Need an effortless dessert that’s sweet, fruity, and guaranteed to impress? This No-Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Jello Pie is a retro-inspired favorite with a refreshing twist—cool, creamy, and bursting with strawberry flavor.
Made with just a few simple ingredients, this chilled pie combines fluffy whipped topping, tangy cream cheese, and strawberry gelatin for a luscious, mousse-like texture in a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s perfect for summer parties, potlucks, or anytime you crave a no-bake treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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No baking required—ideal for hot days
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Light, fluffy, and fruity texture
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Quick to assemble with only 6 main ingredients
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Make-ahead friendly and easy to transport
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Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing
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Budget-friendly ingredients from your pantry or fridge
Ingredient Breakdown
Main Ingredients
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Strawberry Jello (3 oz. box) – The fruity base that provides bold strawberry flavor and a vibrant pink color.
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Boiling water (1 cup) – Dissolves the Jello for a smooth consistency.
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Cream cheese (8 oz., softened) – Adds richness and a velvety texture. Ensure it’s fully softened to avoid lumps.
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Whipped topping (8 oz. Cool Whip, thawed) – Creates the pie’s light and airy texture.
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Graham cracker crust (9-inch) – A sweet, buttery base that complements the filling.
Optional Garnishes
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Whipped cream
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Fresh strawberries
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Strawberry glaze
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Dissolve the Jello
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In a large bowl, stir 1 cup of boiling water into the strawberry Jello powder until fully dissolved.
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Let it cool for 10-15 minutes (it should still be liquid but not hot).
2. Blend in the Cream Cheese
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Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
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Gradually pour in the slightly cooled Jello mixture while mixing on low speed until fully combined and creamy.
3. Fold in the Whipped Topping
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Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until no streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the filling light.
4. Assemble the Pie
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Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results) until fully set.
5. Garnish & Serve
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Before serving, top with whipped cream, sliced strawberries, or a drizzle of strawberry glaze for extra appeal.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
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Use room-temperature cream cheese for the smoothest texture.
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Let the Jello cool slightly before adding cream cheese to prevent curdling.
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Fold in the whipped topping gently to maintain a light consistency.
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Chill overnight for the best flavor and clean slices.
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For added texture, mix in sliced strawberries before chilling.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
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Try different Jello flavors like raspberry, cherry, or orange.
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Use a chocolate or Oreo crust for a richer base.
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Add crushed pineapple or mandarin oranges for a fruity twist.
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Make it sugar-free with sugar-free Jello and light whipped topping.
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Top with strawberry glaze for a glossy finish.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve chilled with fresh fruit on the side.
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Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling rosé.
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Make mini pies in individual graham crusts for parties.
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Drizzle with chocolate or white chocolate sauce for extra decadence.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Prepare the pie the night before for easy serving.
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Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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For best texture, avoid freezing.
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Add garnishes just before serving to keep them fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, use about 2 cups of stabilized whipped cream for best results.
What if I only have a deep-dish crust?
You can still use it, but the filling layer will be thinner unless you double the recipe.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and a whipped coconut topping.
Will the pie set without gelatin?
No, gelatin is essential for the filling to firm up properly.
Can I add real strawberries to the filling?
Absolutely! Fold in ½ to 1 cup of chopped strawberries before chilling.