This No-Bake Strawberry Cool Whip Pie is a wonderfully light, refreshing, and incredibly easy dessert, perfect for a quick sweet treat or a warm-weather gathering. The image features a tempting slice of this pie, showcasing its vibrant pink, creamy filling nestled in a golden graham cracker crust. The pie is generously topped with swirls of white whipped cream and garnished with fresh, juicy strawberry halves, adding a burst of color and natural sweetness. This pie is a classic no-bake dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Its simplicity and delightful strawberry flavor are truly a “Cool Whip Pie” experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 (3.4 oz / 96g) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or 2% recommended for best consistency)
- 1 (8 ounce / 226g) container frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed in the refrigerator
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (9-inch / 23 cm)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and finely diced, plus extra for garnish
- Additional whipped cream for topping (optional, for serving)
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving plate
- Sharp knife for slicing strawberries
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pudding Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and 1 cup of cold milk.
- Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes, or until the pudding begins to thicken significantly. It should be thick enough to cling to the whisk. Do not use a hand mixer; whisking by hand ensures the best texture for this no-bake pie.
- Let the pudding sit for 5 minutes to fully set and thicken further.
- Fold in Whipped Topping and Strawberries:
- Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping into the thickened vanilla pudding mixture using a rubber spatula. Use a light, folding motion to maintain the airiness of the whipped topping. Mix until no streaks of pudding remain and the mixture is uniformly pink and fluffy.
- Add the finely diced fresh strawberries to the mixture. Gently fold them in until they are evenly distributed throughout the creamy filling. The small pieces of strawberries contribute to the beautiful pink hue and provide bursts of fresh fruit flavor.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the strawberry and whipped topping mixture into the pre-made graham cracker crust.
- Using a rubber spatula or the back of a spoon, gently spread the filling evenly across the crust, smoothing the top.
- Chill the Pie:
- Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely. Chilling is crucial for the pie to slice cleanly and hold its shape.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the pie is fully chilled and set, remove it from the refrigerator.
- Just before serving, garnish each slice or the entire pie with additional swirls of whipped cream and fresh strawberry halves or slices. The image shows beautiful, fresh strawberry slices on top.
- Slice with a sharp knife and serve immediately. This No-Bake Strawberry Cool Whip Pie is best enjoyed cold, offering a refreshing and sweet experience.
- Store any leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The crust may soften over time, but the flavor will remain delightful.