No-Bake Watermelon Pie: An Easy Summer Dessert

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A Slice of Summer Bliss! The Easiest No-Bake Watermelon Pie

Hey there, dessert lovers and summer enthusiasts! Are you searching for that one perfect treat that screams sunshine and lazy afternoons? The kind of dessert that's light, refreshing, and unbelievably easy to make? Well, stop scrolling, because you've just found it.

This No-Bake Watermelon Pie is the answer to your summer dessert cravings. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of childhood pool parties where a cool summer pie like this was always the star of the show.

It’s a dreamy, creamy cloud of watermelon goodness in a perfect, crisp graham cracker crust. The taste is pure, simple summer. It's the perfect way to use up that extra watermelon and have a crowd-pleasing dessert on the table, without ever turning on your oven.

Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Pie

• No-Bake, No Sweat: This is the perfect dessert for those scorching hot days when you want to avoid turning on the oven.
• A Unique and Refreshing Flavor: Unlike typical cream pies, this one has a light, fruity filling that’s wonderfully refreshing and not too heavy.
• Foolproof and Fast: With only 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is a cinch to make-perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
• The Perfect Potluck Pie: Its stunning color and delicious flavor make it a guaranteed hit at any cookout or family gathering.
• Uses Real Watermelon: We’re not just relying on Jell-O! The addition of real, diced watermelon gives it an authentic fresh fruit flavor and a wonderful texture.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Watermelon-Flavored Jell-O: This is the key to our pie’s vibrant color and flavor. If you can't find watermelon, strawberry or raspberry Jell-O work as great substitutes that still pair well with fresh watermelon.
• Cool Whip: This gives the pie its signature light and fluffy texture. It’s also key to helping the pie set properly due to the stabilizers it contains. While you can use homemade whipped cream, the pie may not hold its shape as well.
• Diced Seedless Watermelon: You’ll want to make sure you use a seedless variety. The diced watermelon adds a burst of fresh fruit flavor and texture. Be sure to blot it thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is key to a perfectly set pie.
• Graham Cracker Pie Crust: A store-bought crust is a great time-saver. However, if you want a buttery, crisp homemade crust, I highly recommend making your own! You can find my detailed recipe for Homemade Graham Cracker Crust right here!

Equipment Needed

• Medium-sized mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Spatula for folding
• 9-inch pie plate
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board and knife for dicing watermelon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dissolve the Jell-O: In a medium bowl, add the watermelon Jell-O powder and ½ cup of boiling water. Whisk for 1-2 minutes until the Jell-O is completely dissolved.(Photo of Jell-O powder being whisked into boiling water)

2. Cool It Down: Stir in ½ cup of cold water. Let the mixture sit on the counter for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has cooled slightly but has not yet started to set.(Photo of the Jell-O mixture cooling on the counter)

3. Fold in the Creamy Goodness: Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the cooled Jell-O mixture using a spatula. Keep folding until the filling is smooth, creamy, and a uniform light pink color.(Photo of Cool Whip being folded into the Jell-O mixture)

4. Add the Watermelon: Now, gently fold in the blotted, diced watermelon. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the filling light and airy.(Photo of diced watermelon being folded into the creamy filling)

5. Fill the Crust: Spoon the finished filling into your prepared 9-inch graham cracker crust and use a spatula to smooth out the top.(Photo of the filling being spooned into the pie crust)

6. Chill to Perfection: Place the pie in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is completely set and firm all the way through. For the best, cleanest slices, I recommend chilling it overnight.(Photo of the finished pie chilling in the refrigerator)

Expert Tips and Troubleshooting (FAQs)

• Blotting is Key! This is the most crucial step. Watermelon contains a lot of liquid, and if you don’t blot it dry with a paper towel, your pie will be runny and won’t set properly.
• Cool Before Combining: Make sure your Jell-O mixture has cooled down before you add the Cool Whip. If it’s too warm, it will melt the Cool Whip and prevent the pie from setting.
• Use a Serrated Knife: For the cleanest slices, use a long, sharp serrated knife. Wipe the knife clean between each slice to avoid a messy presentation.
• Why is my pie runny? The most common reasons are not blotting the watermelon dry enough, or adding the Cool Whip to a Jell-O mixture that was still too warm.
• Can I use fresh watermelon? Yes, this recipe is designed to use fresh, seedless watermelon. Just be sure to dice it into small pieces and blot it dry.
• Can I freeze this pie? No, I don’t recommend freezing this pie. The texture will change, and it will become watery and unappealing once thawed.

How to Store Your Watermelon Pie (And Can You Make It Ahead?)

