This Strawberry Cheesecake Pie with Graham Crust is the definition of a refreshing, creamy, and irresistibly fruity dessert. It combines a crunchy graham cracker crust, a smooth and fluffy cheesecake filling, and a luscious strawberry topping made with real berries. It’s the perfect dessert for spring, summer, and anytime you’re craving something sweet without a heavy feel.

This pie is beginner-friendly, yet tastes like something you’d order at a bakery. Best part? It requires minimal baking (only the crust is baked!), making it ideal for warm-weather occasions.

Why I Love This Recipe

Ultra-creamy and silky cheesecake base
Fresh strawberry topping bursting with real flavor
Just the right level of sweetness
Beautiful presentation with little effort
A crowd-pleaser at any gathering

It’s the perfect fusion of cheesecake and classic berry pie — two beloved desserts in one!

Why It’s a Must-Try

This dessert provides layers of contrast:

• Crunch → velvety cream → juicy berries
  Every bite feels balanced, summery, and indulgent without being overly heavy. It’s a dessert that draws people back for a second slice — guaranteed!

Recipe Details

Category	Details
Prep Time	25 minutes
Cooking Time	8–10 minutes (crust only)
Chill Time	4 hours
Total Time	~4 hrs 40 min
Servings	8–10 slices
Calories	~380 kcal per slice
Course	Dessert
Cuisine	American

Ingredients

Graham Crust

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Pinch of salt

Cheesecake Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese (full fat preferred), softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (brightens flavor)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped into stiff peaks

Strawberry Topping

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled & halved
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Extra fresh berries for decorating (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Make the Crust

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Stir graham crumbs, sugar & salt together.
3️⃣ Add melted butter and mix until evenly moistened.
4️⃣ Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish (bottom + sides).
5️⃣ Bake 8–10 minutes → cool completely.

Step 2 — Prepare Cheesecake Filling

6️⃣ Beat cream cheese & sugar until smooth and fluffy.
7️⃣ Mix in vanilla and lemon juice.
8️⃣ In separate bowl, whip cream to stiff peaks.
9️⃣ Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture.
🔟 Spread filling evenly into cooled crust.

Step 3 — Make the Strawberry Topping

⓫ Add 1 cup strawberries to a small saucepan with sugar, water & cornstarch.
⓬ Cook over medium heat, lightly mashing until thick & glossy (5–7 min).
⓭ Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, cool completely.
⓮ Fold in remaining strawberries.
⓯ Spread over cheesecake layer.

Step 4 — Chill

⓰ Refrigerate at least 4 hours or until fully set.
⓱ Slice and enjoy!

How to Serve

• Serve chilled for best texture
• Garnish with:
  • Fresh sliced strawberries
  • Whipped cream dollops
  • A sprig of mint
• Perfect for:
  • Summer barbecues
  • Mother’s Day
  • Birthday parties
  • Just because!

Special Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie dish
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Saucepan for topping
• Rubber spatula

Tips for Success

• Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps
• Press crust firmly to prevent crumbling
• Ensure topping and crust fully cool before assembly
• Chill long enough to allow perfect slices
• Add gelatin (optional ½ tsp) if you want a very firm topping

Variations to Try

Variation	What to Change

Blueberry Cheesecake Pie

Use blueberries instead of strawberries

Mixed Berry Cheesecake Pie

Use a blend: raspberries + strawberries + blueberries

Chocolate Drizzle

Melt dark chocolate & drizzle over topping

Baked Cheesecake Version

Add 1 egg to filling & bake 20 minutes

Gluten-Free

Use GF graham crumbs

Freezing & Storage

Method	Duration	Notes
Refrigerate	3–4 days	Keep covered airtight
Freeze (without fresh berries on top)	Up to 1 month	Wrap tightly in plastic + foil
Thawing	Overnight in fridge	Avoid microwaving

FAQ

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
✔ Yes! Best made the night before so it sets perfectly.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, cook them fully for the topping — but fresh is prettier for the garnish.

Q: Can I skip baking the crust?
You can refrigerate instead, but baking helps it hold together better.

Q: Can I substitute Cool Whip?
Yes — use 2 cups, but flavor will be slightly different.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cheesecake Pie with Graham Crust delivers the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy — all with minimal fuss. It’s beautiful, refreshing, and guaranteed to become your go-to dessert for warm seasons or festive gatherings.

It’s the kind of pie that brings people to the table smiling — and leaves them asking for the recipe.