Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie from Popeye's features a smooth and tangy cream cheese filling blended with fresh, sweet strawberries, all nestled in a buttery, flaky pie crust, topped with a light layer of whipped cream for a refreshing and indulgent dessert experience.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Rolling pin
- Pie dish/pan
- Knife
- Saucepan
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Pastry brush
- Oven
- Piping bag (optional, for whipped cream)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (225g) fresh strawberries
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1 pre-made or homemade 9-inch pie crust
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Fresh strawberries should be ripe and firm to ensure the best flavor and texture in your pie filling. Use softened cream cheese to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency without lumps. The pre-made or homemade pie crust must be buttery and flaky, providing a sturdy base for the luscious filling. Incorporate lemon juice and cornstarch to balance sweetness and thicken the cream cheese mixture effectively. Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie from Popeye's copycat menu delivers the perfect combination of tangy, sweet strawberries and rich cream cheese, topped with light whipped cream for an indulgent treat you'll love.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out pie crust and fit into pie dish.
- Trim and flute edges of crust.
- Prick bottom of crust with a fork.
- Brush crust with melted butter.
- Bake crust for 15–18 minutes until golden; let cool on rack.
- Hull and chop fresh strawberries.
- In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring, until mixture thickens; cool.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and vanilla extract; beat until creamy.
- Add 1/4 cup heavy cream and beat until smooth.
- Fold in cooled strawberry mixture until fully blended.
- Spoon and spread cream cheese–strawberry filling into cooled pie crust.
- Chill pie in refrigerator for at least 2–3 hours.
- Whip 1 cup heavy cream with powdered sugar to stiff peaks.
- Spread or pipe whipped cream over chilled pie.
- Garnish with extra strawberries if desired.
- Slice and serve cold.
Substitution
Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie from Popeye's copycat menu blends creamy, tangy cream cheese with fresh strawberries in a flaky crust topped with whipped cream. If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen strawberries can be used but should be thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture in the filling. Cream cheese should be softened to room temperature for smoother blending, and you can substitute full-fat cream cheese with Neufchatel for a lighter option. Pre-made pie crusts save time, but homemade crusts provide a flakier, more buttery texture. Keep your pie chilled before serving to help the filling set properly and maintain its refreshing consistency.
Tips
Ensure the pie crust is thoroughly cooled before adding the cream cheese and strawberry filling to prevent melting. When cooking the strawberry mixture, stir constantly to avoid lumps and achieve the right thick consistency for a smooth texture. Beat the cream cheese until completely smooth before adding other ingredients, as lumps can affect the filling's creaminess. Remember, chilling the pie for at least 2-3 hours is crucial to let the flavors meld and your pie to set properly.
Nutritions
Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie from Popeye's provides a rich source of calcium and protein from the cream cheese and heavy cream, supporting bone health and muscle function. Fresh strawberries contribute vitamin C and antioxidants, promoting immune support and skin health. The pie crust adds carbohydrates for energy, though it also contains fats from butter, which should be consumed in moderation. Your indulgence in this dessert balances sweetness and creaminess with some nutritional benefits from its natural fruit content.
Storage
Store your Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Keep it chilled to prevent the cream cheese filling and whipped cream topping from spoiling, ideally consuming within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture. Avoid freezing as it may cause the whipped cream to separate and the crust to become soggy.
Variation or Alternatives
Try substituting fresh strawberries with mixed berries, such as blueberries and raspberries, to add a burst of different flavors and colors to your pie. You can replace the heavy cream in the filling with Greek yogurt for a lighter texture and tangier taste. Experiment with a graham cracker crust instead of a traditional pie crust to introduce a crunchy, slightly sweet contrast. For an added touch, infuse the whipped cream topping with a hint of lemon zest or a splash of liqueur to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Allergies
The Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie contains dairy ingredients such as cream cheese, heavy cream, and butter, which can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. The pie crust may also contain gluten, posing a risk for those with wheat allergies or celiac disease. If you have food allergies, it's important to verify all ingredient sources and consider alternatives to avoid potential allergic reactions.
Why this recipe?
Popeye's Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie offers a unique blend of tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberry flavors, creating a rich, creamy texture that appeals to dessert lovers. The pie's buttery graham cracker crust enhances the overall taste experience, making each bite indulgent and satisfying. You can recreate this popular dessert at home to enjoy a fresh, customizable treat that rivals the original in flavor and quality. Making the copycat version is worth it for those seeking an affordable, convenient alternative that captures the essence of Popeye's beloved pie.