There’s truly nothing that announces the arrival of summer like a slice of Strawberry Jello Cool Whip Pie! This no-bake wonder is vibrant, creamy, and bursting with nostalgic strawberry flavor, all wrapped up in a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience that whisks you back to backyard cookouts and potluck tables. With only a handful of simple ingredients and minimal hands-on effort, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you just want something sweet and effortless.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Strawberry Jello Cool Whip Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about making Strawberry Jello Cool Whip Pie is how surprisingly simple the ingredient list is. Every item plays a unique role, creating a dessert that’s fresh, airy, and downright irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Ice cold water: Chills the gelatin quickly, helping it begin to set and giving the filling that signature, fluffy texture.
Boiling water: Completely dissolves the strawberry Jello and ensures your pie is perfectly smooth without lumps.
3 ounces Jello Strawberry Flavor: The star of the show! This classic gelatin brings bold strawberry flavor and that iconic pink color.
16 ounces Cool Whip: Infuses the pie with a dreamy, mousse-like consistency and a touch of sweetness.
Ready-to-use graham cracker crumb crust (9-inch): Adds buttery crunch and makes assembly a snap—no baking or fuss required.

How to Make Strawberry Jello Cool Whip Pie

Step 1: Dissolve the Jello

Start by boiling your water and prepping all your ingredients in advance—the process moves quickly once you get going. Pour the boiling water into a mixing bowl and add the strawberry Jello. Whisk continuously for two full minutes to make sure the gelatin granules are completely dissolved. Patience here ensures a silky, lump-free filling that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Step 2: Add the Ice Cold Water

Once your Jello is fully dissolved, it’s time to add the ice cold water. Stir it in slowly, and you’ll notice the mixture begin to thicken and cool down. This step is key to getting the right consistency so your Strawberry Jello Cool Whip Pie isn’t runny and sets beautifully.

Step 3: Whisk in the Cool Whip

Now for the magic! Add 2 cups of Cool Whip to your slightly thickened Jello mixture. Whisk them together until you get a homogenous, pale pink filling that’s smooth and airy. If you want to level things up, you can fold in some diced strawberries at this point for flecks of fruity goodness in every bite.

Step 4: Chill the Filling

Pop the bowl with your pie filling into the refrigerator and let it chill for 30 minutes. This quick rest fine-tunes the texture and makes it easier to spread neatly into your crust.

Step 5: Fill the Pie Crust

Remove the filling from the fridge and gently smooth it into your ready-to-use graham cracker crust. An offset spatula or the back of a spoon works perfectly for leveling the top, giving your Strawberry Jello Cool Whip Pie that classic, tempting look.

Step 6: Refrigerate and Set

Patience makes perfect here! Slide the entire pie into the fridge and let it chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better if you can wait). This ensures the pie sets up properly, making for effortless slicing and beautiful presentation.

How to Serve Strawberry Jello Cool Whip Pie

Garnishes

A fresh garnish takes this pie from delightful to absolutely show-stopping. Try topping each slice with a dollop of extra Cool Whip, a handful of sliced strawberries, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest for a little extra zing. A few mint leaves add a refreshing, summery touch that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Strawberry Jello Cool Whip Pie pairs splendidly with light accompaniments. Serve with a simple fruit salad, some shortbread cookies, or a chilled glass of lemonade. These easy sides let the sweet, tangy flavors of the pie shine without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings or special occasions, consider preparing your pie in mini graham cracker crusts for adorable, individual servings. You can even layer the filling in clear parfait glasses for an elegant trifle-like dessert, or cut the set pie into cubes for colorful, bite-sized treats perfect for dessert tables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Strawberry Jello Cool Whip Pie tasting fresh, cover any remaining slices tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. The pie will stay delicious for up to 3 days, but you’ll be lucky if it lasts that long!

Freezing

You can freeze this pie in a pinch! Simply wrap the whole pie (or individual slices) well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. The texture becomes slightly firmer, almost like an icebox cake, which is a delightful twist during hot weather.

Reheating

This pie is happiest served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If it’s a little too firm from the fridge or freezer, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing—this brings out the best, creamy texture of your Strawberry Jello Cool Whip Pie.

FAQs

Can I use other flavors of Jello for this pie?

Absolutely! While strawberry is a classic, you can swap in raspberry, cherry, or even tropical flavors like orange or pineapple if you want to mix things up. Just remember that the color and taste will change to match your new Jello flavor.

Is there a substitute for Cool Whip?

If you prefer not to use store-bought whipped topping, you can make your own stabilized whipped cream using heavy cream and a bit of powdered sugar. Note that the texture may be slightly less airy, but the pie will still be delicious!

Why does my pie filling look runny?

If your filling isn’t setting up, it’s likely due to not chilling it long enough or not fully dissolving the Jello at the start. Ensure you mix the gelatin thoroughly with boiling water and allow plenty of fridge time for a fluffy, sliceable pie.

Can I add fresh fruit to the filling?

You sure can! Diced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries stirred into the Cool Whip and Jello mixture add wonderful bursts of flavor and texture. Just make sure to use fruits that aren’t too juicy, or pat them dry before mixing in.

How far in advance can I make Strawberry Jello Cool Whip Pie?

This pie is perfect for prepping ahead. Make it up to 24 hours before serving so it has plenty of time to set, and the flavors have a chance to meld together. Just add fresh garnishes right before serving for the prettiest presentation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a delightful summertime treat or a quick-and-easy party dessert, Strawberry Jello Cool Whip Pie is about to earn a spot at the top of your favorites list. Try it once, and you’ll immediately see why this creamy, retro classic never goes out of style!

Strawberry Jello Cool Whip Pie Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

This easy, delicious, and creamy no-bake Strawberry Jello Cool Whip Pie is the perfect treat! A delightful combination of Jello, Cool Whip, and graham cracker crust that is shockingly easy to make.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Jello Mixture:

1 cup ice cold water
⅔ cup boiling water
3 ounces Jello Strawberry Flavor

Cool Whip Filling:

16 ounces Cool Whip

Additional:

1 ready-to-use graham cracker crumb crust, 9-inch

Instructions

Boil Water: Boil your water as you prepare your other ingredients.
Mix Jello: Stir together the boiling water and strawberry Jello for two minutes until completely dissolved.
Add Cold Water: Add the ice cold water to the gelatin mixture and stir until slightly thickened.
Combine with Cool Whip: Whisk in 2 cups Cool Whip until well blended.
Chill: Refrigerate the pie filling for 30 minutes.
Fill Pie Shell: Smooth out into the prepared pie shell and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

If you have strawberries, you could mix in a few diced strawberries to your jello and Cool Whip mixture.
It takes about 4 hours to set, so plan accordingly before serving.