Name: Strawberry Jello Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: PT-487036H8M16S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (or homemade, if preferred) 2 tablespoons butter, melted (if using a homemade crust) 1 package (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O 1 cup boiling water 1 cup cold water 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip) Extra whipped topping (optional, for garnish) Sliced fresh strawberries (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Jello Pie is incredibly easy to make and only requires a few ingredients, making it a perfect last-minute dessert. The combination of the smooth, sweet Jello filling with the crunchy graham cracker crust is a crowd-pleasing balance of textures. The best part is that it’s a no-bake dessert, meaning you can prepare it ahead of time and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve. It’s a deliciously cool treat for hot days or any time you want a quick, refreshing dessert.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 pre-made graham cracker crust (or homemade, if preferred)
2 tablespoons butter, melted (if using a homemade crust)

For the Filling:

1 package (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water
1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

For Garnish (optional):

Extra whipped topping
Sliced fresh strawberries

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Filling:

Prepare the Jello:
- In a medium bowl, combine the strawberry Jell-O powder with 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the Jell-O is completely dissolved.
Add Cold Water:
- Stir in 1 cup of cold water and mix well. Let the Jell-O mixture sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, or until it begins to thicken slightly.
Mix in Strawberries:
- Once the Jell-O mixture has cooled slightly, fold in the chopped fresh strawberries. Be sure to mix gently so that the strawberries are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Fold in Whipped Topping:
- Carefully fold in 1 cup of whipped topping to create a creamy, fluffy texture. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Assembling the Pie:

Fill the Crust:
- Pour the Jello mixture into the pre-made graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula, spreading it evenly.
Chill the Pie:
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to fully set and the flavors to meld.

Garnish and Serve:

Optional Garnish:
- Before serving, top the pie with additional whipped topping and garnish with fresh strawberry slices for a more decorative and delicious touch.
Serve:
- Slice the pie, serve chilled, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and chilling time is at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Total time to make and enjoy this dessert is around 4-5 hours.

Variations

Mixed Berry Jello Pie: For a twist, use mixed berry Jell-O or combine fresh strawberries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
Lemon or Lime Jello Pie: Swap the strawberry Jell-O for lemon or lime flavor for a citrusy version of this pie. You can also pair it with lemon or lime zest in the filling for added flavor.
Graham Cracker Crust Alternatives: If you don’t like graham cracker crust, you can use a crushed vanilla wafer crust or a buttery shortbread crust for a different base.
Sugar-Free Version: Use sugar-free Jell-O and a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar version of this dessert.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Strawberry Jello Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This pie is best served chilled and doesn’t require reheating. It’s perfect for making ahead of time, as it keeps well in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from the frozen strawberries before adding them to the Jello mixture.

Can I use a homemade crust instead of a store-bought one?

Yes, you can make your own crust by combining crushed graham crackers with melted butter and pressing the mixture into a pie dish. Bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, then let it cool before adding the filling.

Can I make this pie with a different flavor of Jell-O?

Absolutely! You can swap out the strawberry Jell-O for any other fruit-flavored Jell-O, such as raspberry, blueberry, or peach. Just adjust the fruit accordingly to match the flavor of the Jell-O.

How do I prevent the Jello from being too watery?

Make sure to allow the Jell-O mixture to cool and thicken slightly before adding it to the pie. Also, don’t overmix the Jell-O, as it can cause it to become too runny. Chilling the pie for at least 4 hours will also help the filling set properly.

Can I add a cream cheese layer to this pie?

Yes, you can add a layer of cream cheese mixture to the pie for extra richness. Simply beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with ¼ cup powdered sugar and spread it as a layer in the crust before adding the strawberry Jell-O filling.

Can I use whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, you can substitute whipped cream for whipped topping. Just make sure the whipped cream is well-whipped and stiff before folding it into the Jello mixture.

Conclusion

Strawberry Jello Pie is the perfect dessert for anyone looking for something sweet, simple, and refreshing. The combination of strawberries, creamy Jello filling, and a buttery graham cracker crust is a timeless favorite that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a special event or just as a treat for yourself, this pie is sure to impress. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, it’s a dessert that will brighten any occasion!