This Burger King Patrick Pie, inspired by our favorite pink starfish Patrick, took the internet by storm and stole hearts with its creamy strawberry filling and shortcake crumble topping.
Table of Contents
How to make Burger King Patrick Pie
Burger King Patrick Pie — officially called Patrick’s Star-berry Shortcake Pie — is a limited-edition dessert inspired by Patrick Star from SpongeBob SquarePants.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, finely crushed)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Strawberry Cream Layer:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (or you can use strawberry jam for convenience)
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- A few drops of pink or red food coloring (optional, for a vibrant strawberry color)
For the Vanilla Cream Layer:
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar
For the Shortcake Topping/Crumbles:
- ½ cup shortbread or vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- Pink and white star-shaped sprinkles (to add that signature Patrick flair)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
- Slowly add melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your pie pan (a 9-inch pan works well) or into small individual serving dishes, depending on how you’d like to serve them.
- Chill the crust in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to firm it up.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Cream Layer
- In a blender, puree fresh strawberries until smooth. If using jam, skip this step.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream into stiff peaks using a hand mixer or whisk.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add the strawberry puree and mix until fully incorporated. Add a few drops of pink food coloring if you want a more vivid tint.
- Gently fold the whipped heavy cream into the strawberry-cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix to keep it fluffy.
Step 3: Prepare the Vanilla Cream Layer
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream into stiff peaks.
- Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it’s light and airy.
Step 4: Make the Shortcake Crumbles
- Crush the shortbread or vanilla wafer cookies into small pieces – not as fine as a powder, but small enough for a crumbly texture.
- Toss the crushed cookies with melted butter until evenly coated.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
- Remove the crust from the fridge and pour the strawberry cream layer over it, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Add the vanilla cream layer on top of the strawberry cream, smoothing it out gently.
- Sprinkle the shortcake crumbles generously over the top.
- Add pink and white star-shaped sprinkles for that Patrick-inspired finishing touch.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 3-4 hours (or overnight) to allow it to set fully.
- Once set, slice and serve chilled. If you’re using individual servings, simply grab a spoon and dig in!
Tips for the Perfect Patrick Pie
- Balance the sweetness: Adjust the powdered sugar in the cream layers based on how sweet your strawberries or jam are. Fresh strawberries will provide a more natural flavor, while jam will make the dessert sweeter.
- Customize the sprinkles: Star-shaped sprinkles may not be easily available, so feel free to substitute with pink or white round sprinkles instead.
- Make mini versions: Instead of one large pie, prepare individual servings in ramekins or small mason jars for a party-friendly option.
- Get creative: For a more tropical twist, you can drizzle a bit of coconut cream or add shredded coconut to the shortcake crumbles.
What to serve with
Burger King’s Patrick Pie is already a showstopping dessert—its creamy layers and fruity sweetness are pure indulgence. But, if you’re serving this at home for family, friends, or even as part of a full meal, why not take things up a notch?
A. Milkshakes
- Serve a strawberry milkshake on the side for a sweet, thematic addition to the meal. To keep true to the SpongeBob Bikini Bottom vibes, swirl in some whipped cream and top it with colorful sprinkles.
- Vanilla or banana milkshakes are lighter options if you want to balance the fruitiness of the pie without overwhelming it.
B. Refreshing Fruity Drinks
- Pink lemonade: Its tart and tangy flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the pie. Add frozen strawberry slices for a sophisticated touch.
- Fruit punch: A tropical-style punch with a mix of pineapple, orange, and strawberry juice will complement the fruity layers of the Burger King Patrick Pie while sticking to the playful SpongeBob theme.
C. Hot Drinks
- Hot chocolate: A creamy, steamy mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows would create a decadent pairing for the dessert, especially during colder months.
- Strawberry tea or herbal tea: These lighter and non-creamy options cleanse your palate while maintaining harmony with the fruity flavors in the Burger King Patrick Pie.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making the delicious and whimsical Burger King Patrick Pie at home is a fun adventure, but you might find yourself missing a few ingredients.
Crust Substitutes
1. Graham Cracker Crumbs
- Substitute: Digestive Biscuits or Vanilla Wafers
Why: These options provide a similar texture and slightly sweet flavor. Crush them finely to replicate graham cracker crumbs.
- Substitute: Crushed Oatmeal Cookies or Butter Cookies
Why: They can add a unique taste, pairing well with the sweet and creamy pie filling.
2. Unsalted Butter
- Substitute: Salted Butter
Why: If using salted butter, reduce any extra salt in the recipe to balance flavors.
