No-Bake Strawberry Cream Pie is an easy and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for warm weather or whenever I want a delicious treat without turning on the oven. With a creamy, fluffy filling made from strawberry Jell-O, Cool Whip, and a simple graham cracker crust, this pie is light, sweet, and perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s incredibly quick and simple to prepare!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What I love about this No-Bake Strawberry Cream Pie is how simple it is to make yet how flavorful and satisfying it turns out. The strawberry flavor is vibrant, thanks to the Jell-O mix, and the Cool Whip gives the pie a light, fluffy texture. The graham cracker crust adds a crunchy, slightly sweet contrast that perfectly complements the creamy filling. It’s a fantastic dessert for summer parties, family dinners, or when I’m craving something easy and indulgent.
Ingredients
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1 cup ice-cold water
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⅔ cup boiling water
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3 ounces Jell-O Strawberry Flavor
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16 ounces Cool Whip (thawed)
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1 ready-to-use graham cracker crumb crust (9-inch)
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the Jell-O:
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In a mixing bowl, combine the boiling water and strawberry Jell-O powder. Stir for 2-3 minutes until the Jell-O is completely dissolved.
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Add the ice-cold water to the Jell-O mixture and stir until well combined. Allow it to cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
2. Mix with Cool Whip:
3. Assemble the Pie:
4. Chill:
5. Serve:
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Once the pie has set, I can slice it up and serve. For an extra touch, I can garnish with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or even chocolate shavings.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 8 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare, with 3-4 hours of chilling time. The total time is about 4 hours and 10 minutes, but the hands-on time is minimal, making it perfect for a last-minute dessert.
Variations
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Fruit Topping: For a fruity twist, I can add sliced fresh strawberries or other berries on top of the pie before serving.
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Other Jell-O Flavors: I can swap the strawberry Jell-O for other fruit flavors like raspberry, lime, or blueberry for a different taste.
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Add a Crunch: I can mix some crushed graham crackers or nuts into the Cool Whip mixture for added texture, or sprinkle them on top before serving.
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Layered Version: For a layered effect, I can make two separate layers: one with strawberry Jell-O and Cool Whip, and another with a different flavor like lemon or lime.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat—just grab a slice and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, I can use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip if I prefer. Just make sure to whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form before folding it into the Jell-O mixture.
Can I use a different crust?
If I want to switch up the flavor, I can use a chocolate cookie crust, graham cracker crust with added cinnamon, or even a shortbread cookie crust.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, this pie is actually perfect for making ahead! I can prepare it a day or two in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, I can freeze the pie for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil before freezing. To serve, I’ll need to let it thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before slicing.
Can I add more layers to this pie?
Yes! I can create layers with different flavors or fillings. For instance, I can add a layer of vanilla pudding, cream cheese, or a second layer of fruit-flavored Jell-O for a more complex dessert.
Conclusion
No-Bake Strawberry Cream Pie is a quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet strawberry flavor, creamy filling, and crunchy graham cracker crust is both satisfying and refreshing. It’s a dessert that requires little effort but delivers big on taste, making it an ideal treat for any time I need something indulgent yet simple!