Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Intensity: ★☆☆ (Super Easy)
🌸 Introduction
If you’re craving a dessert that’s light, fluffy, and irresistibly refreshing, Strawberry Cool Whip Pie is your perfect match. This no-bake dessert combines the sweet taste of strawberries with the creamy texture of whipped topping, all nestled inside a buttery graham cracker crust.
It’s the kind of dessert that brings back childhood memories — cool, creamy, and so simple that anyone can make it. With only a few ingredients and minimal effort, it’s ideal for spring gatherings, summer BBQs, holidays, or anytime you need a sweet treat that won’t heat up your kitchen.
Whether you top it with fresh strawberries, drizzle it with strawberry syrup, or enjoy it plain, this pie will melt hearts at first bite.
🍓 Ingredients
For the Filling:
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1 (8 oz) tub of Cool Whip (thawed)
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1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
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1 (3 oz) package strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
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1 cup boiling water
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1 cup cold water
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1½ cups sliced fresh strawberries (plus more for garnish)
For the Crust:
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1 pre-made 9-inch graham cracker pie crust
(or make your own using the directions below)
Optional Homemade Graham Cracker Crust:
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1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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⅓ cup granulated sugar
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6 tablespoons melted butter
Combine crumbs, sugar, and butter; press into a 9-inch pie dish. Chill for 30 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes. Let cool completely before filling.
🧁 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Dissolve the Gelatin
In a medium heatproof bowl, pour 1 cup of boiling water over the strawberry gelatin powder. Stir until completely dissolved (about 2 minutes). Add 1 cup of cold water and mix well.
Set aside to cool for about 15–20 minutes, until it reaches room temperature. (You don’t want it to be hot when you mix it with the Cool Whip, or it could melt.)
Step 2: Blend the Base
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the cooled gelatin mixture. Add the sweetened condensed milk and whisk until smooth. The mixture should be creamy, slightly pink, and glossy.
Step 3: Fold in the Cool Whip
Gently fold in the Cool Whip using a spatula. Do not stir aggressively — you want to maintain that light, airy texture. Continue folding until the mixture is evenly combined and beautifully fluffy.
Step 4: Add Fresh Strawberries
Fold in the sliced fresh strawberries gently to distribute them evenly throughout the filling. This adds bursts of real fruit flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Fill the Pie Crust
Spoon the strawberry mixture into your graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you’d like, arrange a few sliced strawberries on top for decoration.
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm. For best results, chill overnight — the texture becomes even creamier and more stable.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the pie is set, slice it with a clean, sharp knife. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean slices. Garnish with extra whipped topping and fresh strawberries if desired.
Enjoy your Strawberry Cool Whip Pie cold for the ultimate creamy, fruity experience!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This pie is wonderfully versatile. Try these ideas for extra flair:
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Top with whipped cream and drizzle with strawberry syrup.
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Add white chocolate shavings or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for elegance.
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Serve with vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.
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Use a chocolate crust instead of graham cracker for a “chocolate-covered strawberry” twist.
This no-bake pie pairs beautifully with iced coffee, lemonade, or sparkling rosé.
🧊 Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerate:
Cover leftovers with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. The pie will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze:
For longer storage, you can freeze the pie for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours. (It also tastes amazing partially frozen — like strawberry ice cream pie!)
Make-Ahead Option:
This pie is ideal for making a day ahead. It sets beautifully overnight and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
💡 Tips for Success
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Cool your gelatin before mixing it with Cool Whip — hot gelatin will deflate the whipped topping.
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Use real strawberries for texture; frozen ones can make the filling watery.
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Customize it! Try raspberry or cherry Jell-O for fun flavor variations.
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Chill thoroughly — at least 4 hours is key for the perfect sliceable consistency.
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Use full-fat ingredients for the richest, creamiest flavor. Light versions will work but yield a softer set.
🥣 Nutrition Facts (Per Slice)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 20 mg |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Sugar | 32 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Iron | 0.4 mg |
(Nutritional values are approximate and depend on brand and portion size.)
🕒 Recipe Timeline and Intensity
| Stage | Time (Minutes) | Intensity Level | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissolving Gelatin | 5 | ★☆☆ (Easy) | Quick and simple stirring step |
| Mixing Filling | 5 | ★☆☆ (Easy) | Combine ingredients, fold gently |
| Filling Crust | 2 | ★☆☆ (Easy) | Spread evenly into crust |
| Chilling | 240 | ★☆☆ (Passive) | Hands-off setting time |
Total Active Time: 10 minutes
Overall Effort: Very Easy — Perfect for beginners and kids!
💬 Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cool Whip Pie is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to make an unforgettable dessert. Every bite is creamy, fruity, and refreshing — the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
It’s a dessert that fits any occasion: potlucks, summer picnics, birthdays, or lazy Sundays. It also travels well, so it’s a great make-and-take dessert for family gatherings.

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