Oh, let me tell you about strawberry icebox pie! This refreshing dessert is like a slice of summer on your plate. I remember those hot afternoons when I’d whip up this pie, the sweet aroma of fresh strawberries filling my kitchen while my family eagerly awaited their taste of bliss. The creamy filling paired with the crunchy graham cracker crust is just divine! It’s the perfect treat to cool down on a sunny day or to impress guests at a summer gathering. Trust me, once you try this pie, you’ll want it to be a staple at every sunny occasion!
Ingredients for Strawberry Icebox Pie
To whip up this delightful strawberry icebox pie, you’ll need some simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs – for that perfect crunchy base!
- ½ cup sugar – a little sweetness to balance the tartness of the strawberries.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – this helps bind the crust together.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced – the star of the show!
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream – for that luscious, creamy filling.
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk – it adds richness and sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – a splash of flavor to enhance everything!
Using fresh strawberries is key for the best flavor, but feel free to experiment with other berries if you like. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Strawberry Icebox Pie
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making your strawberry icebox pie! Don’t worry; it’s super straightforward, and I’ll guide you through each step. Just follow along, and soon you’ll have a beautiful pie chilling in your fridge, ready to impress. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that crust just right!
- In a medium bowl, mix together 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of sugar, and ½ cup of melted unsalted butter until well combined.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a pie dish to form your crust. Make sure it’s even!
- Bake the crust for about 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Then, let it cool completely.
- While the crust is cooling, take another bowl and whip 1 cup of heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Ooh, this is where the magic happens!
- Gently fold in 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until mixed well. Be gentle so it stays fluffy!
- Add in the sliced strawberries and mix lightly to combine.
- Pour the creamy strawberry mixture into your cooled crust and spread it evenly.
- Finally, refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours. This will help it set beautifully!
And voilà! You’re on your way to enjoying a delightful slice of strawberry heaven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This strawberry icebox pie is a true crowd-pleaser, and here’s why you’ll adore making it:
- Incredibly refreshing: The combination of strawberries and cream is pure summer bliss!
- Easy to make: With simple steps and no fancy techniques, anyone can whip this up.
- Perfect for gatherings: It’s a showstopper that will impress family and friends at any occasion.
- Make-ahead friendly: Chill it in the fridge, and it’s ready when you are—no last-minute fuss!
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in different berries or flavors to suit your taste!
Trust me, this pie will become your go-to dessert for warm days and celebrations alike!
Tips for Success
To ensure your strawberry icebox pie turns out absolutely fabulous, here are some of my favorite pro tips:
- Use fresh strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries will give you the best flavor. If they’re in season, grab a few pints!
- Cool the crust completely: Make sure your crust is fully cooled before adding the filling; this helps keep everything from getting soggy.
- Whip the cream to stiff peaks: It should hold its shape; this keeps the filling light and fluffy.
- Let it chill: Don’t rush the refrigeration time; letting it set for at least 4 hours makes a huge difference in texture!
- Garnish for flair: Add extra sliced strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream on top before serving for a lovely presentation.
With these tips, you’ll be serving up slice after slice of pie perfection!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the strawberry icebox pie nutrition. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but here’s what you can expect per slice:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
This pie is a delightful treat, so enjoy it in moderation alongside your summer fun!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but keep in mind that they may not have the same fresh flavor and texture as fresh ones. Thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your pie!
How long can I store leftovers?
You can store any leftover strawberry icebox pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s covered to keep it fresh!
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie is perfect for making ahead. Just prepare it a day in advance and let it chill overnight. It’ll be perfectly set and ready to enjoy when you are!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your strawberry icebox pie fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to serve it again after chilling, simply slice it straight from the fridge—it’s best enjoyed cold! Just a little tip: for an extra touch, you can add a dollop of whipped cream or more fresh strawberries on top before serving to make it look even more inviting!
For more information on the health benefits of strawberries, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, you might enjoy this strawberry crunch cheesecake or this strawberry shortcake recipe.
Print
Strawberry Icebox Pie: 7 Reasons to Indulge in Bliss
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing dessert made with strawberries and cream in a graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a pie dish.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes and let it cool.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
- Add sliced strawberries and gently mix.
- Pour the strawberry mixture into the cooled crust.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Can substitute with other berries if desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and Refrigeration
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: strawberry icebox pie