Here’s a full, expanded guide to Strawberry Cool Whip Pie—complete with a warm introduction, detailed recipe, historical insight, benefits, nutrition, and more.
Strawberry Cool Whip Pie: A Chilled Delight for Every Season
Introduction
Strawberry Cool Whip Pie is a no-bake, creamy, and refreshing dessert that has graced American tables for decades. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, it’s the perfect dessert for summer barbecues, spring potlucks, or simply when you’re craving something sweet and fruity. The star of the pie is the combination of sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, and juicy strawberries, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip (whipped topping), thawed
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
- 1/4 cup boiling water
- 1 pre-made graham cracker pie crust (9-inch)
Instructions
- Dissolve the Gelatin:
- In a medium bowl, combine the strawberry gelatin and 1/4 cup boiling water.
- Stir until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk and dissolved gelatin.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip until smooth and fluffy.
- Stir in the chopped strawberries.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust.
- Smooth the top with a spatula and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with sliced strawberries or whipped cream before serving.
Formation (How It All Comes Together)
The beauty of this pie lies in its simplicity. The gelatin helps firm the pie without the need for baking, while the condensed milk adds creamy sweetness. Cool Whip gives it a light, mousse-like texture, and the fresh strawberries bring brightness and a burst of flavor.
History
Cool Whip, introduced in the 1960s by General Foods, became an instant hit among homemakers for its convenience and consistency. No-bake pies quickly became popular for busy families and potlucks, especially during warmer months. The Strawberry Cool Whip Pie, often found in church cookbooks and family gatherings, became a classic symbol of easy American desserts.
Benefits
- No baking required – great for summer!
- Quick to prepare – ready in minutes.
- Kid-friendly – fun to make with little ones.
- Customizable – swap strawberries with other fruits like blueberries or peaches.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice, 1/8 pie)
- Calories: 260
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 4g
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on brands used.
Who Loves It?
- Busy moms looking for quick, crowd-pleasing desserts.
- Kids who love fruity, creamy sweets.
- Seniors who remember this from family reunions.
- Dessert lovers who appreciate light, refreshing treats without the hassle.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cool Whip Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a nostalgic slice of Americana. It’s easy, affordable, and universally loved. Whether you’re making it for a birthday party, a summer cookout, or just because, it’s sure to bring smiles with every spoonful.
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