Next, in a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. I like to use an electric mixer to get everything nice and fluffy, but a good old-fashioned whisk will do just fine too. Mix until there are no lumps and it looks creamy. Gently fold in the whipped cream until everything is combined, creating a light and airy filling that will make this pie extraordinary.
Now comes the fun part! Layer the quartered strawberries evenly over your cookie crust. I find it’s best to place them cut-side up so that they peek through the filling when it’s complete. Pour your creamy filling over the strawberries, smoothing it to the edges with a spatula. Then, refrigerate the pie for at least two hours to allow it to set. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
While the pie is chilling, let’s prepare the chocolate drizzle. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (the oil helps creating a silky smooth texture). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until everything is melted and glossy. Once your pie is set, drizzle this melted chocolate over the top for that beautiful finish.
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this pie a couple of times to perfect the creaminess of the filling. What I found is that using full-fat cream cheese really elevates the texture—you want that rich creaminess to shine through. If you opt for low-fat versions, the filling might turn out a little too loose and won’t set as well.
Another thing I discovered is the importance of fresh strawberries. Using ever-so-slightly overripe strawberries can actually enhance the sweetness of the pie. They might be just shy of the perfect snacking berry, but when fully combined in this dessert, they transform beautifully!
Lastly, don’t skip the chilling time! I once became impatient and cut into my pie too early. And let me tell you, while it still tasted divine, the filling didn’t have the proper set. Allowing it to chill not only helps it firm up but melds those flavors together for a much better experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes I’ve made in the past is not softening the cream cheese adequately. Trust me, trying to mix cold cream cheese will only result in lumps in your filling, which is not what we want. To save yourself the trouble, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before you start mixing!
Another pitfall is overlooking the chocolate drizzle! I’ve made this mistake myself—forgetting to add that final touch left my pie looking a bit naked and feeling incomplete. The chocolate adds not only flavor but a visually appealing finish that makes all the difference.
Watch your strawberry preparation. I learned the hard way that slicing them too long before adding them to the pie can lead to excess juices that can make the filling runny. It’s best to prepare strawberries just before they go in the pie to keep that fresh flavor intact. (See the next page below to continue…)