Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe

Sweet & Tangy Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe for Summer Joy

Summers call for cool, refreshing desserts that satisfy sweet tooths, and this strawberry icebox pie recipe brings pure delight to the table.

Creamy, luscious layers of strawberry goodness promise an irresistible treat that melts in your mouth.

No baking required means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying every delectable bite.

Fresh strawberries create a vibrant filling that perfectly balances the silky smooth cream cheese base.

A buttery graham cracker crust adds the right amount of crunch to complement the soft, dreamy filling.

Each slice promises a burst of fruity flavor that feels like a celebration of summer’s sweetest moments.

This simple yet elegant dessert will become your go-to recipe for delighting friends and family at any gathering.

Strawberry Icebox Pie Flavor Swaps

  • Vegan Berry Bliss Pie: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut condensed milk, and swap whipped topping with coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Alternative: Substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to create a celiac-friendly crust.
  • No-Sugar Wellness Pie: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and opt for sugar-free condensed milk to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Tropical Fruit Fusion Pie: Replace strawberries with mango or passion fruit puree for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile that maintains the creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions for Icebox Pie Lovers

  • Fruity Garnish Galore: Top the pie with fresh, sliced strawberries in a decorative circular pattern for a pop of color and extra berry goodness.
  • Whipped Cream Dream: Add a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream just before serving, creating a luxurious and creamy contrast to the pie's smooth texture.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Melt some dark or white chocolate and drizzle it elegantly over each slice for a sophisticated and indulgent touch that complements the strawberry flavor.
  • Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle some toasted, chopped almonds or pistachios around the edges of the pie for a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.

How to Store Strawberry Icebox Pie Slices

  • Store the pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut remaining pie into portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container for easy grab-and-go treats.
  • Never leave the pie out for more than 2 hours. Always return it to the refrigerator promptly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs

  • Is this pie difficult to make?

No, it’s super easy! Even beginner bakers can whip this up quickly with simple ingredients and no baking required.

  • Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and drain them completely before pureeing to ensure the right consistency and prevent excess moisture.

  • How do I know if the filling is properly mixed?

The filling should be smooth, creamy, and have a uniform pink color with no cream cheese lumps when thoroughly combined.

  • What if I don't have whipped topping?

You can make homemade whipped cream by beating heavy cream with a bit of sugar until stiff peaks form as a perfect substitute.

Why Strawberry Icebox Pie Is a Classic Treat

  • Whip Up Ease: No baking required, making this pie a stress-free dessert perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Delight: The creamy texture and vibrant strawberry flavor will win over both kids and adults at family gatherings or potlucks.
  • Quick Prep Magic: With simple ingredients and minimal steps, you can create an impressive dessert in just a few minutes of active cooking time.
  • Chill and Serve Convenience: Prepare ahead and let the refrigerator do the work, giving you a make-ahead dessert that's ready when you need it.

Ingredients for a Refreshing Strawberry Icebox Pie

Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic and crunchy foundation for the pie's bottom layer.
  • Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and provides a rich flavor.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy base for the pie filling.
  • Condensed Milk: Brings sweetness and helps create a silky texture.
  • Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
  • Strawberries: Provides a fresh, fruity flavor and vibrant color to the pie.
Topping:
  • Whipped Topping: Adds a light and airy texture to the pie's surface.

Preparing Strawberry Icebox Pie, Step by Step

Step 1: Craft the Crispy Crust

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend with sugar and melted butter.

Press the mixture firmly into a pie dish, creating an even layer.

Place the crust in the refrigerator to set and firm up while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Base

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until it becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.

Gradually pour in:
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are completely integrated and the mixture looks glossy and uniform.

Step 3: Incorporate Fruity Goodness

Add freshly pureed strawberries to the cream cheese mixture.

Stir gently to distribute the strawberry flavor throughout the filling, creating a beautiful pink hue and fruity essence.

Step 4: Fold in Fluffy Topping

Carefully fold whipped topping into the strawberry cream cheese mixture.

Use a gentle folding technique to maintain the light, airy texture.

Ensure the topping is evenly distributed without deflating the mixture.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Pour the completed filling into the prepared graham cracker crust.

Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface.

Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely and develop rich flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the pie from the refrigerator just before serving.

Slice into wedges and garnish with fresh strawberry slices or additional whipped cream if desired.

The pie will be cool, creamy, and bursting with strawberry sweetness.

Tips for Chilling the Perfect Icebox Pie

  • Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to evenly press graham cracker mixture into the pie dish, creating a compact and uniform crust.
  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.
  • Use a blender or food processor to create a consistent strawberry puree, removing any large chunks for a silky filling.
  • When incorporating whipped topping, use a spatula and fold in a light, circular motion to maintain the airy texture of the pie.
  • Allow the pie to set in the refrigerator for the full recommended time to achieve the perfect icebox pie consistency.
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Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe

Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Luscious strawberry icebox pie brings summer’s sweetness to your dessert table with creamy, chilled perfection. Cool graham cracker crust and fresh berries create a refreshing treat that delights with each delectable bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
  • 1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (14 ounces) can sweetened condensed milk

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 (8 ounces) container whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and combine with sugar and melted butter, creating a uniform mixture that holds together when pressed.
  2. Firmly pack the crumb mixture into the bottom and sides of a pie dish, ensuring an even layer. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set the crust.
  3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until silky and free of lumps, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  4. Gradually incorporate condensed milk and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Puree fresh strawberries until completely liquefied, then fold into the cream cheese mixture, creating a vibrant pink filling.
  6. Gently incorporate whipped topping, using a folding technique to maintain the light, airy texture of the filling.
  7. Pour the strawberry cream filling into the chilled graham cracker crust, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  8. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set and flavors to meld together.
  9. Before serving, optionally garnish with fresh strawberry slices or additional whipped cream for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Prevent soggy crust by ensuring graham cracker mixture is well-compacted and chilled before adding filling.
  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in the pie.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts like almonds.
  • Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or mint leaves just before serving to enhance visual appeal and add a burst of freshness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Refrigerating
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 295 kcal
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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