1. Prepare the Crust
- Crush the Graham Crackers:
- In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until finely ground. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the crackers in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Mix the Crust Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened.
- Press into Pie Dish:
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a glass to pack the crust firmly.
- Chill the Crust:
- Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill and firm up while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Filling
- Make the Strawberry Puree:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
- Blend the Strawberries:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and use an immersion blender to puree the strawberry mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
- Dissolve the Gelatin:
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let it sit for a few minutes to bloom. Once bloomed, stir the gelatin into the warm strawberry puree until fully dissolved.
- Cool the Mixture:
- Allow the strawberry mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Whip the Cream:
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In another large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Mixtures:
- Fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Then, gently fold in the whipped cream until the filling is smooth and uniform in color.
3. Assemble the Pie
- Pour the Filling into the Crust:
- Pour the strawberry filling into the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill the Pie:
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the filling is fully set. For best results, let it chill overnight.
4. Serve the Pie
- Garnish (Optional):
- Before serving, top the pie with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for an extra touch of sweetness and color.
- Slice and Serve:
- Slice the pie into wedges and serve chilled. The pie should have a firm, creamy texture with a burst of strawberry flavor in every bite.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth filling.
- Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, but frozen strawberries can also be used if fresh ones are not available.
- Chill Time: Allowing the pie to chill for the full recommended time ensures that the filling sets properly and the flavors meld together.
Strawberry Icebox Pie is a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a simple family treat. The creamy, strawberry-infused filling paired with the buttery graham cracker crust creates a dessert that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Enjoy a slice of this cool, fruity pie on a warm day!