In a small saucepan or tea kettle, bring 2/3 cup water to a boil.
2/3 cup boiling water
Empty the strawberry jello into a large mixing bowl. Add the boiling water and stir until the jello is completely dissolved.
3 ounces strawberry jello
Add 2 cups of ice to the hot gelatin mixture. Stir or whisk until the jello has thickened. Remove any extra pieces of ice.
2 cups ice cubes
Add the whipped topping.
8 ounces whipped topping
Whisk together until smooth.
Fold in the diced strawberries.
1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries
Pour the mixture into the crust.
9 ounces graham cracker pie crust
Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Serve cold with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh strawberry on top, if desired.
Notes
Recipe Tips:
If you'd rather avoid purchased whipped topping, substitute with freshly whipped heavy cream. You'll need 1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream to equal an 8 ounce carton of whipped topping (Cool Whip).
Don't try to substitute frozen strawberries in this recipe. They contain too much liquid and will prevent the pie from setting up.
Storage:Cover the leftover pie and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. Freezing is not recommended for any recipe containing gelatin because it loses its texture when frozen.