4th of July Swirl Pie

Celebrate Independence Day with a visually stunning and delicious dessert: the 4th of July Swirl Pie. This no-bake treat features a creamy, cloud-like filling adorned with vibrant red and blue swirls, creating a festive centerpiece for your holiday table. The combination of a buttery graham cracker crust, rich cream cheese filling, and naturally colored fruit purees offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for summer gatherings, this pie is easy to prepare, requires no oven, and can be made ahead, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without spending too much time in the kitchen. 

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1¼ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
  
  

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  
  

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  
  

For the Filling:

• 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  
  

• ¾ cup powdered sugar (icing sugar), sifted
  
  

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
  

• 1 cup cold heavy cream (or thickened cream)
  
  

For the Red Swirl:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
  
  

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  
  

For the Blue Swirl:

• 1 cup fresh blueberries
  
  

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  
  

Optional:

• Food-safe gel colors or fruit purees for more vivid swirls
  
  

Directions:

1. Prepare the Crust:
   
   

   • In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter.
     
     

   • Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
     
     

   • Press into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish or tart pan.
     
     

   • Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
     
     

2. Make the Red Swirl:
   
   

   • In a small saucepan, add chopped strawberries and sugar.
     
     

   • Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until berries soften and release juice (about 5–7 minutes).
     
     

   • Use a blender or immersion blender to puree.
     
     

   • Pass through a fine mesh sieve for a smoother swirl.
     
     

   • Let cool completely.
     
     

3. Make the Blue Swirl:
   
   

   • Repeat the process with the blueberries and sugar: simmer, mash, puree, and strain.
     
     

   • Set aside to cool.
     
     

4. Prepare the Creamy Filling:
   
   

   • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
     
     

   • Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beat again until incorporated.
     
     

   • In a separate chilled bowl, whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks.
     
     

   • Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in 2–3 batches until smooth and airy.
     
     

5. Assemble the Pie:
   
   

   • Spoon the cream filling into the chilled crust and spread evenly.
     
     

   • Dot spoonfuls of red strawberry sauce and blueberry sauce on top.
     
     

   • Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the colors into the filling. Don’t overmix — you want distinct streaks.
     
     

6. Chill and Set:
   
   

   • Refrigerate the pie for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, until fully set and sliceable.
     
     

Nutritional Information (Per Slice — Approximate):

• Calories: 320
  
  

• Fat: 22g
  
  

• Sugar: 18g
  
  

• Protein: 4g
  
  

• Fiber: 1g