This Effortless Strawberry Cool Whip Pie is a delightful, no-bake dessert that promises a light, creamy, and refreshingly sweet experience, perfect for warm weather or whenever you crave a simple yet satisfying treat. The image showcases a beautiful slice of this pie, revealing a thick, pale pink, airy filling speckled with vibrant red strawberry pieces, all nestled within a classic golden graham cracker crust. It’s generously topped with fluffy dollops of white whipped cream and garnished with fresh, halved strawberries, adding both visual appeal and a burst of natural fruit flavor. This pie is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring no baking, making it an ideal last-minute dessert or a fun project for all skill levels.
Ingredients:
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened at room temperature (optional, for a richer, tangier filling)
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen sliced strawberries in syrup, thawed and undrained (or 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced, with 2-3 tablespoons sugar added and left to macerate for 15 minutes)
- 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (9-inch)
- For Garnish (Optional but recommended):
- Additional fresh strawberries, halved or sliced
- Extra Cool Whip or freshly whipped cream
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pie plate (if making your own crust, otherwise the pre-made crust comes in its own plate)
- Cutting board and knife (for fresh strawberries)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pudding Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix with 1 ½ cups of cold milk.
- Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes, or until the pudding begins to thicken. It’s important to use cold milk for the pudding to set properly.
- If using cream cheese for an extra rich and tangy filling, add the softened cream cheese to a separate bowl and beat it with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the prepared vanilla pudding to the cream cheese, beating until fully incorporated and smooth. This step ensures there are no lumps of cream cheese.
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- If using frozen sliced strawberries in syrup: Thaw the package in the refrigerator or at room temperature until fully thawed. Do not drain the syrup; it adds flavor and color to the pie. Gently mash the thawed strawberries with a fork or potato masher, leaving some small chunks for texture.
- If using fresh strawberries: Hull and dice 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with 2-3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to macerate; this draws out their natural juices and sweetens them. Do not drain the juices.
- Fold in the Cool Whip and Strawberries:
- Add the thawed Cool Whip to the pudding mixture (or the cream cheese-pudding mixture if using).
- Gently fold the Cool Whip into the pudding using a rubber spatula until no streaks of white remain and the mixture is uniformly pink and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the Cool Whip and make the pie less airy.
- Gently fold in the prepared strawberries (mashed frozen with syrup or macerated fresh with juices) into the Cool Whip and pudding mixture. Stir just until combined, ensuring the strawberry pieces are evenly distributed throughout the pink filling.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the strawberry Cool Whip filling into the pre-made graham cracker crust.
- Spread the filling evenly with the back of a spoon or a spatula, ensuring it fills the crust completely and smoothly.
- Chill the Pie:
- Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the pie to set properly and for the flavors to meld, resulting in a firm yet creamy slice.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Just before serving, remove the pie from the refrigerator.
- If desired, pipe or spoon additional Cool Whip or freshly whipped cream around the edges of the pie or on top of individual slices.
- Arrange fresh strawberry halves or slices decoratively on top of the whipped cream for a beautiful presentation and an added burst of freshness.
- Slice the pie with a sharp knife and serve immediately.
This Effortless Strawberry Cool Whip Pie is a wonderfully simple and satisfying dessert that brings a burst of fruity flavor and a delightful, light texture to any occasion.