No bake strawberry cream cheese pie is the ultimate summer dessert—simple to make, rich with creamy filling, and packed with juicy berries in every bite. No oven, no fuss, just a chilled slice of happiness that’s perfect for backyard gatherings, potlucks, or an easy family treat. This guide walks you through everything you need to know: the best cream cheese for no bake pies, how to prevent runny fillings, and tips for the perfect crust. Whether it’s your first no bake dessert or your fiftieth, this recipe will win hearts—and taste buds—every time.
Why this no bake strawberry cream cheese pie is a forever favorite
Baking with Grandma: My earliest memories of strawberries and cream
I was about six the first time I helped my grandma whip cream cheese with sugar and swirl in strawberries fresh from our backyard garden. We weren’t baking a pie—we were creating a moment. That sticky-sweet scent of berries and the silky texture of cream cheese stuck with me all these years. Fast forward to today, and I still get that same childhood rush when I make this no bake strawberry cream cheese pie. Only now, I’m the one handing the spatula to little hands in my own kitchen.
Back then, we used whatever ingredients were on hand, but through years of tweaking and trial-and-error, I’ve landed on a version that checks all the boxes: rich yet refreshing, stable enough to slice cleanly, and sweet without being overpowering. And the best part? No oven. It’s a fridge-friendly dessert that you can prepare ahead of time—perfect for summer parties or stress-free weeknight treats.
This no bake strawberry cream cheese pie has become a staple on my dessert table, much like the no bake mango cheesecake recipe that always follows the first heatwave of the season. If you love fresh berry flavor, you might also enjoy the subtle twist of strawberry matcha tiramisu—another cool, no bake favorite with a creamy base.
Whether you’re brand new to no bake desserts or looking to upgrade your go-to pie, this guide has everything you need to get that satisfying “mmm” with every bite. Let’s start with the ingredients that make it great.
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No Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie – A Stunning Summer Dessert
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This no bake strawberry cream cheese pie is a creamy, fruity dessert made with a graham cracker crust, rich cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberry topping. It’s cool, refreshing, and simple to prepare!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons sugar
16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whipped topping
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
½ cup water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
1. Mix graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar, then press into pie dish and chill.
2. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Fold in whipped topping until fully combined.
4. Spread cream cheese filling into chilled crust and refrigerate.
5. Cook strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
6. Cool strawberry mixture then spoon over cream cheese layer.
7. Chill pie at least 6 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
Use brick-style cream cheese for best results.
Optional: add gelatin to glaze for extra hold in hot weather.
Top with fresh whipped cream or mint before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: no bake strawberry cream cheese pie, no bake pie, strawberry dessert, easy summer pie
Cream cheese and crust matter more than you think
Which cream cheese is best for no bake cheesecake and why it works in this pie
When it comes to a no bake strawberry cream cheese pie, the cream cheese you use can make or break the texture. Always go for full-fat, brick-style cream cheese. Avoid the whipped versions or those in tubs—they contain more air and water, which results in a runny, unstable filling. Brands like Philadelphia Cream Cheese are reliable for their smooth consistency and classic tang, but any high-quality brick cream cheese will work.
Softening the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing is essential. It whips up more smoothly, reducing the risk of lumps and creating that luscious, velvety texture you want. For best results, use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Want to boost richness even further? Mix in a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt—it adds depth without making the filling too heavy.
Pairing your cream cheese with powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar also helps create a smoother texture. Powdered sugar dissolves more easily and doesn’t leave behind that unpleasant grainy mouthfeel.
For another smooth and creamy dessert that skips the oven, try this no bake biscoff cake roll—it’s indulgent, unique, and shows how adaptable cream cheese can be in no bake recipes.
Best pie crusts for strawberry pies: Graham vs. cookie vs. nut-based options
Choosing the right crust sets the foundation for your entire pie. For a classic no bake strawberry cream cheese pie, a graham cracker crust is the top choice. It offers a lightly sweet crunch that complements the creamy filling without overpowering the strawberries.
To make it yourself, combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter and a bit of sugar, then press the mixture into a pie dish. Chill it for at least an hour before adding the filling—this helps it firm up and hold its shape.
But don’t stop at graham crackers. Crushed Biscoff cookies (yes, those caramelized airline cookies!) make a fantastic crust, especially if you’re looking for a deeper flavor. If you’re gluten-free or craving a healthier twist, nut-based crusts made with almonds or pecans can bring a delightful richness.
Explore your options with the no bake brownie balls recipe—the base uses simple pantry ingredients that double as creative crust alternatives.
Whichever crust you choose, the key is chilling it long enough to create a sturdy base. Once your crust and filling are ready, it’s time to talk about keeping that strawberry topping from turning into a puddle.
Smart steps to a firm, sliceable filling
How to keep strawberry pie from being runny
The biggest challenge with any no bake strawberry cream cheese pie? That gorgeous strawberry layer sliding into a soupy disaster. The culprit is usually excess moisture from the strawberries or insufficient chilling. But don’t worry—it’s easy to avoid with a few simple steps.
First, always wash and dry your strawberries thoroughly. Water clinging to the berries will leak into your pie and thin out the filling. After rinsing, let them dry on a paper towel, then pat them gently before slicing.
