No-Bake Strawberry Jello Cream Pie

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A luscious gelatin cream pie with a smooth cream base and a vibrant strawberry Jell-O topping that sets perfectly without baking. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers strawberry Jell-O mix, boiling water, cold water into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 8 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, dissolve 3 oz strawberry Jell-O mix in 1 cup boiling water, stirring for 2 minutes until completely dissolved. Stir in 1 cup cold water and refrigerate until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 8 oz cream cheese with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes with an electric mixer.
  3. Step 3: Fold 8 oz cool whip gently into the cream cheese mixture until evenly combined and fluffy.
  4. Step 4: Pour half of the softened Jell-O mixture into the 9-inch graham cracker pie crust and chill for 15 minutes until slightly set.
  5. Step 5: Spread the cream cheese and cool whip mixture evenly over the partially set Jell-O layer. Pour the remaining Jell-O mixture on top gently to create a smooth layer.
  6. Step 6: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or until fully set. Slice and serve chilled.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Bake Strawberry Jello Cream Pie take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover No-Bake Strawberry Jello Cream Pie?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Strawberry Jello Cream Pie?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale No-Bake Strawberry Jello Cream Pie for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with No-Bake Strawberry Jello Cream Pie?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.