–Cynthia Dobson, Cumming, GA Frozen Strawberry Pie Loaded with sweet berries, this luscious pie doesn’t need full-fat cream cheese to taste delicious. The buttery cookie-crumb crust saves calories over regular pastry. You can make and freeze the pie up to 2 weeks ahead. Just defrost at room temp for 35 minutes before serving. WORK TIME: 20 MINUTES / TOTAL TIME: 50 MINUTES + CHILLING TIMES / SERVINGS: 8 CRUST: 6 1/2 oz vanilla wafers (about 3 c) 2 Tbsp butter, melted 2 Tbsp canola oil FILLING AND TOPPING: 8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel), at room temperature 1/2 c confectioners’ sugar 1 lb strawberries, hulled 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- MAKE crust: crush wafers to fine crumbs in food processor. mix crumbs, butter, and oil together until combined.
- PACK crumbs on sides and bottom of 9" pie plate. chill crust at least 20 minutes or up to a week.
- HEAT oven to 325°F. bake crust until golden, 15 to 18 minutes. cool completely.
- PREPARE filling: beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. add confectioners’ sugar at low speed. beat thoroughly at medium speed to combine.
- PUREE one-quarter of the strawberries in food processor. Fold puree (about 1/3 cup) into filling, saving any extra puree for topping. Pour filling into crust (will not reach top).
- FREEZE pie until just firm, about 1 1/2 hours.
- MAKE topping: Quarter or halve remaining berries. toss with granulated sugar in medium bowl. Let stand at least 5 minutes. Serve topping over slices of pie. NUTRITION (per serving) 283 cal, 4 g pro, 31 g carb, 2 g fiber, 17 g fat, 7 g sat fat, 206 mg sodium “The pie wasn’t as heavy, but it certainly didn’t taste like i’d used reduced-fat cream cheese. The crust was yummy, and i couldn’t get enough of the strawberries. i can’t wait to make this recipe again!” –Cynthia OUR SOLUTION HAS: 36% fewer calories 65% less sat fat than the original recipe THE BERRY BEST Give berries a sniff before buying–ripe ones are fragrant