Second, if your recipe calls for fresh strawberries mixed into a glaze, skip the shortcut canned stuff. Make your own strawberry glaze using cornstarch—it thickens better and holds longer. Here’s a quick method: cook crushed strawberries with sugar and lemon juice, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water, and simmer until it thickens. Let it cool before layering it over the cream cheese filling.
The third tip: layer smart. Spread your cream cheese base into the crust first, chill it until firm, then carefully spoon the cooled strawberry topping over it. This layering helps seal everything in place and prevents sogginess.
If you’re a fan of fruit-forward desserts, check out this banana pudding with Biscoff cookies—a no bake treat that also relies on smart layering to stay firm.
Thickening agents and chilling tips that actually work
Cornstarch is your best friend when it comes to thickening fruit fillings without affecting flavor. But you must cook it properly—if it’s undercooked, it leaves a chalky aftertaste and won’t firm up. Stir it constantly while it simmers until the mixture turns glossy and thick.
If you want an even more stable filling, unflavored gelatin can be added to either the cream cheese mixture or the strawberry glaze. Just dissolve it in warm water, let it bloom, and mix it into your base while still warm (but not hot). This method is ideal if you’re serving the pie at a summer party or outdoor event.
Lastly, don’t rush the chill time. Give your pie at least 6 hours—preferably overnight—in the fridge. If you’re short on time, pop it in the freezer for an hour to speed things up, but don’t let it freeze solid unless you want an ice cream-style texture.
Want a totally different no bake dessert with a chewy bite? Try the date chocolate bark—a quick recipe that uses no thickener but still holds shape perfectly.
Twists, flavor pairings, and the McDonald’s strawberry pie story
What’s in McDonald’s strawberry cream pie and how it compares
If you’ve ever tried McDonald’s seasonal strawberry and cream pie, you already know it’s nothing like a homemade no bake strawberry cream cheese pie—but it still inspires serious cravings. Their version features a flaky baked crust filled with a hot, gooey strawberry sauce and a hint of artificial cream. It’s comforting in a fast-food kind of way, but lacks the rich, tangy depth and texture that comes from real cream cheese and fresh strawberries.
In contrast, a homemade no bake strawberry cream cheese pie is cool, refreshing, and far more satisfying. You get the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries, the creamy tang of real dairy, and a buttery graham or cookie crust—all without turning on the oven. It’s less processed, better textured, and more versatile. And let’s be honest—it looks way better on a summer dessert table.
Want more twists on traditional favorites? The no bake mango cheesecake recipe puts a tropical spin on the classic cream cheese pie and is just as simple to make.
Fun variations and flavor mashups (white chocolate, matcha, or balsamic?!)
One of the joys of making a no bake strawberry cream cheese pie is how easy it is to customize. Want a touch of elegance? Add a swirl of white chocolate ganache to the cream cheese layer before adding the berries. Or fold in a spoonful of lemon zest for brightness that makes the strawberry flavor pop.
For something more adventurous, try balsamic-glazed strawberries. Just reduce balsamic vinegar with a pinch of sugar until syrupy, then drizzle lightly over your sliced berries before layering them onto the pie. It’s a sophisticated twist that works surprisingly well.
Matcha fans? Combine culinary-grade matcha powder into your cream cheese mixture and top with fresh strawberries. The earthy green tea pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the berries. It’s reminiscent of this strawberry matcha tiramisu and adds both flavor and color.
You can even swap the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries while keeping the base recipe intact—because once you’ve nailed the basics of a no bake strawberry cream cheese pie, the variations are endless.
Why this no bake strawberry cream cheese pie is always a win
When you’re short on time but still want something stunning and delicious, this no bake strawberry cream cheese pie checks every box. It’s sweet, creamy, fresh, and endlessly customizable. Best of all, it lets you skip the oven without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ or just need a fridge-friendly dessert you can prep ahead, this pie delivers. And once you’ve tried the base recipe, you’ll be inspired to make it your own—swapping crusts, flavoring the filling, or adding unique toppings like matcha or white chocolate.
Baking (or in this case, not baking) is about creating moments, not perfection. So grab your mixing bowl, soften that cream cheese, and make a dessert your family and friends won’t stop talking about.
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FAQs About No Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
Which cream cheese is best for no bake cheesecake?
For a no bake strawberry cream cheese pie, always use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese like Philadelphia. Avoid whipped or spreadable varieties, as they contain extra moisture and air that prevent the filling from setting properly.
How do you keep a strawberry pie from being runny?
Start with dry strawberries and use a homemade glaze thickened with cornstarch. Chill each layer properly and consider adding a little gelatin if you need a firmer hold. Let the finished pie set in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight for best results.
What’s in McDonald’s strawberry cream pie?
McDonald’s version includes a processed strawberry filling and sweet cream encased in a flaky crust and baked until golden. Unlike a homemade no bake strawberry cream cheese pie, it’s served hot, lacks real cream cheese, and uses artificial flavoring for shelf life.
What is the best pie crust for a strawberry pie?
For a no bake version, a graham cracker crust is the go-to for its light sweetness and crunch. Cookie-based or nut crusts are great alternatives that add texture and flavor. Just make sure the crust is chilled long enough to hold its shape.