No Bake Strawberry Pie — The Easiest Spring Dessert You’ll Ever Make

This no bake strawberry pie is the dessert I make when I need something beautiful, refreshing, and easy — and I need it fast. No oven, no fuss, just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and a pile of fresh strawberries. I had strawberries I needed to use up, and everything else was already waiting for me. That’s my kind of spring dessert.

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Watch me make this no bake strawberry pie from start to finish — or scroll down for the full printable recipe card.

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No Bake Strawberry Pie

A light, creamy no bake strawberry pie with a cream cheese Cool Whip filling, fresh strawberries inside and on top, and a graham cracker crust. No oven needed — just chill overnight and it's ready.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 graham cracker pie crust
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip from an 8 oz container
• 3/4 cup fresh strawberries finely diced
• 1-2 cups fresh strawberries sliced (for topping)

Method

 

1. In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Beat until combined.
3. Fold in 3/4 cup finely diced fresh strawberries.
4. Fold in 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip until light and creamy.
5. Spread filling evenly into the graham cracker pie crust.
6. Layer sliced fresh strawberries over the top of the filling.
7. Cover loosely and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
8. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Make this pie the night before — it slices much cleaner after chilling overnight. Leftover pie keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Use the ripest, reddest strawberries you can find. The better the berry, the better the pie. For a homemade crust, combine 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup melted butter, and 3 tablespoons sugar. Press into a 9-inch pie plate and chill 30 minutes before filling.

Why This No Bake Strawberry Pie Works

The cream cheese base is what makes this no bake strawberry pie so special. It’s not heavy or overly sweet — the powdered sugar sweetens it just enough, the lemon juice keeps it bright, and the Cool Whip makes the whole filling light and mousse-like. And then you’ve got fresh strawberries folded right into the filling AND layered on top, so every single bite has real strawberry flavor. No gelatin, no baking, no drama.

This pie is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, potlucks, or just a weeknight dessert when you want something that looks like you tried a lot harder than you actually did. It needs at least 6 hours in the refrigerator to set, so I always make it the night before. Morning-you will thank evening-you. According to Taste of Home, fresh strawberries are at their best when they’re bright red with no soft spots — and that absolutely holds true for this pie. The better your strawberries, the better your pie.

No Bake Strawberry Pie FAQ — The Questions I Get Every Time

How long does no bake strawberry pie need to chill?

At least 6 hours in the refrigerator — but overnight is even better. The filling needs time to set up and firm, so the pie slices cleanly and holds its shape. If you try to cut it too soon, the filling will be too soft to slice neatly.

Can I make no bake strawberry pie ahead of time?

Yes — and I recommend it. Make it the evening before you need it and let it chill overnight. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the strawberry topping is freshest on day one. Cover loosely with the lid from the crust or plastic wrap.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are strongly preferred for the topping — frozen strawberries release too much liquid and will make the top of your pie soggy. For the diced strawberries folded into the filling, you can use thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch, but drain them very well first.

Can I use a homemade graham cracker crust?

Absolutely. Combine 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup melted butter, and 3 tablespoons sugar. Press firmly into a 9-inch pie plate and chill for 30 minutes before filling. The store-bought crust is a perfectly fine shortcut though — no shame in easy.

Can I freeze no bake strawberry pie?

I don’t recommend freezing this pie. The cream cheese and Cool Whip filling will weep as it thaws, and the fresh strawberry topping will become watery and lose its texture. This pie is best made fresh and eaten within 3 days from the refrigerator.

How many does this no bake strawberry pie serve?

A standard 9-inch pie cuts into 8 slices. If you’re feeding a crowd, make two — this recipe doubles easily and takes only a few extra minutes. Both pies can chill in the refrigerator overnight side by side.

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More Easy No-Bake Desserts You’ll Love

If no bake strawberry pie is your kind of recipe, here are a few more that come together fast and disappear even faster:

• No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies — six ingredients, no oven, ready in 20 minutes
• 3 Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake — the easiest crowd dessert on this entire site
• Apple Berry Crisp — warm, fruity, and completely irresistible

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No Bake Strawberry Pie — About Stephanie’s Recipes

Stephanie’s recipes are a little bit of everything — treasured old family recipes passed down through generations, dishes she has developed and made her own over the years, great finds from friends and neighbors, and inspiration from corners of the internet. Sometimes she flexes her culinary muscles and creates something spectacular. But most of the time? Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Because at the end of the day, Stephanie cooks for her family and her people — and the best recipe is the one that brings everyone to the table, keeps them there a little longer, and leaves them happy and full. Browse all her crowd-pleasing recipes and find your next family favorite.