Equal Strawberry Cream Pie
A light, creamy strawberry pie with a smooth filling, perfect for summer gatherings and those seeking a low-fat, gluten-free dessert option.
Ingredients
- 1 reduced-fat 9-inch graham cracker crust ⓘ
- 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 3/4 teaspoons Equal ⓘ
- 1 package 0.3 ounces sugar-free strawberry gelatin ⓘ
- 1 cup cold water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 cup cold water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 package (0.3 ounces) sugar-free strawberry gelatin ⓘ
- 31/2 teaspoons Equal ⓘ
Instructions
- Beat the softened reduced-fat cream cheese, vanilla, and 1 3/4 teaspoons of Equal in a small bowl until fluffy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of the reduced-fat graham cracker crust.
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup cold water and 2 tablespoons cornstarch; cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Dissolve the sugar-free strawberry gelatin in the hot mixture and stir until well combined.
- Pour the strawberry gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer in the crust.
- Refrigerate the pie until set, about 2-3 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and a sugar substitute like Equal, as this recipe suggests. If you want to add a twist, try mixing in some fresh strawberries or other berries before pouring the gelatin layer. Make sure to let the mixture cool slightly before combining with the gelatin to avoid lumps, ensuring a smooth texture similar to Easy Strawberry Cream Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pie chilled, garnished with fresh strawberries or whipped topping for an extra touch. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream on top. For a more filling dessert, consider serving alongside a light salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the flavors. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing finish to a Wash Day Dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It should keep well for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change when thawed. When ready to serve again, simply slice and enjoy cold, or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Equal Strawberry Cream Pie contains roughly 776 calories, with 6g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (14% of the Daily Value), and protein (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of gelatin?
Yes, you can substitute fresh strawberries for the gelatin for a more natural flavor. Puree the strawberries and mix them with sugar or a sugar substitute until desired sweetness is achieved. However, keep in mind that the texture will differ, and it may not set as firmly as the gelatin version.
How do I make the pie crust from scratch?
To make a pie crust from scratch, crush about 10-12 graham crackers and mix with 1/4 cup melted butter and 2 tablespoons of sugar or a sugar substitute. Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie pan firmly and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until golden. Let cool before filling. This can enhance the overall flavor compared to a store-bought crust.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to set properly. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It’s a great option for making ahead for gatherings, ensuring you have a delicious dessert ready to serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).