Strawberry Cool Whip Delight

I couldn’t imagine a better way to kick off Hostess with Hydrangeas than by sharing a recipe that means so much to me. When I think of beautifully set dinner tables, five-course meals, and the joy of gathering around food, I think of my Grandma Pat. She was the heart of every celebration and the reason I fell in love with hosting.

Strawberry Cool Whip Delight was one of my favorite desserts to enjoy at her table—and one of the first things she taught me to make. It’s light, creamy, and the perfect sweet bite for a warm summer day or an elegant interlude between salad and entrée at a dinner party.

This dessert holds so many memories, and I’m beyond excited to share it with you. Below is a home video of me at age 14 making this very recipe with Grandma Pat—a snapshot of the tradition and love that inspired this entire blog.

Let’s get baking, and let’s celebrate the beauty of the moment—just like she always did.

Strawberry Cool Whip Delight

A light, creamy, and nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for spring gatherings or summertime treats. Simple to make and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor!

Ingredients

• 3 oz package of strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)

• 1 cup hot water

• 1 cup finely crushed or puréed fresh strawberries

• 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed

• 4 large strawberries, thinly sliced (for garnish)

• Whipped cream (for serving)

Supplies

• 8x8 inch glass casserole dish

• Stand mixer or hand mixer

• Mixing bowl

• Blender or food processor (optional for purée)

Instructions

1. Dissolve the Gelatin
   In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry gelatin with 1 cup of hot water. Stir until fully dissolved. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.

2. Prepare the Strawberries
   While the gelatin cools, purée 1 cup of fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. If you prefer a bit of texture, you can finely crush them instead.

3. Mix It All Together
   Once the gelatin is cool, add the strawberry purée and the full 8 oz container of Cool Whip. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on low speed to blend until the texture is smooth and uniform—similar to a smoothie consistency with no clumps.

4. Pour & Garnish
   Lightly grease your 8x8 glass casserole dish. Pour the mixture into the dish, smoothing out the top. Arrange the strawberry slices evenly across the surface for a beautiful garnish.

5. Chill & Set
   Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours) until fully set.

6. Serve & Enjoy
   Cut into squares, top with a dollop of whipped cream, and serve chilled.