There’s nothing quite like a cool, creamy dessert on a warm day — and this Strawberry Cool Whip Pie is just the ticket. Light, fluffy, and bursting with strawberry flavor, it’s the kind of no-bake treat that disappears in minutes. It’s been a go-to in our family for summer BBQs, Mother’s Day brunch, and those evenings when you just want something sweet without turning on the oven.
Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and just a few minutes of prep time, this pie is perfect for beginners or anyone short on time. The combination of sweetened condensed milk, Cool Whip, and strawberry pie filling creates a mousse-like texture that’s both nostalgic and refreshing.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cool Whip Pie
- No-bake dessert: Perfect for hot days when you don’t want to heat the kitchen.
- 5 simple ingredients: Nothing fancy or hard to find.
- Quick to make: Prep takes less than 10 minutes.
- Creamy, fruity, and light: Ideal for spring and summer gatherings.
- Great for make-ahead: Chill it overnight or freeze for later.
- Kid- and crowd-friendly: Everyone loves this sweet, fluffy pie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk – Adds rich sweetness and creamy texture.
- 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed – Gives the pie its airy, fluffy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.
- 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling – Choose your favorite brand; chunky or smooth.
- 1 (9-inch) graham cracker pie crust – Store-bought or homemade.

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare your workspace:
- Make sure your Cool Whip is fully thawed in the refrigerator.
- Set out a large mixing bowl and a rubber spatula or spoon.
- Mix the filling base:
- In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
- Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Fold in the Cool Whip:
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip using a spatula.
- Mix until the filling is light, fluffy, and fully incorporated — no streaks should remain.
- Add the strawberry pie filling:
- Set aside 2–3 tablespoons of the strawberry pie filling for garnish, if desired.
- Fold the remaining pie filling into the Cool Whip mixture.
- Mix gently to keep the filling light and airy while evenly distributing the strawberries.
- Assemble the pie:
- Spoon the mixture into the graham cracker crust.
- Use the back of the spoon or spatula to smooth out the top.
- Chill:
- Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or foil.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- For a firmer texture, freeze the pie for 1–2 hours before serving.
- Serve:
- Just before serving, top with reserved strawberry filling or fresh strawberry slices.
- Optional: add dollops of whipped cream or mint leaves for garnish.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve with: Fresh berries, a drizzle of chocolate, or whipped cream.
- To store: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To thaw: Place in fridge overnight or thaw at room temp for 30 minutes for a semi-frozen treat.

Helpful Notes
- Change it up: Swap strawberry filling for cherry, blueberry, or peach.
- Make it homemade: Use homemade graham cracker crust or fresh strawberry compote.
- Add texture: Stir in mini marshmallows or chopped pecans for extra crunch.
- Low-fat version: Use light Cool Whip and fat-free condensed milk.
- Individual servings: Spoon into mini graham crusts for picnic-perfect pies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, but use stabilized whipped cream to maintain the pie’s structure. Cool Whip helps keep it airy and firm. - Can I make this with fresh strawberries?
Yes, but you’ll need to create a quick compote or jam-like mixture to replace the pie filling, or add gelatin to help set the pie properly. - What if I want a firmer texture?
Freeze the pie for 1–2 hours before serving. It will have a semi-frozen, icebox pie texture that’s very refreshing. - Can I use a chocolate crust instead?
Absolutely — chocolate and strawberries are a delicious pairing and give this pie a dessert shop twist. - How do I transport this pie?
Chill it thoroughly and keep it in a cooler or insulated bag. You can also freeze it partially before travel to help it stay firm. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just prepare two pies in separate crusts. This pie sets best in a standard 9-inch crust rather than deep dish. - Is this pie gluten-free?
It can be! Just use a gluten-free graham cracker crust or make your own with GF graham crackers.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cool Whip Pie is the kind of dessert that makes everyone feel like a kid again — light, sweet, and just indulgent enough. With its pretty pink hue and creamy texture, it’s always a hit at potlucks and parties, and it couldn’t be easier to make.
It’s also one of those recipes that adapts to you. Change the filling, tweak the crust, or top it with something extra fancy. This is the kind of pie you make once and end up adding to your regular rotation. It’s festive enough for holidays, but simple enough for a Tuesday night treat.
If you’re looking for a foolproof, feel-good dessert, this one’s for you. I hope you enjoy every fluffy, fruity bite. Don’t forget to snap a photo, leave a review, or tag me on social media — I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Happy chilling!
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