Description
This Strawberry Shortcake Pie combines a creamy, fruity filling with a buttery crumble topping, layered over a classic graham cracker crust. The pie is a no-bake freezer delight, perfect for warm days when you want a refreshing dessert with the nostalgic flavors of strawberry shortcake. Cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped cream create a luscious filling, complemented by a crunchy, baked crumble topping made from strawberry Jell-O and vanilla-flavored crumbles.
Ingredients
Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Topping
- 3 ounces strawberry flavored Jell-O
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (divided)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and divided)
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pie Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 cups strawberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 prepared graham cracker pie crust (9 or 10 inches)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to prepare for baking the crumble topping.
- Make Strawberry Crumble: In a medium bowl, mix the strawberry flavored Jell-O with 1/2 cup of flour and 1/4 cup cold butter using a fork until the mixture resembles a fine crumble.
- Make Vanilla Crumble: In a separate medium bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup cold butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use a fork to mix until crumbles form.
- Combine Crumbles: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Sprinkle the strawberry crumble evenly on the sheet, then sprinkle the vanilla crumble on top and gently mix by hand to slightly blend.
- Bake Crumble Topping: Bake the crumble mixture for 7-8 minutes without stirring. Once done, remove from oven and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. Before serving, stir with a fork to loosen.
- Whip Cream: Using an electric mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar in a large bowl until very stiff peaks form. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In another large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and lump-free.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Add the sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese and beat for an additional minute until fully combined.
- Incorporate Strawberry Sauce: Add the strawberry sauce to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well mixed.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry-cream cheese mixture until fully combined and smooth.
- Fill Pie Crust: Pour and spread the filling evenly into the prepared graham cracker pie crust.
- Freeze Pie: Place the filled pie in the freezer and freeze for 6-8 hours until firm.
- Serve: Remove the pie from the freezer about 10-15 minutes before serving to allow slight thawing for easier slicing.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle the prepared strawberry shortcake crumble topping over the pie just before serving for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the butter used in the crumble topping is cold to achieve the best crumbly texture.
- For best results, chill the whipped cream before whipping to help it reach stiff peaks quickly.
- If using homemade strawberry sauce, adjust sugar to taste to ensure a balanced sweetness in the filling.
- You can prepare the crumble topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Let the pie thaw slightly before serving to make slicing easier and improve texture.
- This pie is best enjoyed within 2 days of freezing for optimal freshness.