new spin—your favorite fruit preserves will work here.
Dairy-Free Version: Use your preferred dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping.

How to Make Charlotte’s Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Set your store-bought pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan. Bake according to the package directions until golden and crisp, then allow it to cool completely. A cool crust keeps the filling firm and the layers separate.

Step 2: Create the Cream Cheese Layer

Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix for 2–3 minutes until completely smooth and no lumps remain. This creamy base is what makes every bite irresistible.

Step 3: Prep the Strawberries

Hull (core) your fresh strawberries for neatness and toss them with the strawberry jam in a separate bowl. The jam glazes the berries, making them extra juicy and shiny.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Spread the luscious cream cheese filling evenly in the cooled crust. Arrange the strawberries over the top—pile them high for drama or lay them in neat rows for elegance.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Pop the pie in the fridge for at least an hour—this firms up the filling so you get clean slices. Top with whipped cream just before serving, then cut a generous slice and savor every bite.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Cream Cheese Is Key: Cold cream cheese leads to lumps—let it sit out to soften.
Dry the Strawberries: After hulling and washing, dry the berries so the pie stays set and the filling keeps its integrity.
Chill for Clean Slices: Even just an hour helps the pie hold together when sliced—don’t rush it.
Customize Toppings: Shaved chocolate, toasted nuts, or extra fresh berries can all make your pie extra special.

How to Serve

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is best served chilled, straight from the fridge. Add a fluffy swirl of whipped cream to each slice or garnish the whole pie with piped rosettes for celebration-worthy presentation. Pair it with light, fruity beverages—a sparkling lemonade or iced tea makes a lovely companion—or simply savor with freshly brewed coffee. If you’re looking for more decadence, a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream never goes amiss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the pie tightly or cover it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust may lose a little crispness over time, but the flavors only deepen.

Freezing

While this pie is best fresh, you can freeze it (without whipped cream). Wrap it well, freeze for up to one month, and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

No reheating necessary! This dessert is designed to be enjoyed chilled. If you prefer room temperature, let it sit on the counter for 10–15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries really shine in this pie because they keep their shape and don’t weep. Frozen berries tend to release too much liquid, which can make the filling runny and the crust soggy. For best results, stick with fresh.
Is it possible to make this pie a day ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, making the pie ahead and letting it chill overnight helps the flavors meld and makes for cleaner slices. Just add whipped cream right before serving.
Can I use a homemade pie crust?

Yes, go for it if you have the time! A homemade crust adds a personal touch and extra flakiness. Just bake thoroughly and cool before filling.
What if I don’t have a hand mixer?

A sturdy whisk—and a little elbow grease—will work to blend the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Ensure the cream cheese is very soft for easier mixing.

Final Thoughts

Charlotte’s Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie offers everything a great dessert should: simplicity, stunning good looks, and flavor that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re short on time or short on ingredients, this pie delivers pure joy with every bite. Don’t wait for a special occasion—give this recipe a try and let it brighten your busiest days!