Quick No-Bake Strawberry Cream Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
A light and fluffy strawberry cream pie that comes together quickly without an oven, perfect for summer gatherings. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, melted into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Stir until crumbs are evenly moistened, then press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing filling.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 4: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and fluffy.
- Step 5: Spread half of the cream filling evenly over the chilled crust.
- Step 6: Toss 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries with 1/4 cup strawberry jam until coated, then layer evenly over the cream filling.
- Step 7: Spread the remaining cream filling over the strawberries, smoothing the top.
- Step 8: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight until set before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick No-Bake Strawberry Cream Pie with Graham Cracker Crust take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Quick No-Bake Strawberry Cream Pie with Graham Cracker Crust?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quick No-Bake Strawberry Cream Pie with Graham Cracker Crust?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Quick No-Bake Strawberry Cream Pie with Graham Cracker Crust for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Quick No-Bake Strawberry Cream Pie with Graham Cracker Crust?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
