Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe

The Ultimate Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe for Summer Sweetness

Cool summer afternoons demand a delightful strawberry icebox pie that melts hearts instantly.

Sweet berries burst with vibrant flavor in this no-bake dessert.

Layers of creamy goodness stack perfectly between graham cracker crust and luscious filling.

Minimal kitchen effort produces maximum deliciousness with this simple recipe.

Chilling transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat that sparks joy.

Fresh strawberries create a stunning visual masterpiece that impresses everyone.

Why You’ll Adore This Strawberry Icebox Pie

  • Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations with its vibrant strawberry flavor.
  • Beat the Heat: A refreshing dessert that chills in the refrigerator, offering a cool and creamy treat on warm days.
  • Create Versatile Delight: Easy to prepare ahead of time, this pie allows stress-free entertaining and flexible meal planning.

Key Ingredients for Strawberry Icebox Pie

Pie Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet and crunchy base that provides a delightful texture for the pie.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps bind the ingredients.
  • Butter: Melted butter helps hold the crust together and adds rich flavor.
Filling:
  • Strawberries: Fresh, ripe berries that create the primary fruity flavor of the pie.
  • Condensed Milk: A thick, sweet milk that adds creaminess and helps set the filling.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor and helps balance the sweetness of the pie.
  • Vanilla: Provides a warm, classic flavor that complements the strawberries.
Topping:
  • Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar: Creates a light and fluffy whipped cream that adds a smooth, airy texture to the pie.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Additional berries for garnishing and enhancing the visual appeal of the dessert.

Step-by-Step Guide to Strawberry Icebox Pie

Step 1: Craft The Crunchy Crust

Combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter in a mixing bowl.

Press the mixture firmly into a pie dish, creating an even layer that covers the bottom and sides.

Refrigerate the crust for half an hour to set and firm up.

Step 2: Blend Vibrant Strawberry Filling

Gather ingredients for the filling:
  • Fresh strawberries
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Pure vanilla extract

Toss all ingredients into a blender and whirl until the mixture becomes silky smooth and completely combined.

The vibrant red color will make your mouth water instantly.

Step 3: Whip Up Dreamy Cream Topping

Use an electric mixer to beat heavy cream with powdered sugar.

Whip until the cream forms stiff, cloud-like peaks that hold their shape perfectly when the beaters are lifted.

Step 4: Create Magical Mixture

Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture.

Use a soft spatula and a light hand to keep the mixture airy and prevent deflating the whipped cream.

Step 5: Chill And Set

Pour the strawberry cream filling into the prepared crust.

Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface.

Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, allowing it to set completely and develop rich flavors.

Step 6: Decorate And Serve

Before serving, top the pie with fresh strawberry slices and an extra dollop of whipped cream.

Slice and enjoy this refreshing summer dessert that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

Tips for a Perfect Icebox Pie Texture

  • Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even graham cracker crumbs for a smooth, consistent crust texture.
  • Pat fresh strawberries dry before blending to avoid excess liquid that could make the pie runny.
  • Chill your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand for faster, fluffier whipped cream with stronger peaks.
  • Let the pie sit in the freezer for 1-2 hours before serving for a more ice cream-like consistency.
  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts for a celiac-friendly version.

Creative Twists for Strawberry Icebox Pie

  • Vegan Berry Bliss Pie: Replace graham crackers with almond flour crust, use coconut condensed milk, and whip coconut cream instead of dairy cream.
  • Gluten-Free Summer Sensation: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs, use same filling ingredients, maintain original technique.
  • Low-Sugar Berry Dream: Substitute condensed milk with Greek yogurt, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener, keep whipped cream light and airy.
  • Tropical Fruit Fusion: Replace strawberries with mango or passion fruit, keep base recipe structure, adjust lemon juice quantity to match fruit's acidity.

Best Ways to Present Strawberry Icebox Pie

  • Berry Bliss Brunch: Pair this pie with a light mimosa or fresh orange juice for a delightful morning treat.
  • Summer Dessert Platter: Create a colorful dessert board with slices of pie, fresh berries, mint leaves, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Elegant Dinner Finale: Serve on a white plate with a drizzle of strawberry coulis and a delicate mint sprig for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
  • Picnic Perfect Slice: Pack individual pie slices in mason jars for a portable and charming outdoor dessert during summer gatherings.

How to Keep Strawberry Icebox Pie Fresh

  • Store pie covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping its fresh flavor and creamy texture intact.
  • Wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months without losing its delightful strawberry essence.
  • Transfer frozen pie to the refrigerator overnight, allowing it to slowly defrost and maintain its smooth consistency.
  • Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance the pie's delectable strawberry taste.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain them completely before blending to avoid excess moisture in the pie.

  • How can I tell if my whipped cream is at stiff peak stage?

Stiff peaks stand straight up when you lift the beater. They should hold their shape without drooping and look glossy.

  • Is it necessary to use a food processor for blending the filling?

No, you can use a blender or even mix by hand with a whisk. The goal is to create a smooth, well-combined strawberry mixture.

  • What if I don't have graham crackers for the crust?

You can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies. They will provide a similar texture and flavor to the crust.

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Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe

Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Cool summer nights find solace in this classic Strawberry Icebox Pie, blending creamy textures with sweet, tangy berries. Crisp graham cracker crust and luscious filling promise refreshing moments that will delight all dessert enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, mashed
  • 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (3 fluid ounces) unsalted butter, melted

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Craft a delectable graham cracker foundation by combining crumbs with sugar and melted butter, pressing firmly into a pie dish. Refrigerate for half an hour to set the crust’s structure.
  2. Transform fresh strawberries into a silky puree by blending with condensed milk, zesty lemon juice, and aromatic vanilla until achieving a velvety consistency.
  3. Whip heavy cream to luxurious peaks, incorporating powdered sugar for subtle sweetness and volume.
  4. Delicately integrate the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture, folding gently to maintain an airy texture without deflating the cream.
  5. Transfer the luscious filling into the chilled crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an elegant finish. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to allow the pie to set completely and develop rich flavors.
  6. Before serving, adorn the pie with fresh, vibrant strawberry slices and a cloud-like dollop of additional whipped cream to elevate the visual and taste experience.

Notes

  • Crush graham crackers thoroughly to ensure a uniform, compact crust that holds together perfectly.
  • Use room temperature strawberries for maximum flavor extraction and smoother blending.
  • Stabilize whipped cream by adding a touch of cream cheese or gelatin to maintain its structure longer.
  • Adjust sweetness by tasting the strawberry mixture before folding in whipped cream, as strawberry sweetness varies naturally.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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