Charlotte’s Eats & Sweets Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

Ingredients

• For the Pie Crust:
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup sugar
• For the Pie Filling:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• For the Topping:
• ½ cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• Optional: whipped cream for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well combined and the mixture resembles wet sand.
2. Form the Crust: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Use the back of a measuring cup to pack it tightly and create an even layer. Place in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
4. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
5. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
6. Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until no white streaks remain.
7. Add Strawberries: Fold in the sliced fresh strawberries.
8. Assemble the Pie: Spoon the filling into the chilled pie crust, spreading it evenly.
9. Chill the Pie: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
10. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, top the pie with additional fresh strawberry slices and optionally add whipped cream.