Easter Swirl Pie – A No-Bake Pastel Dessert

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easter Swirl Pie is a fun, vibrant, and creamy no-bake dessert that’s perfect for springtime gatherings. The pastel swirls in the filling create a striking effect that’s sure to impress, while the rich, fluffy cream cheese and whipped cream combination offers a light yet indulgent taste. It’s an easy-to-make, no-fuss dessert that even kids will love to help with!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or vanilla cookie crumbs)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp sugar

For the Swirled Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• Gel food coloring (pastel colors like pink, blue, yellow, purple)

For Garnish:

• Whipped cream
• Easter sprinkles
• Mini chocolate eggs or pastel candies

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the crust:

   • In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
   • Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
   • Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes while preparing the filling.

2. Make the creamy filling:

   • Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
   • Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until well combined.
   • Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form and gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture until smooth.

3. Create the swirl effect:

   • Divide the filling into four bowls and add a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl.
   • Spoon dollops of each color into the crust and gently swirl with a toothpick or skewer for a marbled effect.

4. Chill and set:

   • Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until firm.
   • Before serving, top with whipped cream, sprinkles, and mini chocolate eggs.

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Chill time: 4 hours
• Total time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 servings

Variations

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust.
• Dairy-free: Substitute the cream cheese and whipped cream with plant-based alternatives.
• Flavored variations: Add fruit extracts (like strawberry or lemon) to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the pie for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge.

Can I use a pre-made crust?

Absolutely! A store-bought graham cracker crust works perfectly.

How do I make this pie gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free graham crackers or vanilla cookies for the crust.

Can I freeze this pie?

Yes! Freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw in the fridge before serving.

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is recommended to avoid watering down the filling, but liquid can be used in a pinch.

How do I make the swirls more defined?

Don’t overmix when swirling the colors. A light touch will keep the pastel effect intact.

Can I add more flavors to the filling?

Yes, you can mix in extracts like vanilla, almond, or fruit flavors to enhance the filling.

How long should I chill the pie?

For best results, chill the pie for at least 4 hours, but overnight will help it set better.

Can I top it with anything other than whipped cream?

Feel free to add fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flavor.

Can I use another type of crust?

Yes, you can substitute the graham cracker crust with other types like an Oreo crust or a shortbread crust for a different taste.

Conclusion

This Easter Swirl Pie is a colorful, creamy, and fun dessert that’s perfect for Easter or any special occasion. With its beautiful pastel swirls and no-bake simplicity, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Give it a try and bring a festive touch to your dessert table!

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