With its layers of luscious strawberry and vanilla-flavored cream, crunchy cookie crumb base, and shortcake cookie crumbles, the Burger King Strawberry Shortcake Pie is a dessert that truly hits the sweet spot.
How to make Burger King Strawberry Shortcake Pie
Burger King Strawberry Shortcake Pie is a limited-edition dessert pie made with a sweet, creamy strawberry filling, a layer of vanilla cream, and a crunchy cookie-crumb shortcake crust.
Ingredients
To make this dessert, we’ll break it into key components: the crust, the creamy layers, and the strawberry topping.
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups shortbread or graham cracker crumbs (crushed finely)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
For the Creamy Layers:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold, whipped to stiff peaks)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup whipped topping (optional, for a lighter layer)
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced or diced)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
For the Shortcake Crumble:
- 1 cup crushed shortbread cookies or vanilla sandwich cookies
- 1 sprinkle of red or pink decorative sugar for extra flair
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the crushed shortbread or graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until it resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan. For easy removal later, you can line the pan with parchment paper. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool completely before adding the layers.
Step 2: In a heatproof bowl, dissolve the strawberry-flavored gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir well until fully dissolved. Let the gelatin cool for about 10 minutes, then refrigerate for 15–20 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly (but is still pourable, not fully set).
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well. Fold in the whipped heavy cream (that’s been whipped to stiff peaks) to create a smooth, airy texture. This creates the pie’s signature creamy layer.
Step 4: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. Carefully pour the slightly set strawberry gelatin on top of the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the gelatin is fully set.
Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the sliced or diced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Stir gently and let it rest for 10 minutes to macerate the strawberries (this helps them release their juices). Arrange the strawberries in an even layer over the gelatin.
Step 6: In a food processor (or with a rolling pin), crush the shortbread cookies into fine crumbs. Sprinkle the cookie crumbs over the assembled pie as a topping. Add a touch of pink or red sugar for that signature shortcake crumble effect.
Step 7: Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours. This allows all the layers to set properly. Slice and serve cold. For an extra treat, you can add a dollop of whipped cream to each slice.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this is a simple dessert, using fresh strawberries and good-quality cream cheese will elevate the flavor significantly.
- Get Creative with the Crust: Shortbread cookies give an authentic “shortcake pie” feel, but graham crackers or even crushed Golden Oreos work beautifully too.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the cream cheese filling and strawberry topping as you go. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar.
- Chilling Is Key: To ensure great slices and neat layers, give the pie plenty of time to chill in the fridge. You can even make it a day ahead.
- Layer Precision: If you’re concerned about the strawberry gelatin seeping into the cream cheese, place the pie in the freezer for 10 minutes before adding the gelatin layer for extra firmness.
What to serve with
The Burger King Strawberry Shortcake Pie is a deliciously indulgent dessert all on its own, but serving it with complementary sides and beverages can truly take the experience to the next level.
a) Warm Drinks
The richness of the Burger King Strawberry Shortcake Pie pairs wonderfully with warm, comforting beverages that balance its sweetness.
- Coffee: A hot cup of black coffee, a latte, or a cappuccino works beautifully with the pie’s creamy texture and sweet strawberry flavors. The bitterness of coffee helps cut through the dessert’s richness.
- Hot Tea: Herbal or floral teas like chamomile or hibiscus offer a light and refreshing contrast. Alternatively, green or black tea adds a subtle bitterness to highlight the Burger King Strawberry Shortcake Pie’s sweetness.
b) Chilled Drinks
If you’re serving this in warmer weather or just prefer a cool beverage:
- Milkshakes: A vanilla or strawberry milkshake makes for an indulgent, sweet pairing. For a fun twist, add a splash of whipped cream on the milkshake and sprinkle shortcake crumbs on top for a dessert theme.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: A cold, tangy glass of iced tea or lemonade balances the sweeter notes of the pie and helps cleanse the palate.
Ingredients Substitutes
Recreating the Burger King Strawberry Shortcake Pie at home requires specific ingredients to match its creamy texture and fruity flavor. However, you might need some substitutes based on dietary restrictions, ingredient availability, or personal preferences.
Substitutes for the Crust
The pie crust forms the foundation of this dessert. Traditionally, a shortbread or graham cracker crust is used, but here are alternatives:
Shortbread/Graham Crackers:
- Digestive Biscuits: If you can’t find shortbread or graham crackers, digestive biscuits are a great swap. They have a slightly similar consistency and flavor.
- Vanilla Wafer Cookies: These are mildly sweet and make an excellent base. Crush them to a fine crumb consistency.
- Oat Cookies or Biscuits: If you’re looking for a hearty alternative with a subtle nutty flavor, oat-based cookies are a great, wholesome option.
- Gluten-Free Cookies: For those who are gluten-intolerant, you can use certified gluten-free graham crackers or cookies as a direct swap.
Butter (Used to Bind the Crust):
- Coconut Oil: As a dairy-free alternative, melted coconut oil works beautifully to hold crumbs together. Note: It will add a slight coconut flavor.
- Vegan or Plant-Based Butter: Use the same quantity of dairy-free butter for a vegan or lactose-free version.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: For a healthier or alternative binder, these sticky liquids can be used in place of butter. They’ll add a subtle sweetness while holding the crust together.
- No-Bake Crust Option: If you want to skip baking, simply chill the crust in the fridge for 30 minutes after pressing it into the pie pan. The melted butter or oil will solidify and hold the crust in place.
Substitutes for the Cream Cheese Layer
The cream cheese filling is a key element in this dessert, but if you want dairy-free or alternative options, here’s what you can use:
Cream Cheese:
- Vegan Cream Cheese: There are plenty of dairy-free and plant-based cream cheese brands made from almonds, cashews, or coconut milk. They work as a 1:1 replacement.
- Greek Yogurt: Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter, slightly tangy filling. For an even thicker consistency, strain it with a cheesecloth overnight.
- Mascarpone Cheese: If you want a creamier and richer filling, mascarpone is a great alternative, although slightly milder in flavor.
Heavy Whipping Cream:
- Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, place canned coconut milk in the fridge overnight, scoop out the thickened cream, and whip it until fluffy.
- Plant-Based Whipping Cream: Many brands now offer vegan whipping creams (e.g., oat- or almond-based), which can be used as a direct substitute.
- Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with a bit of water until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar for sweetness.
Powdered Sugar:
- Honey or Maple Syrup: These liquid sweeteners dissolve easily and add sweetness without a gritty texture.
- Stevia or Monk Fruit Powder: For a low-sugar option, you can swap powdered sugar for natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. Start with a smaller amount, as they’re much sweeter than sugar.
Final Thoughts
The Burger King Strawberry Shortcake Pie is versatile in that it can be the star of the show or part of a more elaborate setup. By pairing it with light beverages, fresh fruit, or even other desserts, you can create an unforgettable indulgent experience.
More Burger King Recipes:
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups shortbread or graham cracker crumbs (crushed finely)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- For the Creamy Layers:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup whipped topping
- For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Shortcake Crumble:
- 1 cup crushed shortbread cookies
- 1 sprinkle of red
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the crushed shortbread or graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until it resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan. For easy removal later, you can line the pan with parchment paper. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool completely before adding the layers.
Step 2: In a heatproof bowl, dissolve the strawberry-flavored gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir well until fully dissolved. Let the gelatin cool for about 10 minutes, then refrigerate for 15–20 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly (but is still pourable, not fully set).
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well. Fold in the whipped heavy cream (that’s been whipped to stiff peaks) to create a smooth, airy texture. This creates the pie's signature creamy layer.
Step 4: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. Carefully pour the slightly set strawberry gelatin on top of the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the gelatin is fully set.
Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the sliced or diced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Stir gently and let it rest for 10 minutes to macerate the strawberries (this helps them release their juices). Arrange the strawberries in an even layer over the gelatin.
Step 6: In a food processor (or with a rolling pin), crush the shortbread cookies into fine crumbs. Sprinkle the cookie crumbs over the assembled pie as a topping. Add a touch of pink or red sugar for that signature shortcake crumble effect.
Step 7: Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours. This allows all the layers to set properly. Slice and serve cold. For an extra treat, you can add a dollop of whipped cream to each slice.
