This Strawberry Cool Whip Pie is a light, creamy, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, this chilled pie delivers sweet strawberry flavor in every fluffy bite—all nestled in a classic graham cracker crust.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and no baking required.
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Versatile: Great base for various fruit pie flavor combinations.
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Perfect for Summer: Light, creamy, and refreshingly cold.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for prepping the day before an event.
Ingredients Breakdown
Base Filling:
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Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz) – Adds rich sweetness and a smooth, creamy texture.
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Cool Whip (8 oz), thawed – Provides the airy, fluffy base that gives the pie its mousse-like consistency.
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Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
Fruit Component:
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Strawberry pie filling (21 oz can) – Infuses the pie with sweet, juicy strawberry flavor and vibrant color.
Crust:
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Graham cracker pie crust (9 inch) – A sweet and crunchy base that balances the creamy filling and adds texture.
Tips and Tricks
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Chill the pie overnight for a firmer, more set texture.
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Use a deep-dish crust if you want to add extra filling.
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Avoid overmixing to keep the pie light and airy.
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Add lemon zest for a touch of brightness.
Variations and Customizations
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Mixed Berry Pie: Use a mixed berry filling instead of strawberry.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Add a layer of chocolate sauce or drizzle over the top.
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Crust Swap: Try an Oreo or vanilla wafer crust for a different twist.
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Whipped Cream Topping: Swap Cool Whip for homemade whipped cream if preferred.
Pairing Suggestions
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Serve with iced tea or lemonade for a cooling treat.
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Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for extra indulgence.
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Top with crushed graham crackers or white chocolate curls for extra texture.
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days.
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Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
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Make-Ahead Tip: This pie tastes even better the next day after fully setting.
Popular Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
You can, but the texture and sweetness may vary. For best results, cook the fresh strawberries with sugar and cornstarch to mimic pie filling.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely. It’s best when chilled overnight, making it ideal for preparing a day in advance.
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes, just ensure it’s stabilized with a bit of gelatin or cornstarch to maintain the texture.