Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This icebox pie is everything you want in a summer dessert—cold, creamy, fruity, and bursting with citrus flavor. The strawberry and lime combination brings the vibrant essence of a margarita, while the graham cracker crust adds the perfect crunchy contrast. It’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time, requires no oven, and can be customized with or without alcohol. Ideal for warm weather entertaining or simply cooling off in style.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the crust:
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Granulated sugar
- Melted butter
For the filling:
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Cream cheese, softened
- Lime juice
- Lime zest
- Tequila (optional)
- Triple sec or orange juice (optional)
- Whipped cream or whipped topping
For garnish:
- Fresh strawberries
- Lime slices or zest
- Coarse sea salt or sugar (optional, for margarita-style rim)
Directions
- Make the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a pie dish. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the filling: In a blender or food processor, combine strawberries, sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, lime juice, lime zest, and optional tequila/triple sec. Blend until completely smooth.
- Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold in whipped cream or topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh strawberries, lime zest or slices, and optional salt or sugar around the edges for a margarita effect.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8 and takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus a minimum of 6 hours of chilling time.
Variations
- Non-alcoholic version: Omit tequila and triple sec; use orange juice or extra lime juice for flavor.
- Frozen version: Freeze the pie for a firmer texture, like a frozen cheesecake. Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Crust alternative: Use a vanilla wafer or pretzel crust for a salty-sweet variation.
- Extra fruity: Add a handful of raspberries or use a strawberry puree swirl for added fruitiness.
- Mini pies: Make individual portions using a muffin tin or mini tart pans.
Storage/Reheating
Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. For longer storage, freeze the pie for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This pie is served cold—no reheating needed.
FAQs
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, this pie is perfect for making a day in advance. It needs at least 6 hours to chill and set properly.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess liquid.
Does this pie taste like alcohol?
Only mildly. The tequila and triple sec are optional and can be adjusted or omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
What kind of cream cheese should I use?
Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Absolutely! A pre-made graham cracker crust works well and saves time.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Make sure the crust is well-packed and chilled before adding the filling. You can also bake it for 8–10 minutes at 350°F if desired (then cool before filling) for extra crispness.
Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I use a different fruit?
Yes, raspberries or mangoes also work well with the margarita flavor profile.
What toppings go well with this pie?
Try whipped cream, lime zest, crushed graham crackers, or even a drizzle of strawberry sauce.
How do I make it more tart?
Add extra lime juice or zest to brighten the flavor and balance the sweetness.
Conclusion
Strawberry Margarita Icebox Pie is the ultimate summer dessert—bright, creamy, and refreshing with just the right amount of citrus tang and fruity sweetness. Whether you make it with a boozy twist or keep it family-friendly, this no-bake pie is sure to be a crowd favorite. It’s easy, elegant, and a fun way to bring margarita vibes to your dessert table.
PrintStrawberry Margarita Icebox Pie
Strawberry Margarita Icebox Pie is a refreshing no-bake dessert that blends strawberries, lime, and optional tequila into a creamy filling over a graham cracker crust. It’s perfect for summer parties or a chilled treat anytime.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 tbsp tequila (optional)
- 1 tbsp triple sec or orange juice (optional)
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish
- Lime slices or zest, for garnish
- Coarse sea salt or sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a pie dish and chill while preparing the filling.
- In a blender or food processor, blend strawberries, sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, lime juice, lime zest, tequila, and triple sec until smooth.
- Fold in whipped cream or topping gently until combined.
- Pour the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until set.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh strawberries, lime zest or slices, and optional salt or sugar around the edge.
Notes
- Chill overnight for best texture and flavor.
- Use a store-bought crust to save time.
- Make it alcohol-free by omitting tequila and triple sec.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg