No-Bake Cheesecake Pie

The perfect summer recipe is one that doesn't require an oven. Well... sorta. The crust needs to be baked. The simplicity of this No-Bake Cheesecake Pie and the infinite ways you can "switch it up" (in the words of Anna Olson, one of my faves on foodnetwork.ca).

For example you could:
-Use lemon extract instead of vanilla
-Use gingersnaps instead of graham crackers in the crust
-Use crushed Oreos in the crust and add some melted semi-sweet chocolate to the filling for a chocolate cheesecake
-Tropical inspired: add coconut to the crust and spread crushed, well-drained pineapple under the cream cheese layer
-Use 1.5 cups of Cool Whip instead of whipped cream to save time

Basic No-Bake Cheesecake Pie

1 fully baked pie crust (graham or pastry, your choice)
1 (8 oz.) stick cream cheese
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup whipping cream
strawberries or other fruit

Using a hand mixer, whip the whipping cream. Set aside in refrigerator. In a separate bowl beat together cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and mix. When well blended, fold in whipped cream using a rubber spatula. Arrange strawberry slices or other fruit on the prepared and cooled crust then pour cream cheese mixture over berries. Smooth the tip and refrigerate at least 2 hours to set.