A Delightfully Creamy and Fruity Dessert
Raspberry cream pie is a luscious dessert that combines the tartness of fresh raspberries with a rich, velvety cream filling, all nestled in a buttery, flaky pie crust. The balance of flavors makes it a favorite for summer gatherings, holiday tables, or any special occasion. Whether topped with whipped cream or left as is, this pie is a showstopper.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor – The combination of fresh raspberries and a creamy filling offers the perfect sweet-tart balance.
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, anyone can master this dessert.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a summer picnic or a cozy winter treat, this pie fits any setting.
- Customizable – Can be adapted for different dietary preferences, including gluten-free and low-sugar versions.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the raspberry topping:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
Optional garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Additional raspberries
- Mint leaves
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie dish, covering the bottom and sides.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely before adding the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cream Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
- Spread the cream filling evenly over the cooled pie crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Raspberry Topping
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the raspberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water.
- Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Pour the cooled raspberry topping over the cream filling, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
- Before serving, garnish with whipped cream, extra raspberries, or mint leaves if desired.
- Slice and enjoy!
Variations
- Chocolate Raspberry Cream Pie – Add a layer of melted chocolate over the crust before adding the cream filling.
- No-Bake Option – Skip baking the crust and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes instead.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
- Low-Sugar Alternative – Use a sugar substitute in place of granulated and powdered sugar.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover raspberry cream pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the pie without the raspberry topping for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add the topping before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Make sure to bake the crust properly and allow it to cool completely before adding the filling. If using a no-bake crust, chill it for at least 30 minutes before assembling.
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw them first and drain excess liquid before making the topping to prevent it from becoming too watery.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until serving.
What can I use instead of graham crackers for the crust?
You can use crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even a traditional pastry crust.
How do I make the filling lighter?
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt or mascarpone for the cream cheese and use a lower-fat whipped topping instead of heavy cream.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes! A pre-made graham cracker or shortbread crust works well for convenience.
How do I get smooth, clean slices?
Chill the pie thoroughly, and use a sharp knife dipped in hot water, wiping between cuts for neat slices.
Can I add other fruits to this pie?
Yes! Blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries pair beautifully with raspberries.
What should I do if my raspberry topping is too runny?
Cook it a little longer, or add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of water to help thicken it.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and a dairy-free crust alternative.
Conclusion
Raspberry cream pie is a beautifully layered dessert that is as delicious as it is visually stunning. Its creamy filling, tart raspberry topping, and crunchy crust make it a standout treat for any occasion. With endless variations and easy preparation, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it today and indulge in a slice of sweet, creamy perfection!
Print
Raspberry Cream Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
Description
A luscious raspberry cream pie featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, velvety cream filling, and a fresh raspberry topping. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the raspberry topping:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
Optional garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Additional raspberries
- Mint leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Press mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cream Filling
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
- Spread filling evenly over the cooled crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Raspberry Topping
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine raspberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water.
- Stir continuously until mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Pour cooled topping over the cream filling, spreading evenly.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
- Garnish with whipped cream, raspberries, or mint leaves if desired.
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Chocolate Raspberry Cream Pie – Add a layer of melted chocolate over the crust before the filling.
- No-Bake Option – Chill the crust for 30 minutes instead of baking.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free graham crackers.
- Low-Sugar Alternative – Substitute a sugar alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- chill time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: chilling, baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: raspberry cream pie, raspberry dessert, no-bake pie, summer pie recipe, easy cream pie