Are you craving a refreshing and easy dessert that's perfect for a summer gathering or a simple weeknight treat? Look no further! This Strawberry Jello Pie with a homemade graham cracker crust is the answer to your sweet tooth's prayers. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal baking and maximum deliciousness. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, transforming simple ingredients into a truly delightful dish. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this quick dinner dessert, perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something special.
Ingredients:
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
For the Strawberry Jello Filling:
- 1 (3-ounce) package strawberry Jello
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
- 1 (12-ounce) package frozen sliced strawberries, thawed and drained
- 1 cup cold water
- ½ cup heavy cream, whipped
Instructions:
Making the Graham Cracker Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to ensure an even layer.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Preparing the Strawberry Jello Filling:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jello in the boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
- Gently stir in the thawed and drained strawberries.
- Add the cold water and stir until well combined.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the Jello is mostly set.
- Once the Jello has thickened, gently fold in the whipped heavy cream. Don't overmix.
- Pour the Jello mixture into the cooled graham cracker crust.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the Jello to set completely.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Jello Pie:
- For a richer crust, use butter flavored graham crackers.
- If you don't have heavy cream, you can use whipped topping instead.
- To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, ensure it's completely cool before adding the Jello filling.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, add a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the Jello mixture.
- Feel free to add other fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to the Jello filling for a delightful variation.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Sugar: 30-40g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
This easy recipe delivers a delicious and refreshing dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight treat or a show-stopping dessert for a party, this strawberry Jello pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of the crunchy graham cracker crust and the light, fruity Jello filling is simply irresistible! Enjoy this healthy and satisfying addition to your best recipes collection.