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.
Ingredients
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:
- ¼ cup fruit preserves or jam (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot)
- A few drops of food coloring (optional, to make it more festive)
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