- Substitute: Coconut Oil or Margarine
Why: Both of these options work well to bind the crust, and coconut oil can add a slight coconutty flavor.
Strawberry Cream Layer Substitutes
1. Fresh Strawberries (or Puree/Jam)
- Substitute: Frozen Strawberries
Why: Thaw and puree them to use as a filling, maintaining the pie’s signature fruity flavor.
- Substitute: All-Fruit Strawberry Spread
Why: This is a good alternative to jam for a fruitier, less sugary option.
2. Heavy Whipping Cream
- Substitute: Coconut Cream
Why: For a dairy-free or tropical twist, coconut cream provides a thick and creamy texture.
- Substitute: Whipped Topping
Why: Pre-made options can be a time saver and work similarly for the creamy consistency needed.
3. Cream Cheese
- Substitute: Mascarpone Cheese
Why: It’s equally creamy and rich, perfect for maintaining texture and flavor.
- Substitute: Greek Yogurt (strained)
Why: For a lighter option, strained Greek yogurt can give a similar tangy taste with less fat.
Vanilla Cream Layer Substitutes
1. Vanilla Extract
- Substitute: Almond Extract
Why: Offers a nutty twist, altering but enriching the overall flavor.
- Substitute: Maple Syrup
Why: A different but delightful flavor option, especially if you’re out of vanilla extract.
2. Powdered Sugar
- Substitute: Granulated Sugar
Why: Blitz it in a blender or food processor to achieve a finer texture similar to powdered sugar.
- Substitute: Honey or Agave Syrup
Why: Natural sweeteners can alter flavor and sweetness, but are great alternatives when looking for less processed options.
Shortcake Topping/Crumbles Substitutes
1. Shortbread or Vanilla Wafer Cookies
- Substitute: Graham Crackers or Vegan Cookies
Why: They mimic the crumbly texture well and can accommodate different dietary needs.
- Substitute: Oats or Granola
Why: Use them for health-conscious or texture-focused alternatives while offering a hearty crunch.
2. Butter for Topping Crumbles
- Substitute: Margarine or Vegan Butter
Why: Easily replaces traditional butter without compromising the binding ability.
- Substitute: Applesauce (unsweetened)
Why: Offering a healthier binding agent, applesauce can impart a slight sweetness.
3. Pink and White Star-Shaped Sprinkles
- Substitute: Rainbow Sprinkles or Colored Sugar
Why: Adds color-variety and playful touch, even if they aren’t star-shaped.
- Substitute: Edible Glitter or Nonpareils
Why: Provides visual appeal and texture variation, enhancing the theme and presentation.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted your homemade Burger King Patrick Pie, you’ll realize just how easy (and fun) it is to recreate this whimsical dessert at home. It’s creamy, fruity, and loaded with nostalgic charm—a perfect treat for kids and adults alike.
More Pie Recipes:
- Homemade Whole Foods Apple Pie Recipe
- Homemade Sam’s Club Pecan Pie Recipe
- Copycat Whole Foods Gluten-Free Pie Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Strawberry Cream Layer:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureedÂ
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- A few drops of pink
For the Vanilla Cream Layer:
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar
For the Shortcake Topping/Crumbles:
- ½ cup shortbreadÂ
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- Pink and white star-shaped sprinkles
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
- Slowly add melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your pie pan (a 9-inch pan works well) or into small individual serving dishes, depending on how you’d like to serve them.
- Chill the crust in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to firm it up.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Cream Layer
- In a blender, puree fresh strawberries until smooth. If using jam, skip this step.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream into stiff peaks using a hand mixer or whisk.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add the strawberry puree and mix until fully incorporated. Add a few drops of pink food coloring if you want a more vivid tint.
- Gently fold the whipped heavy cream into the strawberry-cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix to keep it fluffy.
Step 3: Prepare the Vanilla Cream Layer
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream into stiff peaks.
- Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it’s light and airy.
Step 4: Make the Shortcake Crumbles
- Crush the shortbread or vanilla wafer cookies into small pieces – not as fine as a powder, but small enough for a crumbly texture.
- Toss the crushed cookies with melted butter until evenly coated.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
- Remove the crust from the fridge and pour the strawberry cream layer over it, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Add the vanilla cream layer on top of the strawberry cream, smoothing it out gently.
- Sprinkle the shortcake crumbles generously over the top.
- Add pink and white star-shaped sprinkles for that Patrick-inspired finishing touch.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 3-4 hours (or overnight) to allow it to set fully.
- Once set, slice and serve chilled. If you’re using individual servings, simply grab a spoon and dig in!