There’s nothing quite like digging a fork into a chilled, creamy Strawberry Icebox Pie on a hot day! This dreamy, no-bake treat bursts with fresh strawberry flavor and a smooth, tangy filling, all nestled inside a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s one of those nostalgic, crowd-pleasing desserts that’s delightfully simple to make, but impressive enough to steal the show at any summer gathering. If you’ve never tried your hand at a from-scratch icebox pie, this recipe is about to become your new favorite.

Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how easy it is to assemble this classic dessert with just a handful of ingredients. Each part brings its own magic — from the sweet, crumbly crust to the creamy, berry-studded filling that sets up beautifully in the fridge.

Graham cracker crumbs: These create a crunchy base with deliciously nostalgic flavor — perfect for no-bake pies.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps the crust stick together.
Unsalted butter, melted: Rich and smooth, it binds the crumbs while bringing buttery depth to every bite.
Cream cheese, softened: This is the secret to the pie’s creamy, tangy filling — make sure it’s softened for a silky texture.
Sweetened condensed milk: Lends sweetness, richness, and that classic no-bake pie silkiness.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash enhances and rounds out the strawberry flavor.
Fresh strawberries, finely chopped: They infuse the filling with color, brightness, and real fruit texture — all the summer vibes!
Heavy whipping cream: When whipped, it adds airy lightness so the filling almost melts in your mouth.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream for the dreamiest consistency.
Extra strawberries for garnish (optional): Sliced strawberries on top add extra beauty and make each slice irresistible.

How to Make Strawberry Icebox Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Kick things off by combining your graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir well until every crumb is moistened, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Make sure it’s evenly packed — a flat measuring cup works well to tamp it down. Pop the crust in the refrigerator while you move on to the filling; the chill helps it set up and keeps it sturdy when slicing later.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until absolutely smooth and creamy — no lumps allowed! Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is velvety. This creamy base will be the backbone of your Strawberry Icebox Pie, so don’t rush this step.

Step 3: Add the Strawberries

Now for the fun part: Gently fold those finely chopped strawberries into the cream cheese mixture. You’ll immediately see speckles of bright red in every spoonful. The strawberries add both a pop of color and bursts of fresh flavor all throughout the filling.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together until you have stiff peaks. If you don’t have an electric mixer, a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease will do the trick! This whipped cream adds cloud-like lightness and stability to your pie.

Step 5: Fold and Fill

Carefully fold the freshly whipped cream into your strawberry-cream cheese mixture. Take your time and use a light hand to keep things airy. Pour the luscious filling into your chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. You’re almost there!

Step 6: Chill Until Set

The hardest part is waiting! Cover your masterpiece and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can. This chilling time ensures the Strawberry Icebox Pie sets up firm enough for clean slices, and all the flavors meld together beautifully.

How to Serve Strawberry Icebox Pie

Garnishes

A traditional Strawberry Icebox Pie looks especially inviting when crowned with extra sliced strawberries or even a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of grated white chocolate or some fresh mint leaves gives it elegant flair fit for any occasion.

Side Dishes

To keep the summer spirit going, serve slices alongside a simple fruit salad or a scoop of lemon sorbet. Light shortbread cookies or crisp meringues add a contrast in texture and make the entire dessert plate feel like a celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Try making mini Strawberry Icebox Pies in individual jars or ramekins for picnics or parties — they’re both adorable and practical. For a rustic twist, cut the set pie into squares instead of wedges and serve on a wooden board for a family-style dessert bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the pie dish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it refrigerated; leftover slices stay delicious and fresh for up to 3 days. The graham cracker crust holds up well, so you can make this ahead with confidence.

Freezing

You can freeze Strawberry Icebox Pie for up to a month. Slice and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then tuck them in a zip-top freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator — the texture might be a bit firmer, but the flavors remain fabulous.

Reheating

No reheating required! This pie is meant to be served cold, straight from the fridge. In fact, serving chilled is the best way to highlight its creamy, refreshing quality. If you’ve frozen it, simply defrost slices overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If you’re craving Strawberry Icebox Pie out of season, thaw and drain frozen strawberries very well before chopping and folding them in. Any excess moisture could make the filling soupy, so blot them dry with paper towels.

What if I don’t have a 9-inch pie dish?

No worries — you can use an 8-inch dish, though your pie will be a little taller and take a bit longer to chill and set. Individual ramekins or even a square baking dish work well for different presentations.

Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust?

Yes! Store-bought crusts are a great shortcut for busy days. Just fill and chill as directed; you’ll still end up with a delicious Strawberry Icebox Pie without the extra step.

How do I get clean slices when serving?

For tidy slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts. Chilling the pie overnight helps, too — a well-set filling is much easier to slice cleanly.

Is this pie suitable for vegetarians?

It sure is! All the ingredients in Strawberry Icebox Pie are vegetarian-friendly, making this recipe a great pick for family gatherings or potlucks where you want an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dreamy dessert that hits the nostalgia button and impresses everyone at the table, Strawberry Icebox Pie is a must-bake (or rather, must-chill!) recipe. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a much-requested favorite in your home, too!

Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the refreshing sweetness of Strawberry Icebox Pie, a delightful no-bake dessert perfect for summer days. This creamy pie features a luscious blend of strawberries and cream cheese atop a buttery graham cracker crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Extra strawberries for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a pie dish and refrigerate.
Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add condensed milk, vanilla, and chopped strawberries. Fold in whipped cream.
Assemble: Pour filling into crust and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Serve: Garnish with strawberries and enjoy!