Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Pie features a buttery baked pie crust filled with a smooth, fluffy cream cheese layer, topped with fresh sliced strawberries and a bright strawberry Jell-O glaze. It’s a refreshing and vibrant dessert that sets in the refrigerator, combining creamy textures with fruity flavors perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- 1 refrigerated pie crust (or homemade if preferred)
Cream Cheese Layer
- 12 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
Strawberry Layer
- 1 lb. strawberries, thinly sliced
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry Jell-O
- ½ cup cold water
- ½ cup hot water
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Press the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges to your liking. Use a fork to poke holes in the crust to prevent air bubbles during baking. Cover the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dry beans to ensure even baking.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust with the weights for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Remove the parchment paper and weights, then bake the crust for an additional 4-5 minutes to finish baking the bottom. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before assembling the pie.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth using a mixer. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine thoroughly. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and start mixing on low speed, then increase to high speed and beat for about 1 minute until the mixture is thick and fluffy.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping: In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O powder in ½ cup of hot water. Stir well until completely dissolved. Add the ½ cup of cold water and mix to combine, letting the gelatin mixture cool slightly but not set.
- Assemble the Pie: Spread the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pie crust. Arrange the thinly sliced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese layer. Carefully pour the cooled but liquid Jell-O mixture evenly over the strawberries to coat them.
- Chill to Set: Place the assembled pie in the refrigerator and chill for 4-6 hours, or until the gelatin topping is fully set and firm.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once set, garnish the pie with whipped cream and additional fresh berries if desired. Slice and serve chilled for a refreshing dessert experience.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing without lumps.
- Using a refrigerated pie crust makes the preparation quicker, but homemade crust works great if preferred.
- Allow the pie crust to cool completely before spreading the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
- The strawberry Jell-O topping should be cool enough to pour but not yet set to ensure it spreads evenly.
- Refrigeration time is crucial for the pie to set properly; do not rush this step.
- For an extra decorative touch, add whipped cream rosettes and fresh strawberry slices before serving.
