Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie: A Summery, No-Churn Delight

Summer is the perfect time to indulge in refreshing desserts, and what better way to enjoy the warmth of the season than with a Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie? This delightful dessert combines the rich flavors of strawberry and vanilla, creating a delicious treat without the need for churning or extensive preparation. The pie’s luscious strawberry filling is complemented by crunchy shortcake crumbles, making it an irresistible option for any summer gathering. Best of all, this recipe is both easy to make and endlessly customizable!

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The Magic of Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie

Imagine sinking your spoon into a smooth, creamy layer of strawberry ice cream filling, only to be met with a delightful crunch of strawberry shortcake crumbles on top. That’s exactly what this Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie brings to the table. It’s the best of both worlds: creamy and crunchy, sweet and tangy. What makes this pie even more appealing is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring no special equipment like ice cream machines or complicated steps.

This no-churn pie is a simple yet decadent dessert, perfect for hot days when you crave something refreshing and indulgent. With just a few key ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a show-stopping dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need

To create this perfect Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie, you’ll need two main components: the strawberry freezer pie filling and the shortcake crumbles. Let’s explore each part in more detail.

Strawberry Freezer Pie Filling

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream – This is the base for the creamy texture of the pie. Whipped to stiff peaks, it adds lightness to the filling while providing a smooth, airy consistency.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the heavy cream and helps it whip up to a perfect texture.
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk – This gives the pie filling its rich and creamy body, with just the right amount of sweetness.
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature – Cream cheese adds a tangy note and helps balance the sweetness of the other ingredients, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
• 2 cups strawberry puree (measured after pureeing) – This is the heart of the flavor. The fresh strawberry taste shines through in the filling. You can reduce it by 1/2 cup for a creamier texture.
• 1 prepared 10-inch vanilla wafer or sandwich cookie crust – The base for the pie. You can also opt for a gluten-free version if needed.

Strawberry & Vanilla Shortcake Crumbles

• One 3-ounce box strawberry-flavored gelatin – The strawberry gelatin provides both color and flavor, giving the crumbles a fruity punch.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for an alternative) – The flour gives structure to the crumbles.
• 1/4 cup butter – Cold butter helps create the crumbly texture in the shortcake.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for vanilla crumbles) – This creates the vanilla-flavored crumbles.
• 1/4 cup butter – Again, for the perfect crumbly texture.
• 1/4 cup sugar – Sweetens the vanilla crumbles, balancing out the tartness of the strawberry.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds the classic vanilla flavor to the crumbles.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the step-by-step process. It’s easier than you might think, with only a few key steps to follow.

1. Preparing the Shortcake Crumbles

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) – This will allow you to bake your crumbles to perfection.
2. Make the Strawberry Crumbles: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the strawberry gelatin and 1/2 cup flour with 1/4 cup of cold butter. Use a fork to mix until the mixture is crumbly. You want small, fine crumbs to form. Spread the crumbles on one half of a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Make the Vanilla Crumbles: In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use a fork to blend until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture on the other half of the baking sheet.
4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the crumbles are lightly golden. Don’t stir them while baking; you want to maintain their crumbly texture.
5. Cool: Let the crumbles cool completely on the baking sheet. This should take at least an hour. Once they’ve cooled, break them up into smaller crumbs and store them in an airtight container.

2. Preparing the Strawberry Freezer Pie Filling

1. Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer. Whip the cream until stiff peaks form. This will give the filling its airy texture.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In another large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sweetened condensed milk and beat again until fully combined.
3. Add Strawberry Puree: Pour in the strawberry puree (which should be measured after pureeing) and mix until smooth and well incorporated.
4. Combine the Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture. You want to keep the whipped cream light and airy, so don’t overmix.
5. Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the strawberry filling into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure it’s evenly spread.
6. Freeze: Place the pie in the freezer for 4-5 hours, or until it’s firm and set.

3. Assembling and Serving the Pie

1. Remove from Freezer: Once the pie has set, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw for about 10 minutes.
2. Top with Crumbles: Generously sprinkle the strawberry and vanilla shortcake crumbles over the top of the pie. This adds a delightful crunch that complements the creamy texture of the filling.
3. Serve: Slice the pie and serve it chilled. If you like, add a dollop of whipped cream or a few extra fresh strawberries for garnish.

Tips for Substitutions and Variations

While this Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie is already delicious, there are a few ways you can customize it based on personal preferences or dietary needs.

• Crust Variations: If you’re gluten-free, there are several crust alternatives to choose from. A gluten-free sandwich cookie crust or a blend of gluten-free cereal like Cheerios can replace the traditional vanilla wafer crust.
• Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free pie, replace the heavy whipping cream with coconut cream and the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream cheese.
• Add-Ins: For extra texture, try adding crushed nuts, like almonds or pistachios, to the crumbles. You could also mix in chocolate chips to the filling for a fun twist.
• Berry Variations: If you prefer other berries, feel free to swap out the strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. You can also combine different berries for a more complex flavor profile.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try This Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie

There’s something magical about the combination of creamy strawberry filling and crunchy shortcake crumbles. This Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie brings a playful and refreshing take on a classic dessert, perfect for any summer occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, having a barbecue with friends, or simply enjoying a treat on a hot afternoon, this pie is sure to please. The best part? It’s easy to make and requires no special equipment.

So, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to this summery dessert? It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe – and you’ll be more than happy to share it. Enjoy!