This is a fantastic dessert to make ahead of time, which makes it perfect for parties and holiday gatherings. You can easily make it a day in advance-in fact, letting it chill overnight gives you the best, firmest texture for slicing. Simply cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or a pie dome and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations to Try

• Different Crusts: The filling pairs beautifully with a vanilla wafer crust or an Oreo cookie crust for a fun flavor twist.
• Add a Topping: You can sprinkle the top with mini chocolate chips before chilling to mimic watermelon seeds.
• More Fruit: Add other diced, blotted fruits like strawberries or raspberries to the filling for a mixed-fruit version.

What to Serve With This Watermelon Pie

This cool, creamy pie is delicious all on its own, but it's fantastic served alongside other light summer fare. Try serving it after a backyard barbecue with Grilled Chicken brushed with. my Blueberry Barbecue Sauce, or alongside a fresh Spinach Strawberry Salad. A glass of Berry Basil Chilled Lemonade or Blackberry Mint Ice Tea is the perfect beverage to complete the meal.

Another option is to serve it with other summer pies, such as my Fresh Strawberry Pie, Easy Blueberry Pie, or Blueberry Crumb Pie, Cherry Pie, or Frozen Strawberry Margarita Pie.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Strawberry Cheesecake Salad
• No-Bake Strawberry Lasagna
• Blueberry Yum Yum (A No-Bake Dessert)
• Rainbow No-Bake Cream Cheese Pie
• Watermelon Salsa

Your Turn!

Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s your turn to make this incredible No-Bake Watermelon Pie!

If you give this recipe a try, please come back and leave a comment below and a 5-star rating. We’d love to hear how it turned out for you! What’s your favorite part of a cool, no-bake pie?

Recipe

Watermelon Pie Recipe

By Michele Feuerborn

5 from 1 vote

Watermelon Pie is a light, refreshing dessert that screams summer! Made with sweet watermelon-flavored Jell-O, fluffy Cool Whip, and a graham cracker crust, this easy pie is perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or anytime you need a cool treat. The bright pink color and creamy texture make it as pretty as it is delicious.

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Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Chill Time: 4 hours hours

Total Time 4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Calories 179

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 (3.6-ounce box) Watermelon-flavored Jell-O
• ▢ ½ cup boiling water
• ▢ ½ cup cold water
• ▢ 1 (8-ounce tub) Cool Whip thawed
• ▢ 1½ cups diced seedless watermelon blotted dry
• ▢ 1 (9-inch) graham cracker pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• ▢ Watermelon slices mint leaves, optional decoration

Instructions 

• In a medium bowl, stir the watermelon Jell-O into ½ cup of boiling water. Keep stirring for a minute or two, until it's fully dissolved.
• Pour in ½ cup of cold water and give it a good stir. Let it sit on the counter for about 10 to 15 minutes to cool down slightly-you want it to cool off, but not start setting.
• Once it's cooled a bit, gently fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, fold in the diced watermelon.
• Spoon the filling into your graham cracker crust and smooth out the top.
• Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until it's set and firm all the way through.
• Slice it up and serve chilled. If you're feeling fancy, add some cool whip, fresh watermelon cubes or mint leaves on top before serving.
• Keep your watermelon pie in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. It's best not to freeze it-freezing can make it watery and mess with the texture.

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Notes

5 Common Questions & Answers

1. Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O if I can’t find watermelon?
Yes! Strawberry or raspberry works well and still pairs nicely with fresh watermelon.

2. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
You can, but it may not hold the pie’s shape as well. Cool Whip adds stability for slicing.

3. My pie is runny—what happened?
Make sure the watermelon is blotted dry before folding it in, and allow the Jell-O to cool slightly before mixing with Cool Whip.

4. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it’s great for making the night before serving. Chill it overnight for best results.

5. Can I use a different crust?
Definitely! Try Oreo, vanilla wafer, or a shortbread crust for a fun twist.

10 Tips for the Best Watermelon Pie

1. Blot diced watermelon with paper towels to prevent extra liquid from softening the pie.
2. Let the Jell-O cool slightly before mixing with Cool Whip to avoid melting.
3. Use a serrated knife to slice cleanly through the pie once set.
4. Chill the pie at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for firm texture.
5. Fold ingredients gently to keep the filling light and airy.
6. For stronger watermelon flavor, use a little watermelon extract (optional).
7. Don't overfill the pie shell-leave a little room for expansion as it sets.
8. Decorate the top with watermelon balls, whipped cream, or mint for a festive look.
9. Use a store-bought crust for convenience, but homemade adds a personal touch.
10. Serve ice cold on a hot day-it's super refreshing straight from the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 123mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 183IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg