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Easter Swirl Pie

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

Easter Swirl Pie is a showstopping no-bake dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust filled with pastel-colored cream cheese filling. The beautiful marbled effect is created by swirling pink, blue, yellow, and purple throughout the creamy mixture. After chilling for 4 hours, the pie sets up perfectly and is topped with whipped cream, Easter sprinkles, and mini chocolate eggs for a festive finish. This make-ahead dessert is perfect for spring celebrations and Easter gatherings.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Tue, 25 Feb 2025 17:12:48 GMT
A slice of cake with a colorful swirl of frosting on a plate. Pin it
A slice of cake with a colorful swirl of frosting on a plate. | lastminrecipes.com

This Easter Swirl Pie captures everything wonderful about spring celebrations. The velvety cream cheese filling, swirled with gentle pastel colors, sits atop a buttery graham cracker crust creating a dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious. I created this recipe years ago when looking for something special yet simple for our family Easter gathering, and it's become a tradition ever since. The marbled pastel effect always draws gasps when it's brought to the table, but the true magic happens with that first creamy, satisfying bite.

Last weekend, I made this pie for my niece's birthday instead of a traditional cake. The delight on her face seeing those pretty swirls was priceless. She helped create the marble effect, carefully swirling the colors with such concentration. Having kids participate in making this dessert creates memories while developing their confidence in the kitchen - the best kind of family tradition.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: For the freshest flavor, crush your own graham crackers rather than using pre-packaged crumbs. The slight irregularity in texture creates a more interesting crust.
  • Cream Cheese: Always use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. Allow it to soften completely at room temperature to avoid lumps.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Look for cream with at least 36% milk fat for the best whipping results.
  • Gel Food Coloring: These concentrated colors won’t water down your filling like liquid food coloring. I prefer Americolor or Wilton brands.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds a silky texture and caramelized sweetness that balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
A slice of cake with pink and yellow frosting. Pin it
A slice of cake with pink and yellow frosting. | lastminrecipes.com

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Creating the Perfect Crust Base
Break graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter and sugar until fully moistened. Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish and refrigerate.
Crafting the Silky Filling
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Blend in sweetened condensed milk. Separately, whip heavy cream to firm peaks and fold gently into the cream cheese mixture.
Creating the Pastel Swirl Magic
Divide filling into four bowls, adding gel food coloring to each. Spoon colors into the crust in a random pattern. Use a toothpick to gently swirl for a marbled effect.
Chilling for Perfect Texture
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
The Art of Garnishing
Pipe whipped cream around the edges and decorate with Easter sprinkles or mini chocolate eggs.

Make-Ahead Magic

The ability to prepare this dessert in advance is one of its greatest assets during busy holiday times. The completed pie can be made up to two days ahead, though I recommend adding garnishes shortly before serving.

Serving with Style

For an extra special presentation, serve individual portions in clear glass teacups or small mason jars. A drizzle of raspberry sauce on the plate adds a touch of elegance.

This Easter Swirl Pie has become more than just a dessert in our family - it's a symbol of spring renewal and togetherness. Whether you're continuing a long-standing tradition or starting a new one, I hope this pie brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine over the years.

A slice of pie with whipped cream and colorful sprinkles on top. Pin it
A slice of pie with whipped cream and colorful sprinkles on top. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make Easter Swirl Pie ahead of time?
Yes, this pie is perfect for making ahead. It needs at least 4 hours to set, but can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated.
→ What can I use instead of graham crackers for the crust?
Vanilla cookies, shortbread cookies, or chocolate cookies all work well as alternatives for the crust.
→ Can I freeze this Easter Swirl Pie?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
→ What if I don't have gel food coloring?
Regular liquid food coloring will work, though gel gives more vibrant colors without thinning the filling.
→ Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipping my own cream?
Yes, you can substitute 2 cups of Cool Whip or other whipped topping for the heavy cream in this recipe.

Easter Swirl Pie

A no-bake Easter dessert with colorful pastel swirls in a creamy filling, perfect for spring celebrations and holiday gatherings.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 pie (9-inch))

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ The Crust

01 2 ½ cups (250 g) graham cracker crumbs (or vanilla cookie crumbs)
02 ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
03 2 tbsp sugar

→ The Swirled Filling

04 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
05 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
06 ½ cup (100 g) powdered sugar
07 1 tsp vanilla extract
08 ½ cup (120 ml) sweetened condensed milk
09 Gel food coloring (pastel pink, blue, yellow, purple, etc.)

→ For Garnish

10 Whipped cream
11 Easter sprinkles
12 Mini chocolate eggs or pastel candies

Instructions

Step 01

In a medium bowl, mix 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, using the back of a spoon or measuring cup to compact it. Place the crust in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes while preparing the filling.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.

Step 03

Divide the filling evenly into four small bowls. Add a few drops of pastel gel food coloring to each bowl, creating pink, blue, yellow, and purple shades. Spoon dollops of each color randomly into the prepared pie crust, layering different colors. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the colors together, creating a marbled effect. (Be careful not to overmix!)

Step 04

Place the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow it to firm up. Before serving, top with whipped cream, Easter sprinkles, and mini chocolate eggs for a festive touch!

Notes

  1. This no-bake Easter pie features pastel-colored swirls perfect for spring celebrations
  2. Make ahead: Can be prepared up to 2 days in advance

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch pie dish
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Toothpick or skewer for swirling

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains gluten (unless using gluten-free cookie crumbs)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: 5 g