Patriotic Pie

We LOVE to celebrate with festive desserts around our house and I have the perfect July 4th dessert that is simple to make. And it is a crowd pleaser. I mean, look how fun this is!!!

This is a great recipe to make ahead, but I have an even simpler version that you can make and enjoy the same day. Keep reading for both recipes. :)

 

Here's whatcha need:

14 full graham crackers

1/2 cup butter 

1/2 cup sugar

Here's whatcha do:

Melt butter.

Crush graham crackers into crumbs. I love to use my mini-cuisinart for this. It makes the job super quick. (You can also do it the old fashion way with a zip lock bag and a rolling pin.)

 

Add graham cracker crumbs and sugar to a bowl and stir to combine. Then add the melted butter.

Keep stirring until the mixture is grainy like sand. 

Press into 9 x 13 glass dish. Really get after it to make sure it is compacted. I like to use the bottom of my measuring cup to even it all out.

Refrigerate for about 1-2 hours to set. Up next: the yummy filling!!!

Here's whatcha need:

Two 8oz packages of cream cheese

2 cups granulated sugar

Two 8oz tubs Cool Whip, thawed

Strawberries, cut into fourths (stems removed) 

Blueberries

Here's whatcha do:

Use an electric hand mixer to beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Side Note: My electric hand mixer is one of my FAVORITE kitchen items. I've had this trusty mixer by my side for 14 years!!

Dear Kitchen Aid Mixer,
I heart you.
Love, Me
 

 

Gently fold in Cool Whip until well blended. Spoon mixture on top of crust and smooth out.

 

 

Now here comes the fun part! Use the blueberries and strawberries to make an American flag. The kiddos love to help with this!! (Side note: Wait on the fruit if you plan to serve the next day or it will make the top a little watery.) 
 

Now that it's all pretty, refrigerate for 1-2 hours to set. Then be prepared for everyone to admire your cleverness. ;)

 

 

 

Fun, festive, simple. And we didn't even have to turn on the oven!

Now if all this homemade crust business is just not your cup of tea, here is the original recipe that can be made even faster! (Note that I doubled the original recipe to make the 9 x 13 flag dessert.)

Original Recipe:

8oz package of cream cheese

1 cup granulated sugar

8oz tub Cool Whip, thawed
Graham Cracker Pie Crust  (pre-made)

Strawberries

Blueberries

Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip. Spoon into round pre-made graham cracker crust. Decorate as desired with blueberries and strawberries. Refrigerate about an hour to set.

Either way...you can't go wrong with this simple, festive no bake dessert!
Happy Fourth of July, lovelies!!!!

Xoxo,

Michelle

PS-If this dessert sounds familiar, that's because it was the inspiration for my Lemon Icebox Pie...another refreshing summer dessert. Click HERE for that recipe. :)