1 1/4cupsgraham cracker crumbsthis is one package of graham crackers, 8 sheets
1/4cupsugar
6Tbsp.buttermelted
Pastry Crust (alternate crust option)
1 1/4Cflour
1/4Cbutter
1/4Cshortening
pinchof salt
ice cold wateradd teaspoon by teaspoon until right consistency has formed
Glaze:
1cupstrawberriesmashed
1cupsugar
3Tbsp.cornstarch
1/2cupwater
Cream Filling
8oz.cream cheesesoftened
1/2cupsugar
1tsp.vanilla
1cupheavy creamwhipped
4cupswhole strawberries
Instructions
Graham Cracker Crust
Combine the above ingredients and press firmly into a 9 inch pie plate. Bake at 375 degrees for 5-8 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool.
Pastry Crust (Alternate crust option)
Place flour, salt, butter and shortening in bowl.
Use your hands to combine ingredients until small pebbles form
Add cold water a teaspoon at a time until the dough begins to hold together and form a ball.
Do not over handle the dough. Dough should be soft, moist but not wet.
Place ball of dough onto wax paper and flatten. Place another piece of wax paper over the top and roll out the pastry into a circle. If your pie pan is 9 inch make sure your circle is bigger than 9 inches so you have enough for the edging..
Remove the top layer of wax paper and place pastry into pie tin. Remove other piece of wax paper and press pastry into pan. Use your fingers to crimp the edge of the crust.
Freeze for 30 minutes to firm up the pastry. This helps prevent pastry from shrinking during baking.
Prick the bottom of crust to prevent bubbling during baking.
Bake at 400 degrees. For the first 10-12 minutes keep the edges of pie covered with foil and then remove for the last 15 minutes. Bake until golden brown.
Glaze
Crush 1 cup strawberries. Combine 1 cup sugar and cornstarch in small saucepan. Add water and crushed strawberries. Cook and stir over medium heat to boiling, stir constantly until clear and slightly thickened.
Cream Filling
Blend cream cheese and sugar. Stir in vanilla.
Whip cream until soft peaks form. Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture.
Spread mixture evenly in cooled crust. Refrigerate
Place whole strawberries stem side down on top of creamed filling, pressing slightly.
Spoon glaze over the berries. Chill for 3 hours.
Video
Notes
Use either a graham cracker crust or a pastry crust. I prefer a graham cracker crust.This fruit is delicious made with raspberries and you can also do a combination of berries including strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.