Why This Strawberry Pie Is a Summer Favorite
This easy homemade strawberry pie with a graham cracker crust and cream cheese whipped cream is the perfect summer dessert. It’s a house favorite, winning a unanimous vote from one family when asked to choose among several desserts. The combination of fresh, juicy strawberries held together in a salty-sweet graham cracker crust, topped with a cream cheese whipped cream, makes it irresistible. This recipe has been passed down through generations—from the author’s mom and grandma.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 12 full sheets graham crackers, crushed (1 1/2 cups of crumbs)
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 7 tablespoons salted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup sugar (use 3/4 cup if berries are less sweet)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups cold water
- 3 ounces dry strawberry Jell-O powder (half a box, or 5-6 tablespoons)
- 4–5 cups fresh strawberries
For the Cream Cheese Whipped Cream
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix the crust ingredients and press into a 9-inch pie plate. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Prep the Strawberries
Wash the strawberries well and blot them dry with a paper towel. Cut off the tops. If large, cut them all in half; if small, leave them whole or cut some in half.
Make the Jell-O Mixture
In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and cold water. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously, until it begins to thicken. Once bubbling, cook for another two minutes. Add the Jell-O powder and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Assemble the Pie
Arrange half of the berries in the prepared crust. Pour some of the cornstarch mixture over the berries and jiggle to ensure it coats them. Repeat with the remaining berries on top, covering with just enough mixture to coat and hold them (a bit will be left over). Press the berries together and brush the top with the mixture for a glossy finish.
Refrigerate
Refrigerate for 4–6 hours. Refrigerate uncovered until mostly set, then cover with plastic. Best served within 24 hours.
Make the Cream Cheese Whipped Cream
Using a hand mixer, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Slowly beat in the maple syrup until loose and creamy. Fold the cream cheese mixture into the whipped cream.
Serve
Serve the pie slices cold with a dollop of the whipped cream cheese on top.
Tips for Perfect Results
- This is a great hands-on recipe for kids to help with—setting up an assembly line for berries and whisking the filling.
- For a regular pie crust, use a fully baked pie shell and follow the same filling instructions.
- Total time: 6 hours 5 minutes (prep 6 hours, cook 5 minutes). Yield: 8 large slices.
- Storing: best served within 24 hours as strawberries will soften and release juices.
Reader Reviews and Feedback
Rated 4.9 from 9 reviews. Here’s what readers are saying:
- Claire: “This recipe is almost exactly the same as the pie my mom made every year. We always looked forward to strawberry season. I got my coworkers hooked!”
- Becky Rayle: “Amazzzzzzzzing! My husband who doesn’t even like fruity desserts thought it was a hit.”
- Ruth goodell: “I used the last of my local berries for a birthday cake. The cream cheese maple syrup combo took it over the top.”
- Caroline: “I added blueberries for a red, white, and blue 4th of July treat. Delicious!”
- Tarrah: “Easy and almost all fruit—I didn’t feel guilty after eating half the pie. Subbed honey for maple syrup, loved it.”
- Mary S. Hill: “Came together easily; flavors were very good, though slicing wasn’t the prettiest. Still delicious.”
- Liz: “I will always make a strawberry pie with a graham cracker crust and cream cheese whipped cream now!”
Many readers grew up with a similar recipe and love this version. Some suggest substituting peach Jell-O for a peach version, or using GF graham crackers. Soften cream cheese by leaving it out for about an hour before use.
This pie is a nostalgic, easy summer dessert that showcases fresh strawberries. Happy summer-ing!