Hiya! I’m actually going to be digital-free until Monday night, so I’ll be back to see you all later. But I had to share this recipe anyway. Yay for setting posts to automatically publish!
This looks like a cheesecake. But it’s not. It’s something very, very special.
Hey, it’s almost summer! This time of year, baking blogs undergo a shift as fruit actually becomes available. Like, good fruit. Not the stuff that looks really pretty and tastes like nothing.
This is a partially no-bake dessert that incorporates fruit notes with strawberry jam, but that hasn’t gone all out yet with fresh fruit. Can you use fresh fruit? Or homemade jam? Sure. But I didn’t. I was more about savoring these last few weeks of spring, when school is still in session and we have a whole summer to look forward to.
Anticipation is, after all, much more fun than whatever you’re looking forward to. Like my birthday. I retain the childish hope every year that my birthday will be the best day ever. Somehow, a normal day will stretch out idyllically, full of amazing meals and fun outings and sunshiny skies. Gotta tell you, that’s not exactly how it goes down. Looking forward to something is usually just better than whatever happens.
Unless we’re talking about food. I anticipate a meal at my favorite restaurant, and almost always, it’s just as amazing as I thought it would be. And I have to say, a trip to Baskin Robbins rarely disappoints. So there are some certainties in this cold, cruel world.
I’d like to say that when school lets out in a few weeks, I will be embarking on a fantastic summer. But I’m afraid to have expectations that are too high. I’ll be working on a book over the next few months, getting in some pool time, walking the DC streets in the peak of the summer heat, and ferrying my children to and from camp. I’m expecting ice cream. I’m expecting some nice days. I hope that’s not out of reach!
This dessert is definitely in reach, which is kind of unfortunate if you’re trying to avoid awesomeness. I’m not, so it’s all good. The base is a graham cracker crust that I’ve tricked out with chocolate chips and cocoa. On top is a magical filling, made up of pudding mix, condensed milk, and Cool Whip. It’s pretty great. The whole thing gets rounded out with strawberry jelly and a generous sprinkling of mini chocolate chips.
If you’re into cool desserts, especially ones that nobody’s ever tried before, this is it. It’s creamy, it’s easy, and most importantly, it tastes delicious. And it’s the perfect transition toward summer, as we all anticipate what comes next.
We all need something to look forward to, but if you can, make the present count as much as the mythical future. It’s all part of your life! A life that includes fantastic pie.
Ingredients
Crust
1/3 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
Filling
14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk (I used fat free)
1/2 cup water
3.4 oz. box vanilla pudding mix
4 oz. Cool Whip
Topping
3/4 cup strawberry jam
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350. Coat a 10-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, melt the butter and mini chocolate chips in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth. Add the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa, and brown sugar, stirring until the crumbs are sandy.
- Press the crumb mixture into the pan and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool.
- Make the filling. In a bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and water, stirring until smooth. Add the pudding mix and beat for a minute or two.
- Place the bowl in the refrigerator and chill for five minutes.
- Remove the bowl from the fridge and fold in the Cool Whip. Pour the mixture into the springform pan (on top of the baked crust) and chill for one hour until set.
- Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the chilled pie in a thin layer. Sprinkle on the mini chocolate chips.
- Keep the pie in the refrigerator, chilled, until you're ready to serve. Slice into wedges.
3.1
http://justaboutbaked.com/almost-summer-pie/
I love sweetened condensed milk recipes! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Heather! Me, too! So easy and fun!
Mir – I’m also looking forward to the summer. It’ll be nice to have some time to myself. You’re writing a book? That’s fantastic. This dessert is really different. I love the flavor combinations!
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg recently posted…Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
I’m trying to, Erin! If I can tear myself away from the pool. Thanks much!
This pie looks amazing. I want it ALL year. And a no-tech weekend? !!!!!!????? I’d never survive! 🙂
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Peanut Butter Cookie Gooey Bars
It was rough, Dorothy. I feel a little crazy for doing it. But I made it! Thanks much!
