Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed vanilla wafers/Oreo cookies)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract for variation)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for a slight tang, optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (or 1 packet unflavored gelatin for firm texture)
- ¼ cup milk (adjust consistency if needed)
For the Swirls:
- Gel food coloring (pastel shades like pink, blue, yellow, and purple)
- Optional: Fruit purees (strawberry, blueberry, mango) for natural coloring
For Topping (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Pastel sprinkles
- White chocolate shavings
- Edible flowers (pansies, violets, or lavender)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Crush the Cookies – In a food processor, blend graham crackers (or your chosen cookies) into fine crumbs. Alternatively, place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Mix with Butter & Sugar – In a bowl, combine the crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press into the Pan – Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan, ensuring an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to compact it.
- Chill or Bake –
- No-bake option: Place the crust in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Baked option: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 8–10 minutes. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.
Step 2: Make the Swirl Filling
- Beat the Cream Cheese – In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Wet Ingredients – Mix in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Blend until well combined.
- Thicken the Filling –
- If using cornstarch, dissolve it in 2 tbsp of cold milk and mix it into the filling.
- If using gelatin, dissolve it in ¼ cup of warm water, let it bloom for 5 minutes, then stir it into the mixture.
- Divide and Color – Split the filling into 3–4 small bowls. Add a few drops of food coloring (or fruit puree) to each, mixing until the colors are vibrant.
Step 3: Create the Swirls
- Pour the Base Layer – Spread a thin layer of the uncolored filling into the pie crust.
- Drop the Colors – Spoon different colored mixtures in random spots over the base.
- Swirl Gently – Using a toothpick or skewer, drag through the colors in a circular or wavy motion to create a marbled effect. Avoid overmixing to keep the colors distinct.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate – Cover the pie and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set.
- Garnish (Optional) – Before serving, top with whipped cream, pastel sprinkles, white chocolate shavings, or edible flowers for an extra festive touch.
- Slice and Enjoy – Use a warm knife (run it under hot water and dry it) for clean slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the pie)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg