Step 1

Place the cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Step 2

Wash the strawberries and remove the tops. Coarsely chop with a knife before adding the sliced strawberries to the mixing bowl. Beat again until well combined. Dump in the whipped topping and beat your pie filling until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed. Note: There will be lumps from the strawberries and that is fine.

Step 3

Spoon the strawberry cream filling into the pie crust. Cover and refrigerate for several hours before serving or wrap well in foil and freeze for up to one month.

Step 4

To garnish (if desired): spoon some strawberry preserves into a microwave-safe cup and heat for about 45 seconds until just warm. Stir vigorously until it is syrup consistency and spoon a little over each slice.