When Easter rolls around, there’s nothing more joyful than a pastel-hued, creamy, and chilled dessert to serve at your celebration. This No-Bake Easter Jello Pie is a stunning and simple treat that blends the tangy sweetness of fruit-flavoured jelly with the creamy richness of cheesecake — all layered in a buttery graham cracker crust.
Not only does it look gorgeous on a dessert table, but it’s also super easy to make ahead, uses just a few ingredients, and offers a playful opportunity to decorate with Easter candies, sprinkles, or fruit. Whether you choose strawberry, raspberry, orange, or a mix of pastel jello colours, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients (Serves 8–10 slices)
The Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, finely crushed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
The Jello Cheesecake Filling:
- 1 (85 g / 3 oz) box flavoured jello (strawberry, raspberry, orange, or pastel option)
- ½ cup (125 ml) boiling water
- 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar (icing sugar)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tub (225 g / 8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
For the Topping:
- Extra whipped cream or Cool Whip
- Pastel Easter candies (mini chocolate eggs, jelly beans, or bunny sprinkles)
- Optional: Sliced fresh strawberries or fruit to match the jello flavour
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation
1: Prepare the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
- Stir in melted butter until all crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a 22–23 cm (9-inch) pie pan.
- Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to compact the crust evenly.
- Place the crust in the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling.
2: Make the Jello Base
- In a small bowl, pour boiling water over the jello powder.
- Stir until fully dissolved — about 2 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, but don’t let it set. It should be cool enough not to melt the whipped topping.
3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat again until well incorporated.
- Slowly pour the cooled jello mixture into the cream cheese and beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping with a spatula until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4: Assemble the Pie
- Pour the jello cheesecake filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Smooth the top with a spatula or back of a spoon.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until completely set and firm.
5: Decorate
- Just before serving, top the pie with extra whipped cream or Cool Whip, piped or dolloped around the edge.
- Decorate with mini chocolate eggs, sprinkles, jelly beans, or fresh fruit slices.
- For a showstopping Easter presentation, use pastel marshmallows or mini bunny toppers.
Variations
- Layered Jello Pie: Prepare two different jello mixtures and pour them in layers, letting each set slightly before adding the next.
- Coconut Crust: Replace graham crumbs with crushed coconut biscuits for a tropical twist.
- Lemon Jello Pie: Use lemon jello and add 1 tsp of lemon zest to the cheesecake base for extra zing.
- Mini Jello Pies: Divide crust and filling into muffin tins lined with cupcake wrappers for individual servings.
Cooking Notes
- Let the jello mixture cool before adding to the cream cheese to avoid melting the filling or separating layers.
- Use a springform tin if you want perfect edges when slicing.
- Don’t skip chilling time — the pie must set properly to slice cleanly.
- Gelatine-free options: use vegetarian jelly crystals (agar-based) if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled straight from the fridge.
- Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a refreshing Easter dessert.
- Make ahead a day before Easter for a stress-free celebration.
- Add a drizzle of strawberry or raspberry sauce on each slice for added flair.
Storage
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Not suitable for freezing — the jello filling will lose texture after thawing.
- Decorate just before serving to keep toppings fresh.
Tips for Success
- Chill thoroughly: Don’t rush the setting process — overnight chilling is best.
- Use full-fat cream cheese: It sets better and adds richness.
- Choose light-coloured jello flavours for pastel Easter appeal.
- Use a food processor for a finer crumb crust that binds together well.
- Keep it cool: Transport and serve chilled to maintain slice structure.
⏱️ Time Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 4–6 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes+
🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approx. for 10 slices)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Sugar: 22 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
A: Yes! Use about 2 cups of freshly whipped cream (whipped to stiff peaks) as a 1:1 substitute.
Q: What kind of jello works best?
A: Fruit-flavoured gelatin in pastel colours like strawberry, raspberry, orange, or peach work best for Easter. Avoid dark colours that overpower the visual appeal.
Q: Can I use a pre-made graham crust?
A: Yes, it’s a great shortcut! But making your own crust allows for a thicker, more stable base.
Q: How far in advance can I make it?
A: You can prepare this pie up to 2 days in advance. Store covered in the fridge and decorate just before serving.
Conclusion
This No-Bake Easter Jello Pie is the perfect fusion of creamy cheesecake and fruity jello in a buttery graham cracker crust — a festive, flavourful dessert that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve.
Its pastel colours, refreshing taste, and no-bake simplicity make it a standout addition to any Easter table, spring gathering, or weekend family treat. Light, fluffy, and topped with seasonal decorations, it’s a joyful way to celebrate the season.
Give it a try and let your dessert do the talking this Easter! 🐰🌸
PrintNo-Bake Easter Jello Pie – A Colourful, Creamy Slice of Springtime Joy!
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes+
Ingredients
Ingredients (Serves 8–10 slices)
The Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, finely crushed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
The Jello Cheesecake Filling:
- 1 (85 g / 3 oz) box flavoured jello (strawberry, raspberry, orange, or pastel option)
- ½ cup (125 ml) boiling water
- 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar (icing sugar)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tub (225 g / 8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
For the Topping:
- Extra whipped cream or Cool Whip
- Pastel Easter candies (mini chocolate eggs, jelly beans, or bunny sprinkles)
- Optional: Sliced fresh strawberries or fruit to match the jello flavour
Instructions
Step-by-Step Preparation
1: Prepare the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
- Stir in melted butter until all crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a 22–23 cm (9-inch) pie pan.
- Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to compact the crust evenly.
- Place the crust in the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling.
2: Make the Jello Base
- In a small bowl, pour boiling water over the jello powder.
- Stir until fully dissolved — about 2 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, but don’t let it set. It should be cool enough not to melt the whipped topping.
3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat again until well incorporated.
- Slowly pour the cooled jello mixture into the cream cheese and beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping with a spatula until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4: Assemble the Pie
- Pour the jello cheesecake filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Smooth the top with a spatula or back of a spoon.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until completely set and firm.
5: Decorate
- Just before serving, top the pie with extra whipped cream or Cool Whip, piped or dolloped around the edge.
- Decorate with mini chocolate eggs, sprinkles, jelly beans, or fresh fruit slices.
- For a showstopping Easter presentation, use pastel marshmallows or mini bunny toppers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4–6 hours (or overnight)
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 4 g