Crustless Strawberry Pie: The Easiest Dessert Recipe Ever!

Crustless Strawberry Pie: Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of pure summer bliss. A vibrant, ruby-red filling bursting with the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh strawberries, all without the fuss of a traditional pie crust. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not! This delightful dessert offers all the satisfying taste of a classic strawberry pie, but with a fraction of the effort.

While the exact origins of crustless strawberry pie are a bit hazy, the concept of crustless pies has been around for generations, often born out of necessity or a desire for a lighter, gluten-free alternative. Strawberry pie itself is deeply rooted in American culinary tradition, celebrating the arrival of summer’s bounty. Strawberries, native to North America, have been enjoyed for centuries, and their vibrant color and sweet taste have made them a beloved ingredient in pies, jams, and countless other desserts.

People adore this dish for its simplicity and deliciousness. The creamy, custard-like texture perfectly complements the bright, tangy strawberries, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! No need to spend time making or rolling out a crust – simply mix the ingredients, pour them into a pie dish, and bake. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert for a weeknight dinner or a show-stopping treat for a summer gathering, this crustless strawberry pie is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the pure, unadulterated joy of strawberries in every bite!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/3 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• Optional: Graham cracker crumbs for garnish

Preparing the Strawberry Base:

1. First things first, let’s get those strawberries ready! Wash them thoroughly under cool water. Make sure to remove all the stems and any bruised or damaged parts.
2. Now, slice the strawberries. I like to slice them about 1/4 inch thick, but you can adjust the thickness to your preference. Thicker slices will give you a chunkier pie, while thinner slices will blend in more smoothly.
3. Once sliced, set the strawberries aside. We’ll be using them later to create a beautiful layer in our pie. You can even reserve a few of the prettiest slices for garnish on top!

Making the Creamy Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. It’s crucial that the cream cheese is properly softened, otherwise, you’ll end up with a lumpy filling. I usually leave it out at room temperature for about an hour before starting.
2. Using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer or a hand mixer), beat the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk together until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
3. Add the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt to the cream cheese mixture. The lemon juice adds a lovely tanginess that balances the sweetness of the condensed milk, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. The salt might seem like a small addition, but it actually helps to bring out the other flavors in the pie.
4. Continue to beat the mixture until everything is well combined and smooth. Again, scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Whipping the Cream:

1. In a separate, chilled mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream. It’s important that both the bowl and the cream are cold, as this will help the cream whip up more quickly and easily. You can even chill your beaters in the freezer for a few minutes before starting.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream on medium speed until soft peaks begin to form. Soft peaks are when the cream holds its shape but the tips curl over slightly.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the whipped cream. The powdered sugar will sweeten the cream and help it to hold its shape even better.
4. Continue to beat the cream until stiff peaks form. Stiff peaks are when the cream holds its shape firmly and the tips stand straight up. Be careful not to overbeat the cream, as it can turn into butter!

Assembling the Crustless Strawberry Pie:

1. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. It’s important to fold the cream in gently, rather than stirring it, as this will help to maintain its volume and lightness. Use a rubber spatula to fold the cream in until just combined.
2. Now, it’s time to assemble the pie! Choose your favorite pie dish. A 9-inch pie dish works perfectly for this recipe.
3. Pour half of the cream cheese mixture into the pie dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
4. Arrange half of the sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer. I like to create a pretty pattern with the strawberries, but you can simply scatter them evenly over the surface.
5. Pour the remaining cream cheese mixture over the strawberries, spreading it evenly.
6. Arrange the remaining sliced strawberries over the top of the pie. Again, you can create a pattern or simply scatter them evenly.
7. If you’re using graham cracker crumbs for garnish, sprinkle them lightly over the top of the pie. This adds a nice textural element and a hint of graham cracker flavor.

Chilling and Serving:

1. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the pie to set properly and the flavors to meld together.
2. Before serving, remove the pie from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
3. Slice the pie into wedges and serve. You can garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh strawberries, if desired.
4. Enjoy your delicious and easy crustless strawberry pie!

Tips and Variations:

• Berry Medley: Feel free to experiment with other berries in addition to or instead of strawberries. Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries all work well in this pie.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the pie for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the top of the pie for a tropical twist.
• Different Extracts: Try using almond extract or lemon extract instead of vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
• Sugar-Free Option: Use sugar-free sweetened condensed milk and a sugar substitute for the powdered sugar to make a sugar-free version of this pie.
• Individual Servings: Instead of making one large pie, you can divide the mixture into individual ramekins or small glasses for individual servings.
• Freezing: This pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Troubleshooting:

• Filling is too runny: Make sure the cream cheese is properly softened and that you’re using heavy cream, not half-and-half. Also, be sure to chill the pie for at least 4 hours to allow it to set properly.
• Filling is lumpy: This is usually caused by using cream cheese that is not properly softened. Make sure to leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for at least an hour before starting.
• Whipped cream is not stiff enough: Make sure the bowl and beaters are cold and that you’re using cold heavy cream. Also, be careful not to overbeat the cream, as it can turn into butter.

Storage Instructions:

• Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

This Crustless Strawberry Pie isn’t just another dessert; it’s a slice of pure summer bliss, simplified! I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the sweet, tangy flavor of fresh strawberries but wants a quick and easy way to enjoy them. Forget the fuss of making or buying a pie crust – this recipe delivers all the deliciousness with none of the hassle. The creamy, custardy filling perfectly complements the juicy strawberries, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Why is it a must-try? Because it’s incredibly versatile, unbelievably easy, and utterly delicious. It’s the perfect dessert for a weeknight treat, a potluck contribution, or a special occasion. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. You can whip this up in minutes, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. The result is a beautiful, vibrant pie that’s sure to impress.

Looking for serving suggestions? I love serving this pie chilled, straight from the refrigerator. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds an extra layer of indulgence. For a more sophisticated touch, try garnishing it with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You could even drizzle it with a balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy contrast.

And the variations are endless! Feel free to experiment with different berries. Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries would all be delicious additions or substitutions. You could also add a touch of lemon or orange zest to the filling for a brighter, more citrusy flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of crumbled graham crackers to the bottom of the pie dish before pouring in the filling for a hint of that classic pie crust texture. Another great variation is to add a swirl of cream cheese to the batter before baking for an even richer and creamier pie. Consider using different extracts, like almond or vanilla bean paste, to enhance the flavor profile.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’ll love how easy it is to make and how incredibly delicious it tastes. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake the most amazing Crustless Strawberry Pie you’ve ever tasted. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here]. Let me know what variations you tried and how they turned out. Did you add a different berry? Did you try the cream cheese swirl? I’m always looking for new and creative ways to enjoy this delicious pie. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create and share recipes that you’ll love. Happy baking!

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