# 🍓 Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie: A Classic Dessert Delight
## 🌟 **Introduction**
Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is a luscious, creamy, and fruity dessert that combines a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety cream cheese filling, and a vibrant strawberry topping. This pie is perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, or anytime you crave a sweet and tangy treat. Its rich history dates back to the popularity of cream cheese desserts in America, with strawberries adding a fresh, natural sweetness.
Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious result every time.
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## 📜 **Ingredients**
### 🥮 **Graham Cracker Crust**
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ⅓ cup granulated sugar
– 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– ¼ tsp salt
### 🧁 **Cream Cheese Filling**
– 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream (whipped to stiff peaks)
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
### 🍓 **Strawberry Topping**
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 2 tbsp cornstarch
– ¼ cup water
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## 👩🍳 **Instructions**
### **Step 1: Prepare the Crust**
1. Preheat oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt until combined.
3. Press firmly into a **9-inch pie dish**, covering the bottom and sides.
4. Bake for **8-10 minutes**, then let cool completely.
### **Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling**
1. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Fold in whipped cream gently until fully incorporated.
3. Spread filling evenly into the cooled crust.
4. Refrigerate for **at least 2 hours** (or overnight).
### **Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Topping**
1. In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until strawberries soften (~5 mins).
2. Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the strawberry mixture.
3. Simmer until thickened (~3-5 mins), then let cool.
4. Spread over the chilled cream cheese layer before serving.
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## 📖 **History & Popularity**
Cream cheese pies became widely popular in the **20th century**, especially in the U.S., thanks to the rise of cream cheese as a baking staple. Strawberries were a natural pairing due to their sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color. This pie is now a **beloved dessert** at potlucks, family gatherings, and diners across America.
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## ✅ **Benefits & Nutrition**
– **Strawberries** are rich in **vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber**.
– **Cream cheese** provides **calcium and protein**, though moderation is key.
– **Graham crackers** offer a **crunchy, slightly sweet base** with whole grain benefits.
**Estimated Nutrition (per slice):**
– Calories: ~350
– Fat: 22g
– Carbs: 35g
– Protein: 4g
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## 💖 **Why People Love It**
✔ **Creamy & refreshing** – Perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
✔ **Easy to customize** – Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or even chocolate.
✔ **Great for any occasion** – From BBQs to elegant dinners.
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## 🎉 **Conclusion**
This **Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie** is a **crowd-pleaser** that never goes out of style. With its **silky filling, crunchy crust, and juicy strawberry topping**, it’s a dessert that satisfies every craving.
**🍽️ Serve chilled and enjoy the delicious layers of flavor!**
Would you like any variations, like a no-bake version or a gluten-free alternative? 😊🍰