Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easter Swirl Pie is a delightful dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy and tangy filling, and a vibrant swirl of color, this pie is perfect for celebrating Easter or any festive occasion. The combination of flavors and textures in this pie, from the crisp crust to the smooth filling, makes it a treat that will impress family and friends alike. It’s simple to make but looks stunning when served, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

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

For the Filling:

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups whipped cream (or 1 cup heavy cream, whipped)

For the Swirl:

1/4 cup fruit preserves or jam (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot works well)
A few drops of food coloring (optional, to make it more festive)

Directions

Make the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until well combined.
Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it down firmly to form an even crust.
Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s golden and set. Let it cool completely.
Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Pour the filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing it out evenly.
Add the swirl: Drop spoonfuls of fruit preserves or jam onto the surface of the pie. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the jam into the filling, creating a beautiful pattern.
If you want to add more color, drop a few drops of food coloring into the filling before swirling the jam.
Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
Before serving, garnish with additional fruit preserves or whipped cream if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes (for the crust)
Refrigeration Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Flavor Swirls: Use different flavored jams or preserves like blueberry, blackberry, or even citrus marmalade for a unique twist.
Chocolate Crust: For a chocolatey version, use chocolate cookie crumbs instead of graham crackers for the crust.
Toppings: Add colorful sprinkles, fresh berries, or edible flowers on top for a festive look.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This pie is best served chilled and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, you can use a pre-made pie crust instead of making your own graham cracker crust. Just make sure it’s a 9-inch size.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pie can be made a day or two in advance. Just refrigerate it and garnish with fruit or whipped cream before serving.

Can I use a different type of jam for the swirl?

Yes! You can use any jam or fruit preserves you like, such as strawberry, apricot, or even a mixed berry jam.

Is this pie gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a gluten-free cookie base, this pie can be made gluten-free.

How do I get the swirl effect with the jam?

Simply spoon the jam onto the pie filling and use a knife or toothpick to swirl it into the filling gently. Be careful not to over-mix to keep the swirl pattern intact.

Can I use a different filling instead of cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or even whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, you can freeze this pie for up to 1-2 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container before freezing.

How can I make this pie more tart?

If you prefer a more tart pie, you can add a little extra lemon juice to the filling or use a more tart fruit preserve for the swirl.

Can I add a meringue topping?

Yes, you can add a meringue topping for a more elegant touch. Just whip egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form and bake at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes until golden.

How do I get the perfect swirl?

To get a beautiful swirl, don’t stir the jam in too much. Drop the jam in small dollops and gently swirl it with a toothpick or knife for a marbled effect.

Conclusion

Easter Swirl Pie is a beautiful, vibrant dessert that brings a touch of elegance and fun to any celebration. With its creamy filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and colorful fruit swirl, this pie is both delicious and visually stunning. Perfect for Easter or any occasion, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Easy to prepare, full of flavor, and a feast for the eyes, this pie will make your next gathering even sweeter!

Swirl Pie

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Swirl Pie is a vibrant, visually stunning dessert that combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy filling and a colorful fruit jam swirl. This easy-to-make pie is perfect for celebrating Easter or any festive occasion. The tangy lemon filling, combined with the buttery crust and the beautiful swirl, creates a delicious treat that will impress your guests and add a burst of color to your holiday table.

Instructions

Make the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until well combined.
Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it down firmly to form an even crust.
Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s golden and set. Let it cool completely.
Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Pour the filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing it out evenly.
Add the swirl: Drop spoonfuls of fruit preserves or jam onto the surface of the pie. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the jam into the filling, creating a beautiful pattern.
If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to make the pie more festive and vibrant.
Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
Before serving, garnish with additional fruit preserves or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

Flavor Swirls: Experiment with different flavored jams or preserves like blueberry, blackberry, or citrus marmalade.
Chocolate Crust: For a twist, use chocolate cookie crumbs instead of graham crackers for the crust.
Toppings: Add colorful sprinkles, fresh berries, or edible flowers to enhance the festive look.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American