No-Bake Watermelon Pie
There are some recipes that instantly become family favorites, and this No-Bake Watermelon Pie is exactly that in our house. It all started on a hot summer afternoon when I was looking for a light, refreshing dessert that wouldn’t require me to turn on the oven. The last thing I wanted was to heat up my kitchen, but I still wanted to surprise my family with something sweet and fun. Watermelon is always a staple in our fridge during the warmer months, so the idea of turning it into a creamy, cool pie felt like a stroke of genius.
The very first time I made it, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. Would the watermelon hold up? Would it be too watery? But as soon as I took that first bite, I knew we had a winner. The creamy filling, paired with the slight crunch of the graham cracker crust and the sweet bursts of fresh watermelon, was absolute perfection. My kids devoured their slices in record time, and my husband immediately asked if I could make another one for the weekend. Now, every time I serve this pie, it feels like a little slice of summer no matter what time of year it is.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple and quick it is to put together. In just a few minutes, you can have a beautiful, crowd-pleasing dessert that looks like you spent hours on it. It’s light, fluffy, and bursting with watermelon flavor — the perfect treat to bring to any gathering or enjoy as a weeknight indulgence.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use frozen watermelon?
I recommend using fresh watermelon for the best texture and flavor. Frozen watermelon tends to release more water as it thaws, which can make the filling runny.
Does the pie need to be refrigerated before serving?
Yes! The pie should chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the filling to set properly.
Can I substitute the graham cracker crust?
Absolutely. You can use a vanilla wafer crust, a shortbread crust, or even a pre-made store-bought crust if you’re short on time.
How long will this pie keep in the refrigerator?
It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. After that, the watermelon may start to release too much moisture.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very much so! The light, fluffy texture and sweet watermelon flavor are always a hit with kids.
What You Need to Make No-Bake Watermelon Pie
2 cups fresh watermelon, diced and seeded
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 pre-made graham cracker crust (9-inch)
Optional: extra whipped topping for garnish
Special tools:
Large mixing bowl
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Rubber spatula
How to Make No-Bake Watermelon Pie
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk while continuing to beat, ensuring the mixture stays smooth.
Stir in the lemon juice to add a touch of brightness.
Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping using a spatula until well combined.
Carefully fold in the diced watermelon, being gentle to avoid breaking up the fruit.
Pour the mixture into the pre-made graham cracker crust, smoothing out the top.
Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to fully set.
Before serving, optionally garnish with additional whipped topping or a few watermelon cubes.
Tips for Making the Best No-Bake Watermelon Pie
Drain the watermelon: After dicing, let the watermelon sit in a strainer for a few minutes to drain excess juice. This prevents the pie from becoming watery.
Use cold ingredients: Cold cream cheese and whipped topping blend better and help the filling set more firmly.
Chill overnight: If you have time, letting the pie chill overnight gives the best texture and flavor.
Customize the crust: Try different crusts like Oreo, vanilla wafer, or shortbread for a fun twist.
Serve cold: This pie is at its best when served well-chilled, making it perfect for hot days.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was such a hit at my BBQ! Everyone was asking for the recipe. Light, refreshing, and so easy to make.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I loved how simple this was, but next time I might add a bit more lemon juice for extra tang.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “My kids devoured it! Perfect way to use up extra watermelon. Definitely adding this to our summer dessert list.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Made this for a potluck and it was gone in minutes. The texture is so fluffy and the fresh watermelon is amazing.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Really enjoyed this, but I think I might try it with a vanilla wafer crust next time. Still delicious though!”
Printable Recipe
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No-Bake Watermelon Pie
This No-Bake Watermelon Pie is the ultimate summer dessert — light, creamy, and bursting with fresh watermelon flavor. With a fluffy filling made from cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, and juicy watermelon chunks, all nestled in a graham cracker crust, it’s the perfect easy treat for hot days, BBQs, or any time you want a cool, refreshing dessert without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh watermelon, diced and seeded
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (9-inch)
- Optional: extra whipped topping for garnish
- Special tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk while continuing to beat, ensuring the mixture stays smooth.
- Stir in the lemon juice to add a touch of brightness.
- Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping using a spatula until well combined.
- Carefully fold in the diced watermelon, being gentle to avoid breaking up the fruit.
- Pour the mixture into the pre-made graham cracker crust, smoothing out the top.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to fully set.
- Before serving, optionally garnish with additional whipped topping or a few watermelon cubes.
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