Strawberry Cool Whip Pie

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I grew up watching my grandmother whip up simple, no-bake desserts that felt like summer on a spoon, and this Strawberry Cool Whip Pie instantly takes me back to those days. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a hug—light, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. I love how quickly it comes together with just a few ingredients, and how it disappears even faster once it hits the table.

This pie is the ultimate no-fuss treat. Whether you’re making it for a potluck, a casual get-together, or just a sweet end to a weekday dinner, it always delivers. The vibrant pink color, the fluffiness from the Cool Whip, and the crisp, buttery crust make it a winner with kids and adults alike. Every bite is a balance of creamy sweetness and fresh fruit zing—exactly what a summer dessert should be.

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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cool Whip Pie

This pie is a dream for anyone who craves something sweet without turning on the oven. It’s refreshingly light, thanks to the Cool Whip, and it gets its luscious berry flavor from fresh strawberries and strawberry gelatin. You only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients and a few minutes of prep before letting the fridge do all the work. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and incredibly adaptable—perfect for busy families or last-minute guests.

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What Kind of Crust Works Best for Strawberry Cool Whip Pie?

You’ve got options, but I always go for a classic graham cracker crust or a traditional baked pastry crust—both give the perfect texture contrast to the fluffy strawberry filling. If you’re in a hurry, a store-bought graham cracker crust works great, but if you have time to make your own, the flavor and freshness really shine. A baked shortbread crust can also be a lovely buttery base if you want something a little more indulgent.

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Options for Substitutions

Strawberry Cool Whip Pie is wonderfully flexible, and you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand:

• Fruit: Not a fan of strawberries? Swap in raspberries or blueberries for a delicious twist. Just be sure to puree and strain the berries first.
• Gelatin: If you don’t have strawberry gelatin, raspberry or cherry gelatin works well and still complements the Cool Whip beautifully.
• Cool Whip: You can substitute with homemade whipped cream (stabilized if possible) if you prefer a less processed option.
• Crust: Try a chocolate cookie crust for a strawberries-and-chocolate combo, or use a vanilla wafer crust for extra sweetness.
• Sweetener: If you’re watching sugar, use sugar-free gelatin and light Cool Whip. The pie still comes out deliciously creamy and flavorful.

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Ingredients for this Strawberry Cool Whip Pie

• Fresh Strawberries
  These bring natural sweetness and vibrant flavor to the pie. Blended into the filling, they give the dessert its iconic strawberry taste and beautiful pink hue.
• Strawberry Gelatin (Jell-O)
  This sets the filling just enough to hold its shape while enhancing the berry flavor. It works as the glue that binds everything together without making the texture too firm.
• Cool Whip (Whipped Topping)
  The star of the filling’s airy texture. It makes the pie light, creamy, and easy to slice, with a cool, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Prepared Pie Crust
  Whether you go with graham cracker, shortbread, or a flaky pastry crust, it serves as the crunchy base that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling.
• Cream Cheese (optional but highly recommended)
  A bit of cream cheese adds tanginess and a slightly firmer texture, giving the pie more depth of flavor and body.
• Sugar (if needed)
  Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries, a small amount of sugar helps balance the tartness and enhances the fruit’s natural flavor.
• Vanilla Extract (optional)
  A splash of vanilla can round out the flavor and give the pie a subtle, comforting aroma that elevates it just a notch higher.

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Step 1: Prep the Crust

If you’re using a homemade pie crust, make sure it’s baked and fully cooled before adding the filling. For graham cracker or store-bought crusts, just place them in your pie dish and set aside.

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Step 2: Blend the Strawberries

Wash and hull your fresh strawberries. Puree them in a blender or food processor until smooth. If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the puree to remove seeds.

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Step 3: Dissolve the Gelatin

In a bowl, combine the strawberry gelatin with hot water as directed on the package (usually ½ cup hot water, followed by ½ cup cold water). Stir until fully dissolved and allow it to cool slightly.

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Step 4: Mix the Filling

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese (if using) until smooth. Add in the strawberry puree and gelatin mixture. Fold in the Cool Whip gently until everything is well combined and creamy.

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Step 5: Fill the Crust

Pour the strawberry mixture into the prepared crust, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly. The filling will be fluffy and soft at this point.

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Step 6: Chill the Pie

Place the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until the filling is fully set. Overnight chilling works best if you can plan ahead.

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Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once set, slice and serve chilled. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or whipped cream for a pretty finishing touch.

