To try to hold on to summer a little longer, I'll share a super summery dessert recipe that I recently made for my Michael.
Like me, he hates fall. Loves summer. Especially summery desserts. Michael loves anything "refreshing" and is obsessed with berries-especially strawberries. A couple weeks ago I decided to make myself a s'mores treat (that I'll share later), and Michael is not a s'mores fan. So, I knew I'd have to make him his own special dessert. I also had some extra Greek yogurt lying around that I needed to use up. When I saw this recipe I knew it was sure to be a winner-and I was right! Michael says this may be the best thing I've ever made him. He says, "It's like a cheesecake...but frozen...and more refreshing. So pretty much-perfect." It's everything he loves and wants and needs in a dessert. I've scored major girlfriend points. :D.
Makes 1, 10 in. pie.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup (1 stick or 8 tbsp.) butter, melted
- 3 cups chopped strawberries
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 16 oz. Greek yogurt (I used plain and vanilla)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz. frozen whipped topping (ie Cool Whip), thawed
Preparation:
- Grease a 10" spring-form pan with non-stick cooking spray. Line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper, then grease again.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and the melted butter.
- Press the graham mixture into the prepared pan to form a crust. Place in the freezer while preparing the filling.
- In a food processor (or possibly blender) pulse strawberries and remaining 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth.
- With a paddle attachment (I was able to just use a regular hand mixer), in a large bowl, whip cream cheese on high until creamy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in yogurt and powdered sugar.
- Beat in strawberry mixture.
- Beat in whipped topping until completely smooth.
- Spoon into the graham crust and freeze at least 4 hours.
- Garnish with strawberries.
- Store in the freezer.
It is a pretty, pretty pie.
Ah, summer, why can't you always stay with us?