There’s something truly magical about a dessert that feels like a little snow-covered holiday dream—and that’s exactly what this White Christmas Pie with Strawberries Recipe delivers. Creamy, luscious, and topped with juicy strawberries, it’s a celebration on a plate you’ll want to make all year round.

A clear white glass plate holds a slice of pie with three main layers. The bottom layer is a light brown crust that looks firm and crumbly. Above the crust is the thick white creamy middle layer, smooth and soft. On top, there is a layer of red fruit sauce with chunks, which spills slightly over the edge. Around the pie slice, dollops of whipped cream with a soft, fluffy texture create a border. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface decorated with red and black holiday-themed cloth and shiny red beads. A silver fork rests on the plate near the pie slice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make White Christmas Pie with Strawberries Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve White Christmas Pie with Strawberries Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
White Christmas Pie with Strawberries Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This pie has become one of my go-to festive treats because it perfectly balances creamy sweetness with fresh strawberry brightness—it’s simple yet impressive enough for guests.

Elegant and Festive: The snowy white filling with coconut and fluffy whipped cream creates a gorgeous presentation true to its name.
Light yet Indulgent: Unlike dense holiday pies, this one feels airy and refreshing, perfect after a big meal.
Fresh Strawberries: Adding fresh strawberries cuts through the richness with a natural tartness and juicy texture.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the crust and filling ahead, making entertaining stress-free and enjoyable.

A close-up of a creamy pie with one thick layer of white whipped topping that looks soft and fluffy, spread evenly over a light brown crust with a crimped edge, all set in a clear glass pie dish. The pie sits on a white marbled surface, with two bowls in the background—one filled with red sauce and the other with extra white whipped topping. Some festive red round decorations are scattered nearby, and a silver pie server lies next to the pie. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this White Christmas Pie with Strawberries Recipe plays a special role to create that perfect harmony of textures and flavors—from crisp, flaky crust to creamy filling and sweet-tart strawberry topping.

Flat lay of six small pats of unsalted butter on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with all-purpose flour, a few scattered coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl with granulated sugar, two firm vegetable shortening blocks, a small white bowl of ice cold water, one envelope of unflavored gelatin powder beside a small white bowl of water, a small white bowl with granulated sugar, a small white bowl with all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of whole milk, fresh whole nutmegs and vanilla beans placed near tiny white bowls containing almond and vanilla extracts, a small white bowl of heavy cream, three clean whole eggs with smooth shells, a small white bowl of cream of tartar powder, a neat pile of shredded coconut, a larger white ceramic bowl filled with fluffy beaten heavy cream, a cluster of fresh diced strawberries next to a small white bowl of confectioners’ sugar, all arranged with balanced symmetry and natural proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Gives the crust a rich flavor and helps with a tender, flaky texture.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for the crust and thickener for the filling, it’s essential for structure.
Kosher Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to both crust and filling to balance the tart berries.
Vegetable Shortening: Helps create a tender crust that holds its shape when baked.
Gelatin: The secret to setting the creamy filling firmly, giving the pie its signature texture.
Whole Milk: Provides a smooth, rich base for the custard-like filling.
Almond and Vanilla Extracts: Add warm, fragrant notes to boost flavor complexity.
Heavy Cream: Whipped for both filling and topping, it makes the pie luxuriously creamy.
Egg Whites & Cream of Tartar: Whipped to create lightness and stability in the filling.
Shredded Coconut: Brings a subtle chew and tropical touch that fits the “White Christmas” theme.
Fresh Strawberries: The fresh fruit topping brightens the dish and adds a juicy, vibrant contrast.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a natural strawberry sauce when mixed.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this White Christmas Pie with Strawberries Recipe is how easy it is to tailor. I often switch up the fruit topping or try adding a splash of different extracts depending on the season.

Variation: Once, for a winter twist, I swapped sliced fresh strawberries for a mixed berry medley—blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries—all dusted with powdered sugar. It was a hit and gave a lovely color contrast.
Dairy-Free Twist: You can substitute coconut cream for heavy cream to keep that coconut flavor but make it dairy-free. The texture is slightly different but still delicious.
Mini Pies Version: If you want to impress at a party, try making mini versions using tart pans—perfect bite-sized holiday treats.

Step-by-Step: How I Make White Christmas Pie with Strawberries Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust Like a Pro

Start by cutting your butter into pats and letting them chill in the freezer. While you prep the other ingredients in your food processor, this keeps the butter cold, which is key for a flaky crust. Pulse the flour, salt, and sugar first, then add shortening and frozen butter until you see little pea-sized bits. Slowly add ice water until the dough just comes together, being careful not to overmix—overworking makes the crust tough. Press into a disc, wrap, and chill. Rolling it out on a floured surface so it’s two inches wider than your pie plate makes it easier to form that pretty edge later on.