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How Long to Cook the Strawberry Cool Whip Pie

There’s no actual baking required for the filling, which is what makes this pie so effortless. The only “cooking” involved is if you decide to bake your own pie crust—but once that’s done, it’s all about chilling. After assembling the pie, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, though overnight is ideal for the best texture. This chill time allows the gelatin to set and gives the flavors time to meld beautifully.

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Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cool Whip Pie

• Let the gelatin cool slightly before mixing it with the whipped topping to avoid melting the Cool Whip.
• Use fully ripe strawberries for the best natural sweetness and deep berry flavor.
• Don’t overmix the filling after adding Cool Whip—fold gently to keep the texture light and airy.
• Taste your berries first; if they’re a bit tart, add a spoonful of sugar to the puree before combining.
• Use a cold mixing bowl when whipping cream cheese or Cool Whip-based mixtures to keep everything stable.
• Chill your pie crust if it’s been baked ahead of time—this helps keep the filling cool and sets faster.
• Wait to garnish with fresh strawberries or toppings until right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the cooling time for gelatin: Adding it while still hot can melt the Cool Whip and ruin the texture of the filling. Always let it cool slightly first.
• Using watery strawberries: Excess water from the fruit can make the pie soggy. Blot them dry after rinsing, and strain the puree if needed.
• Overbeating the filling: Once the Cool Whip is added, mix gently. Overmixing deflates the airy texture that makes the pie so light.
• Not chilling long enough: The pie needs time to set. If you cut it too early, it may collapse or weep.
• Improper crust prep: If you’re using a homemade crust, make sure it’s fully cooled before adding the filling—or you’ll risk a soggy base.

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What to Serve With Strawberry Cool Whip Pie?

Fresh Berries on the Side

Complement the flavor of the pie with a bowl of mixed berries—blueberries, raspberries, and extra strawberries all work beautifully.

Vanilla Ice Cream

The creamy, cold texture pairs perfectly with the fluffy pie and adds a nostalgic dessert shop vibe.

Whipped Cream Swirls

Top slices with homemade whipped cream or a squirt from a can for extra fluff and flair.

Mint Sprigs

Add a refreshing touch and a pop of green to contrast the pretty pink filling.

Sparkling Lemonade

Light and fizzy, it’s the ideal beverage to pair with a chilled slice on a warm day.

Chocolate Drizzle

A light drizzle of melted chocolate over the top adds a decadent twist without overpowering the strawberry flavor.

Shortbread Cookies

Serve a slice with a cookie on the side for extra crunch and buttery contrast.

Iced Coffee

A cold brew or lightly sweetened iced latte pairs wonderfully and makes this pie feel like a café-style treat.

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Storage Instructions

Strawberry Cool Whip Pie is best stored in the refrigerator. Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep it from absorbing any fridge odors or drying out. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. If you’ve topped it with fresh fruit, keep in mind that the garnish might start to soften or bleed color after a day or so.

You can also freeze the pie for longer storage—wrap it well and store it in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving. It has a semi-frozen mousse-like texture that’s honestly delicious right out of the freezer, too!

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Estimated Nutrition

Please note these are approximate values based on a standard slice (1/8 of a 9-inch pie) using full-sugar gelatin and regular Cool Whip:

• Calories: 260
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 170mg
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Sugar: 23g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g

For lighter versions, you can use sugar-free gelatin and light Cool Whip, which significantly reduce calories and sugar.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Strawberry Cool Whip Pie need to chill?

You should chill the pie for at least 4 hours, but for the best texture and flavor, overnight is ideal.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated until serving.

What if I don’t have Cool Whip?

You can substitute with stabilized whipped cream (homemade whipped cream with a bit of gelatin or powdered sugar to hold its shape). Just be sure it’s thick enough to fold into the filling.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. The texture might be slightly softer, but the flavor will still be great.

Will this pie set without gelatin?

No, gelatin is key for helping the pie hold its shape. Without it, the filling may stay too loose and not slice cleanly.

Is this pie gluten-free?

It can be if you use a gluten-free crust and double-check that your gelatin and whipped topping are certified gluten-free.

Can I freeze the entire pie?

Yes! Wrap it well and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge or enjoy slightly frozen for a firmer, ice-cream-like texture.

Can I use another fruit instead of strawberries?

Definitely. Raspberries, peaches, or even pineapple can work—just make sure to pair the fruit with a matching gelatin flavor and adjust sweetness as needed.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Cool Whip Pie is everything I love in a dessert: no baking, bright fruit flavor, and a dreamy creamy filling that melts in your mouth. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but pretty enough for special occasions. Whether you serve it as part of a summer cookout or whip it up for a weekday surprise, this pie is guaranteed to be a refreshing crowd-pleaser. Keep it chilled, keep it simple, and enjoy every sweet bite.

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