BMWK Thanksgiving Recipe Week: Strawberry No-Bake Cheesecake

Whenever my family gathers for the holidays, I am always the dessert person. I know how to cook many other things, but sweets make me happy and I think that comes out in the food. This “pie” is a must-have for EVERY family gathering we have. This strawberry no-bake cheesecake recipe is easy, and everyone in my family loves it.

Double the recipe because you will need to make two. TRUST me on this. It has been known to cause uprisings, brawls, mayhem, and disorderly conduct. I’m ALMOST just kidding. I have been making this SUPER EASY recipe for years now and if I show up to dinner, a party, or gathering with one, I always get harassed that I didn’t bring two. Also, if I show up without it, I might as well go back home. It is famous. People will love you and you are going to love me when you see how simple it is!

Strawberry No-Bake Cheesecake
(Serves 6-8 people each)

Ingredients:

1 Graham Cracker Pie Shell —> DO NOT throw the plastic top away. It will make for easy transport to your holiday shindigs when the pie is finished.
13 oz. tub of Strawberry Glaze (We like Marzetti’s)
2 pints of Fresh Strawberries
1/4 c. Granulated Sugar
1T Vanilla Extract
8oz. Cream Cheese, softened
8oz. Cool Whip

That’s it. SEVEN ingredients. I will let you in on another secret…during the holidays 5 out of 7 of these ingredients are on sale dirt cheap (buy one, get one free at my store)! So you can make this and take this to your holiday gathering for about $8 a pie! Ok, now on to the goods…

1. Spread a thin layer of the strawberry glaze on the bottom of the pie crust.

2. Cut strawberries into round slices and layer on the glaze. Repeat another layer of strawberries. Spread another thin layer of glaze on top of the fresh berries.

3. In a clean bowl mix vanilla, sugar, and cream cheese together until mixed well. It should not be grainy. Fold in cool whip until nice and smooth. It should taste like one filling, not two separate ones put together.

4. Top the strawberry layers with the cream cheese mixture and spread evenly. Top with remaining strawberries to garnish.

5. Boom! Pow! Shazaam!!! No really…that’s it! Refrigerate for at least four hours and you are made in the shade.

I don’t care where you take this…office luncheon, holiday party, baby shower, whatever, this recipe is simple and delicious!! It’s tried and true. Take this Strawberry No-Bake Cheesecake to your next family get-together,  you will be glad you did!

Does your family have a “must-have” dish or dessert at gatherings?