Ready in: 4 hours 30 minutes · Serves: 8 · Technique: No-Bake · Storage: Up to 3 days refrigerated.Quick Answer
This No-Bake Chocolate Strawberries and Cream Pie features layers of creamy filling and crunchy chocolate crust, ideal for holiday gatherings.As the heart of November draws near, I find myself craving indulgent desserts that not only satisfy my sweet tooth but also bring a joyful vibe to holiday gatherings. Living in New York City, the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving and Christmas prepare us for countless gatherings, and a stunning dessert can take center stage on any table. This No-Bake Chocolate Strawberries and Cream Pie resembles a delightful homage to the season, effortlessly blending two of my favorite flavors-rich chocolate and fresh strawberries-all without turning on the oven. Created with layers of creamy filling and a crunchy chocolate crust, this pie is a show-stopper for your upcoming festivities.
A Perfect Holiday Dessert
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly combines rich chocolate with fresh strawberries for a delightful flavor experience.
- No baking required, making it a perfect dessert to prepare during busy holiday gatherings.
- The creamy filling and crunchy crust create a satisfying texture contrast in every bite.
- Chilling the pie enhances the flavors, making it an ideal make-ahead treat for any festive occasion.
- Visually stunning presentation that will impress your guests and take center stage at your table.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create a delightful No-Bake Chocolate Strawberries and Cream Pie.
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookies (I use Oreo cookies, but any chocolate wafer will do)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup fudgy chocolate pudding (you can use store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Strawberries and Cream Pie (Step-by-Step)
This easy recipe allows you to create a stunning dessert without ever turning on the oven.
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Crust
Start by preheating your surroundings to a cozy environment-while there's no oven required, a warm atmosphere always helps my spirits. In a food processor, pulse the chocolate cookies into fine crumbs. As they break down, you'll be enveloped in the sweet smell of chocolate. Combine the crumbs with the melted butter, mixing until the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring it's even along the sides. Refrigerate this crust while you make the filling-a crucial step to achieving that perfect crunch.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, using an electric mixer. The texture should be creamy and velvety. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until well combined. The sweetness of the powdered sugar should balance perfectly with the tang of the cream cheese.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, pour in the heavy cream and whip it until stiff peaks form. You should witness the transformation-a thick and fluffy mixture that will enhance the fillings. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, taking care to retain that airy texture. This is where the magic happens, as your filling becomes light and decadent!
Step 4: Layer the Pie
Once your crust has chilled, it's layering time! Start with a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture, then spread a layer of the fudgy chocolate pudding on top. This will bring an intense cocoa flavor that pairs beautifully with the strawberries. Add a layer of sliced strawberries-make sure they're juicy and at their peak ripeness. Repeat until the pie is full, finishing with a dollop of the cream cheese mixture topped with strawberries for a stunning presentation.
Step 5: Chill
Cover the pie with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you have the patience. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating an irresistibly creamy pie.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Chilling the Crust: Make sure to refrigerate the crust to ensure it holds its shape when sliced. A warm crust can crumble and become a mess.
- Overmixing Cream: When folding the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, be gentle-overmixing can deflate the airiness you worked hard to create.
- Using Non-Fresh Strawberries: Skip strawberries that are overripe or moldy; fresh, bright strawberries are key to making this dessert shine in both flavor and presentation.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For the Ultimate Chocolate Experience: Drizzle some melted chocolate or chocolate sauce over the top before serving for added decadence.
- Add a Twist: Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the pie just before serving to enhance the flavor.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for the best chocolate cookies and fresh strawberries to elevate the flavor of your pie.
- Chill Overnight: Allow the pie to chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Variations
- Use graham cracker crumbs instead of chocolate cookies for a different crust flavor.
- Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a unique twist.
- Try using a different fruit like raspberries or blueberries in place of strawberries.
How to Serve
- Slice and serve chilled for the best texture.
- Garnish with extra whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: The pie can be prepared a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld.
- Storage: Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This pie is best served cold and does not require reheating.
- Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze this pie as the strawberries may lose their freshness upon thawing.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While testing this pie, I discovered how crucial it is to use ripe, high-quality strawberries-their natural sweetness elevates the entire dessert! I also found that chilling the pie overnight truly enhances the creaminess and flavors, making it well worth the wait.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 1 pie · Serving Size: 8 slices
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 4g protein · 45g carbs · 18g fat
Recipe by:
No-Bake Chocolate Strawberries Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by preparing the crust. In a food processor, pulse the chocolate cookies into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter, then press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish. Refrigerate until set.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
- Layer the pie: start with cream cheese filling, then fudgy chocolate pudding, and sliced strawberries. Repeat until full. Finish with a layer of cream cheese mixture topped with strawberries.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
Yes, you can use any type of chocolate wafer cookies. Oreos are a popular choice, but chocolate graham crackers or any other chocolate cookie will also work.
How long should I chill the pie?
For the best results, chill the pie for at least 4 hours, but overnight chilling is recommended to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it a day or two before your gathering and keep it refrigerated until serving.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use whipped topping, but it may alter the flavor and texture slightly. Heavy cream provides the best richness and stability.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pie remains delicious, but keep in mind that the strawberries may start to lose their freshness after the first day.
