Kiwi & Strawberry Cheese Pie Recipe
Make Kiwi & Strawberry Cheese Pie Recipe in just 2h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Crust
Cheese Filling
Fruit Topping
Glaze (optional)
Method
Crust
- 1
Make dough
In a large bowl whisk together 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp granulated sugar and a pinch of fine sea salt until evenly combined.
- 2
Cut in butter
Add 6 tablespoons cold cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
- 3
Add ice water
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons ice water over the mixture 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing gently after each addition until the dough just comes together when pressed. Do not overwork.
- 4
Chill and roll
Gather dough into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thick and fit into an 8-inch or 10-inch tart pan or pie plate, trimming and crimping edges. Prick bottom lightly with a fork.
- 5
Blind bake (optional for a crisper base)
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line crust with parchment and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, remove weights and parchment, then bake another 8–10 minutes until golden. For a softer crust you can skip blind baking and bake 10–12 minutes after filling. Let crust cool completely on a wire rack before filling.
Cheese Filling
- 6
Soften cheeses
Ensure 8 oz cream cheese and 4 oz mascarpone are at room temperature for easier mixing (about 30 minutes).
- 7
Beat cheeses and sugar
In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese and mascarpone on medium speed until smooth and lump-free, about 1–2 minutes. Gradually add 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar and continue beating until fully incorporated.
- 8
Add flavor and cream
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; mix briefly. With the mixer on low, slowly add 1/2 cup heavy cream and then increase speed to medium-high and whip until the filling is smooth, spreadable and slightly fluffy, about 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon if desired.
- 9
Chill filling briefly
If the filling feels very soft, chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to firm slightly so it spreads cleanly into the cooled crust.
- 10
Fill crust
Using an offset spatula or knife, spread the cheese filling evenly into the cooled pie crust to form a smooth layer about 1/3–1/2 inch thick.
Fruit Topping
- 11
Prepare fruit
Hull and slice fresh strawberries to approximately 1/4-inch thick; peel and slice 3 medium kiwifruit into 1/8–1/4-inch rounds. Pat fruit dry on paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- 12
Arrange fruit
Starting at the outer edge of the cheese-filled crust, arrange sliced strawberries in an overlapping ring. Continue with additional concentric rings working toward the center. Fill remaining center with kiwi slices, or create alternating rings of strawberries and kiwi for a decorative pattern. Leave a small gap at the center for a final accent if desired.
- 13
Garnish
Tuck optional fresh mint leaves between fruit slices or place a small sprig in the center for color contrast.
Glaze (optional)
- 14
Make glaze
In a small saucepan, warm 2 tablespoons apricot jam with 1 tablespoon water over low heat, stirring until melted and smooth. Strain if necessary to remove fruit bits.
- 15
Brush glaze
Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the warm glaze over the arranged fruit to give a glossy finish and help preserve freshness. Allow glaze to set a few minutes before serving.
Serve & Store
- 16
Chill before serving
Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and filling to firm. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
- 17
Storage
Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that fruit will release some moisture over time; glaze helps slow this. For best appearance, assemble no more than a few hours before pickup if making for pickup service.