I hope you enjoy your digital break – sometimes it is needed, isn’t it.
This looks like my kind of pie. I wish it felt like nearly summer here. it’s so cold today.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on How To Eat More Fruit and Vegetables by Dannii
I’m so sorry it’s cold! That’s the downside of where you live…I couldn’t. Even though it’s lovely!
Looks lovely Mir! That’s so neat you’re working on a book!
Sam@SugarSpunRun recently posted…Strawberry Lemon Layered Angel Food Cake
Thanks, Sam! I’m trying to up my work ethic this summer!
Working on a book?! Um, elaborate, please! Also yayyyy school is O U T. I’m all about queuing my posts recently, too. We are busy folk. Maybe I’ll see you while I’m in NW this summer!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout recently posted…{Vegan + GF} No-Bake Almond Joy Tart!
It’s kind of a baking book with a twist, Medha. It’s got a strong narrative/humor piece to it. I hope it’ll be fun to do! It would be fun to run into you, for sure! I’m in NW a lot. 😉
I love when a blog shifts to no-bake and freezer treats!
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting recently posted…Peach Streusel Pizza
Me, too. So much cooler and not on the counter, either!
Hope you had a good weekend, Mir! I tried to take as much blogging time off as I could this past weekend (which wasn’t a ton) but it was a nice break! Love the looks of this pie. And can’t wait for summer!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Lemon Garlic Salmon
Taking time off is so important, Gayle. Hope you cam back refreshed and all charged up!
What mouthwatering images, and a delicious recipe! This pie has definitely got me excited for summer. I will definitely have to try making it! 🙂
Harriet Emily recently posted…DESSERT FOR ONE: BLUEBERRY MUFFIN
Thanks, Harriet Emily! It’s surprisingly addictive, and I’m not even a strawberry jam kind of girl!
Mir, love the name .. almost summer pie. . love it!!! and a book?!!! Congrats, that’s AWESOME!!!!!! I love this pie. . the graham cracker and mini chocolate chip crust, the filling and the strawberry jam topping. . delicious!!! and don’t worry about setting expectations too high for the summer. . just enjoy it!! and hey, aren’t there always sunshiny skies on birthdays?! love it!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Cheddar Cheese Chive and Bacon Muffins
I hope it’s awesome, Alice! I’ve got to buckle down and get everything done in a couple of months, and there’s PRESSURE. But I’ll try to work in pool time as well!
Love using condensed milk in desserts! This one looks amazing! I hope summer comes pretty soon, but this week it is all rain here 🙁 Pinned!
mira recently posted…Strawberry And White Chocolate Charlotte Cake Recipe
Raining in late May? Not okay, Mira! You’ve gotta find a new climate. I insist! Thanks for pinning!
I am absolutely all about no bake summer pies, and this looks like a must try!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes) recently posted…Southern Sweet Tea
Thanks, Jocelyn! I am definitely attacking my no-bake arsenal these days for desserts!
love no bake pies! this looks amazing Mir!
Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Chocolate Yogurt & Granola Breakfast Bowl
Thanks, Manali! I’m trying to bake less and freeze more!
Mir, that’s so cool that you are writing a book! I can’t wait to see the finished product! And this pie looks just heavenly!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks recently posted…Happy Memorial Day and Boozy Caramel Apple Pie
Thanks, Rachelle! I’m trying to be productive. It’s an uphill battle!
HAHAHAHA!!! That’s always how I feel about my birthday. #neverhappens Love this pie!
Lisa @ Wine & Glue recently posted…Strawberry Basil Sangria
Why is that, Lisa? Maybe it’s part of being a mom? Or of wanting ONE DAY where you don’t plan dinner? You’re not alone, sister!
What an AMAZING looking pie! Loved the no-bake version! YUMMY!
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen recently posted…Besan Gatte Ki Sabzi – Gatta Curry
No-bake is so essential this time of year, Anu. I’m glad you like it!