Chilled Strawberry Bliss Icebox Pie: A Refreshing Summer Delight

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 0.75 cups granulated sugar, divided
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 8 oz whipped topping
• 1 pie crust pre-made graham cracker
• 0.25 cups sliced almonds (optional, for garnish)
• 1 Prise fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries with 0.25 cups of the granulated sugar and lemon juice. Toss well to coat and set aside to macerate for about 15-20 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 0.5 cups granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
3. Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
4. After the strawberries have macerated, fold them into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution without breaking down the strawberries too much.
5. Pour the strawberry and cream cheese mixture into the pre-made graham cracker pie crust. Gently spread it out to create an even layer.
6. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 240 minutes, preferably overnight.
7. Once chilled, slice the pie and serve it on dessert plates. If desired, garnish each slice with sliced almonds and fresh mint leaves.