Name: 4th of July Swirl Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Red food coloring; Blue food coloring

This 4th of July Swirl Pie is a festive, creamy dessert bursting with patriotic colors and summertime flavor. With a graham cracker crust and swirls of red and blue through a smooth cream cheese filling, this pie is perfect for Independence Day gatherings or any summer celebration.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this pie brings a vibrant, celebratory flair to the dessert table with minimal effort. It's no-bake, which means I don’t need to heat up the kitchen, and it’s made ahead of time, freeing me up to enjoy the party. The swirled colors always get compliments, and the creamy texture with the buttery crust is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham cracker crumbs
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Cream cheese
Sweetened condensed milk
Lemon juice
Vanilla extract
Red food coloring
Blue food coloring

directions

I start by mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, then press it into a pie dish to form the crust. I chill it for about 15 minutes until firm.
In a large bowl, I beat the cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
I divide a small portion of the filling into two separate bowls and tint one red and the other blue.
I pour the remaining white filling into the chilled crust and dollop the red and blue mixtures on top. Using a skewer or knife, I gently swirl the colors for a marbled effect.
The pie goes into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.

Servings and timing

This pie serves 8 people. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus a minimum of 4 hours to chill and set completely in the refrigerator.

Variations

I sometimes use crushed vanilla cookies instead of graham crackers for a sweeter crust. For a fruity twist, I mix in chopped strawberries or blueberries into the cream filling. If I want a slightly firmer texture, I fold in whipped topping before swirling in the colors.

storage/reheating

I keep the pie refrigerated and covered with plastic wrap for up to 4 days. If I need to transport it, I place it in a lidded container to keep it secure. This pie doesn’t need reheating, but it’s best served cold right from the fridge.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make this pie?

I usually make it a day in advance. It needs at least 4 hours to set, but overnight is even better for firm slices.

Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, I can freeze it. I wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to a month. I just thaw it in the fridge for several hours before serving.

Can I use store-bought crust?

Absolutely. When I’m short on time, I use a pre-made graham cracker crust to cut down on prep.

What food coloring works best?

I prefer gel food coloring because it gives vibrant colors without thinning out the filling.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes, I can use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut condensed milk, though the flavor and texture might vary slightly.

Conclusion

This 4th of July Swirl Pie is the kind of dessert I come back to every summer. It’s simple to make, visually stunning, and a refreshing treat that makes any holiday table pop with color and joy.