The first warm day of summer always makes me crave something cold and fruity, i guess thats why strawberry icebox pie is a fave, its loaded with sweet strawberries smushed into a creamy filling and held by a crunchy graham cracker crust, but the best part is there is no oven required you just mix it all up stick it in the fridge and wait a few hours before you dig in.
Icebox pies first popped up in early 1900s when folks was excited about home refrigerators, back then no baking meant less heat in the kitchen wich was perfect for hot months, strawberry icebox pie turned into a hit cus it was easy to make and looked pretty with bright red berries on top.
This pie is great for bbq’s at the park potlucks or just a quick treat after dinner, everyone loves the light texture and its a simple way to impress without much work so even if youre not a baker you can look like one.
What is Strawberry Icebox Pie?
Strawberry icebox pie is a no bake dessert that shows off fresh strawberry flavors in a chilly creamy filling the crust is usually made from graham crackers, and there is no cooking involved so its perfect for warm days.
Unlike normal pies wich need you to bake the crust and filling in the oven, icebox pies get firm just by chilling in the fridge, this trick makes it much faster to acheive a sweet treat.
The combo of lemon juice and sweetened condensed milk gives the filling a tangy twist that goes well with the strawberries, and the crunchy crust adds a nice contrast every bite is a mix of soft creamy fruit and crisp crumbs.
Ingredients for Strawberry Icebox Pie
Making strawberry icebox pie is pretty simple since you dont need many ingredients heres what youll need.
Essential Ingredients
- Fresh Strawberries: ripe juicy strawberries work the best dont pick ones that are too hard.
- Graham Cracker Crust: you can buy a ready made crust or crush crackers and mix with melted butter to make your own.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: this makes the filling rich and sweet.
- Lemon Juice: fresh lemon juice adds a bit of brightness that balances the sweetness.
- Whipped Cream (or Cool Whip): use either homemade whipped cream or store bought cool whip for a fluffy texture.
Optional Ingredients
- Fruit Purees: try raspberry or blueberry puree for a different flavor but its not required.
- Different Crust Options: you could use oreo crumbs or almond flour instead of graham crackers.
- Add-ins: chopped nuts or fresh mint leaves can add extra texture and taste.
Directions to Make Strawberry Icebox Pie
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps and youll have a delicious pie ready before you know it.
- Preparing the Crust: if youre using a store bought graham cracker crust just make sure it isnt frozen solid, if you wanna make your own crush graham crackers mix them with melted butter press into a pie dish and bake for about 10 minutes then let it cool.
- Making the Filling: in a large bowl mix the sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice till its smooth, next fold in the whipped cream till its light and fluffy then gently stir in the hulled and halved strawberries so they dont get mushy.
- Assembling the Pie: spread the filling evenly over the crust use a spatula to smooth the top so it looks nice.
- Chilling the Pie: cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight if you can, this helps it set firm so it will slice better.
Tips for Best Results
- Choosing the Right Strawberries: pick berries that are ripe and sweet dont use ones with bruises.
- Chill Time Recommendations: the longer you chill the pie the firmer it gets, overnight is definately best if you have time.
- Alternative Serving Suggestions: top with extra whipped cream fresh berries or mint leaves for a nicer look.
Why You Should Make Strawberry Icebox Pie
this pie is perfect for hot weather since you dont heat the kitchen its quick to make and u can finish it in a few steps, plus its light so its not too heavy after a meal.
its also super versitile you can bring it to parties potlucks or summer barbecues everyone will love the fruity taste and creamy texture so you will get lots of compliments even if youre just a beginner cook.
Strawberry Icebox Pie
Equipment
- 1 9-inch pie pan
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 electric mixer or whisk
- 1 rubber spatula
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced Optional: additional strawberries for garnish.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until fully mixed.
- Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan to form the crust. Use the back of a measuring cup to pack it tightly.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
- Layer the sliced strawberries evenly over the pie crust.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the strawberries, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Before serving, garnish with additional sliced strawberries if desired.
Leave a Reply