Step 2: Blind Bake for That Perfect Crunch

Pop your well-chilled crust back in the freezer to firm up before popping it in a 375°F oven. Use parchment and pie weights to prevent shrinkage—any beans or rice will work if you don’t have pie weights. Bake for 20 minutes, remove weights and parchment, prick the bottom with a fork to release steam, and bake another 15 minutes to golden perfection. Patience here really pays off with a crust that’s both crisp and tender.

Step 3: Make the Creamy, Dreamy Filling

While the crust cools, bloom your gelatin in water—that sets the filling to that lovely sliceable consistency. Mix sugar, flour, salt, and milk in a saucepan, heat until thickened and almost boiling, then whisk in gelatin and sweet extracts. Quickly cool it down in an ice bath. Meanwhile, whip half a cup of heavy cream to soft peaks and separately beat your egg whites with cream of tartar and sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold these gently into the cooled filling along with coconut for texture and flavor. Pour into your cooled crust and smooth out evenly.

Step 4: Decorate and Top with Strawberries

Whip the remaining heavy cream to stiff peaks and pipe decorative stars or swirls over your pie. Sprinkle extra shredded coconut over the top for that snowy effect that makes this pie a true “White Christmas.” Finally, dice fresh strawberries, toss them with confectioners’ sugar to make a natural sauce, then spoon it generously over slices when serving. The contrast between the cool creamy pie and bright berry topping is just dreamy.

Top Tip

I learned early on that rushing the steps could make or break this pie, especially with the crust and gelatin setting. Taking your time ensures every layer shines. Let me share some tips that made my White Christmas Pie with Strawberries Recipe foolproof:

Keep Everything Cold: Cold butter and chilling dough prevents a tough crust and gives you that flaky, tender base.
Fold Gently: When mixing whipped cream and egg whites into the filling, fold gently to keep air, so your filling stays light and fluffy.
Quick Cooling: Use an ice bath to cool the filling quickly after cooking—it helps maintain smooth texture and prevents gelatin from setting unevenly.
Use Fresh Strawberries: Ripe, juicy strawberries make a huge difference in the topping’s flavor and the natural sauce they create.

How to Serve White Christmas Pie with Strawberries Recipe

White Christmas Pie - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish this pie with extra shaved coconut on top for snowy vibes but sometimes sprinkle a few mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the berries also adds a lovely frosty effect that guests always appreciate.

Side Dishes

Since this pie is rich and creamy, I like pairing it with tea or coffee and a simple fruit salad alongside, especially in summer. For holiday meals, a crisp citrus salad or a light sorbet on the side balances the indulgence perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

At last year’s Christmas brunch, I served mini versions in individual tart pans, topped with candied cranberries alongside the strawberries for a festive twist. I also love piping the whipped cream in elegant rosettes with a star tip, turning simple pie slices into showstoppers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, store your pie covered in the fridge. I wrap mine loosely with plastic wrap and keep it on the middle shelf to maintain even chilling. It stays fresh and creamy for about 2-3 days, but trust me, it rarely lasts that long.

Freezing

I’ve found frozen white Christmas pie can lose some of its delicate texture—gelatin-based fillings don’t always come back perfect after thawing. If you want to freeze, freeze just the unwhipped filling in an airtight container and add fresh whipped cream and strawberries after thawing.

Reheating

This pie is best served cold or at room temperature—reheating isn’t recommended because it can break the delicate filling. If you want it less chilled, just let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving, or eat straight from the fridge for that refreshing bite.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?

You can use frozen strawberries in a pinch, but fresh strawberries work best because they provide that juicy texture and natural sauce when mixed with confectioners’ sugar. Thaw frozen strawberries well and drain excess liquid to avoid sogginess.

How long should I chill the pie before serving?

After assembling and decorating the pie, chilling it for at least 4 hours or overnight is ideal to allow the filling to fully set and flavors to meld beautifully.

Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! The crust dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 2 days, or you can blind bake the crust and keep it covered at room temperature for a day before filling. Just be sure to keep it well wrapped to prevent drying out.

Why use gelatin in the filling?

Gelatin helps firm up the creamy filling so it can be sliced cleanly without losing its smooth, airy texture. It also adds structure while keeping the filling light unlike heavy custards.

Final Thoughts

This White Christmas Pie with Strawberries Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that feels like a special occasion every time you slice into it. Whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering or indulging in a quiet moment with a cup of tea, it has a way of making everything feel a little brighter and more festive. I genuinely hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing, and your friends will be asking for the recipe before the last bite is gone!