Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe

Sweet Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe: Summer’s Cool Treat

Sweet summer memories flood back when biting into a creamy strawberry icebox pie that feels like childhood comfort.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through every cool, silky slice.

Delicate graham cracker crusts cradle luscious pink filling, promising pure refreshment.

Ripe strawberries blend seamlessly with velvety cream cheese, creating a dessert that whispers indulgence.

Chilled and light, this no-bake treat requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Quick preparation means you can whip up this delightful dessert in minutes.

Chill, serve, and watch faces light up with pure dessert delight.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh strawberries. Just slice them and mix with a little sugar before adding to the pie mixture for best results.

  • Is Cool Whip necessary for this recipe?

Cool Whip helps create a light, fluffy texture. If unavailable, you can substitute with whipped cream, though the consistency might be slightly different.

  • How long will this pie stay fresh in the refrigerator?

The strawberry icebox pie will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

  • Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pie is perfect for making in advance. Prepare it up to 2 days before serving, and it will maintain its delicious flavor and texture.

Classic Strawberry Icebox Pie

  • Minimal Prep Magic: Create a stunning dessert with just a few simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques, perfect for novice bakers wanting to impress.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Delivers a vibrant, sweet treat that appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and summer celebrations.
  • No-Bake Convenience: Skip the oven completely and enjoy a refreshing pie that sets in the refrigerator, saving time and keeping your kitchen cool during warm days.
  • Versatile Flavor Twist: Easily customize by using fresh strawberries or pie filling, allowing creative cooks to adapt the recipe to their taste preferences and available ingredients.

Ingredients for Strawberry Icebox Pie

For the Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crust: A sweet and crunchy foundation that provides a delightful texture contrast to the creamy filling.
For the Dairy and Whipped Topping:
  • Condensed Milk: A rich and sweet ingredient that adds creaminess and helps bind the pie filling together.
  • Cool Whip: A light and fluffy whipped topping that creates a smooth and airy texture in the pie.
For the Flavor and Fruit:
  • Strawberry Jello Powder: A gelatin-based mix that adds vibrant strawberry flavor and helps set the pie.
  • Lemon Juice: A tangy ingredient that brightens the overall flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
  • Strawberry Pie Filling, Fresh Strawberries: Provide natural sweetness, fruity flavor, and a fresh element to the pie.

How to Prepare Strawberry Icebox Pie

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend condensed milk and Cool Whip using a hand mixer. Whisk until the mixture becomes light and airy, creating a smooth, fluffy foundation for your pie.

Step 2: Infuse with Strawberry Flavor

Sprinkle in the strawberry Jello powder and thoroughly mix. Watch as the vibrant red color transforms your creamy base into a delightful strawberry-infused delight.

Step 3: Add Zesty Brightness

Pour in fresh lemon juice and stir carefully. The citrusy splash will enhance the mixture’s texture, making it even more voluminous and tangy.

Step 4: Fold in Fruity Goodness

Ingredients:
  • Fresh strawberries
  • Strawberry pie filling

Gently incorporate the strawberries into the mixture. Use a spatula to fold softly, ensuring the berries are evenly distributed without deflating the creamy base.

Step 5: Create the Pie Shell

Carefully spoon the luscious strawberry mixture into the graham cracker crust. Spread evenly, creating a smooth, inviting surface that promises delicious bites.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Transfer the pie to the refrigerator. Allow it to rest and firm up for a minimum of two hours, letting the flavors meld and the texture become perfectly set.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Decorate the top with fresh strawberry slices for an extra pop of color and flavor. Slice with a sharp knife and serve chilled to your eager guests.

Pro Tips for Creamy Icebox Pie

  • Whip ingredients thoroughly to ensure a light, airy texture without lumps.
  • Use fresh strawberries with a sprinkle of sugar for a more intense, natural fruit flavor if using fresh instead of pie filling.
  • Chill the pie for at least 4 hours for the best set and most refreshing taste, especially on warm days.
  • Opt for low-fat Cool Whip and condensed milk to create a lighter version of this dessert.
  • Experiment with different graham cracker crust variations by adding crushed nuts or a hint of cinnamon for extra depth.

Variations on Strawberry Icebox Pie

  • Vegan Berry Bliss Pie: Replace condensed milk with coconut cream, use vegan whipped topping, and swap graham cracker crust for gluten-free cookie base.
  • Tropical Fusion Pie: Substitute strawberry Jello with mango or passion fruit flavor, add diced tropical fruits for extra zest.
  • Lighter Citrus Cream Pie: Use low-fat Greek yogurt instead of Cool Whip, add orange zest for bright, refreshing notes.
  • Sugar-Free Summer Treat: Utilize sugar-free Jello, replace condensed milk with almond milk, use stevia-sweetened whipped topping for diabetic-friendly option.

Pairing Ideas for Icebox Pie

  • Brew Light Rosé Wine: Select a chilled, crisp rosé that mirrors the strawberry's sweet tanginess, enhancing the pie's fruity profile and cutting through its rich creaminess.
  • Match Fresh Herbal Tea: Opt for a cool mint or chamomile tea, which provides a refreshing counterpoint to the dessert's sweetness and cleanses the palate between bites.
  • Serve Sparkling Strawberry Mocktail: Create a homemade mocktail using fresh strawberry puree, sparkling water, and a hint of mint, echoing the pie's flavor while offering a lighter, effervescent companion.

Storage Tips for Strawberry Icebox Pie

Keep the pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This method preserves the pie’s texture and prevents it from absorbing other food odors.

Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container for extra protection against freezer burn.

Transfer the frozen pie to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the pie’s original creamy consistency and prevents texture separation.

For best results, consume the pie within 24 hours of thawing. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices just before serving to restore its vibrant appearance and fresh taste.

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Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe

Strawberry Icebox Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful strawberry icebox pie brings summer’s sweetness to your dessert table with creamy layers and fresh berry charm. Cool, no-bake magic creates a luscious treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 1 Graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 can Eagle Brand Condensed Milk
  • 1 cup fresh diced strawberries or 1 can strawberry pie filling
  • 3 1/2 teaspoons dry strawberry jello

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) lemon juice
  • 1 regular-size container Cool Whip

Optional Addition:

  • 1/4 cup sugar (if using fresh strawberries)

Instructions

  1. In a spacious mixing vessel, whisk condensed milk and whipped topping until achieving a light, airy consistency.
  2. Incorporate strawberry gelatin powder, stirring thoroughly to ensure complete integration and vibrant color distribution.
  3. Introduce fresh lemon juice, blending meticulously to enhance texture and create a slightly denser filling.
  4. Delicately fold prepared strawberry pie filling or macerated fresh strawberries into the creamy base, maintaining a gentle mixing technique.
  5. Transfer the luscious mixture into a pre-prepared graham cracker crust, spreading evenly to create a smooth surface.
  6. Refrigerate the assembled pie for minimum 2-3 hours, allowing the filling to set and flavors to meld completely.
  7. Before serving, optionally embellish with additional fresh strawberry slices for enhanced visual appeal and textural contrast.
  8. Slice chilled pie with a sharp knife, ensuring clean cuts through the creamy filling and crisp crust.

Notes

  • Swap Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher, less processed taste and healthier option.
  • Use fresh strawberries and macerate them with a little sugar beforehand to enhance natural sweetness and intensify flavor profile.
  • Experiment with different Jello flavors like raspberry or mixed berry to create unique variations of this easy dessert.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace graham cracker crust with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crust to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Chilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 270 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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