As someone who’s spent years creating easy, no-bake desserts for the holidays, I can tell you this No Bake Cranberry Cream Pie is a total showstopper! It’s bright, creamy, and bursting with the tart flavor of cranberry sauce, without ever turning on the oven or messing with pie weights!
This pie is everything a Christmas or Thanksgiving dessert should be, festive, effortless, and absolutely delicious! It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like you spent all day baking when really, the fridge did all the work.
My family can’t get enough of this cranberry pie because it’s the perfect mix of sweet, tart, and creamy! This is a really great recipe to make for Thanksgiving but also to make the weekend after Thanksgiving.
If you've got leftover cranberry sauce hanging in the refrigerator from Thanksgiving dinner, make this pie! Every bite feels like a little taste of Christmas cheer, and the color alone makes everyone smile when it hits the table!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
The best thing about this delicious cranberry pie is that it’s completely no bake! That which means no stressing about pie dough or pie weights when the oven’s already packed with turkey and sides!
I can whip it up the day before, let it chill overnight, and it’s ready to impress by dessert time. It’s cool, creamy, and so festive! A cranberry cream pie that’s become a must-have at both Thanksgiving and Christmas in our house.
Ingredients to Make No Bake Cranberry Cream Pie
Gather these 5 simple ingredients and you’re ready to go!
- Graham cracker pie crust - because easy is best during this busy season! I always try to stock up when I see them on sale. I love using them for my no bake lemon cheesecake and my no bake pumpkin cheesecake.
- Cream cheese - For that creamy texture that’s irresistible! Use full fat cream cheese for this recipe. Low fat or fat free will not set as well and can have a grainy texture.
- Cranberry sauce - Use your favorite cranberry sauce! Canned or homemade will be delicious and jellied or sauce with whole cranberries will work too!
- Powdered sugar - it will add the perfect amount of sweetness to offset the tart cranberry sauce.
- Whipped topping - The whipped topping adds a light, creamy finish. Balancing the bright, tart flavor with a smooth sweetness.
Be sure to check out the printable recipe card for full recipe information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use homemade whipped cream instead of store bought whipped topping. Whip your heavy cream until there are stiff peaks and you’re ready to go!
- Add orange zest and a splash of orange juice to the filling for a bright citrus note that complements the cranberries perfectly.
- Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans to the top for nutty crunch and flavor.
How To Make No Bake Cranberry Pie
Step 1
In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until well combined and smooth. Add cranberry sauce and mix until everything is combined.
Step 2
Fold in the whipped topping. Gently fold it in until the mixture is completely combined.
Step 3
Spoon the mixture into your graham cracker crust and spread into an even layer.
Step 4
Chill the pie for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- Use full fat cream cheese. The holidays aren’t the time to skimp and you will definitely notice a difference in texture if you use low fat!
- Chill it for at least 2 hours. The longer you chill it the better. This is a great recipe to make ahead of time and let chill overnight.
- Just before serving, top with whipped cream, sugared cranberries, or citrus zest for a festive, bakery-style finish.
Storage Instructions
Store the pie covered in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Use plastic wrap or an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. You can freeze the pie in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use whichever cranberry sauce is your family’s favorite.
Yes you can! Use 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a deeper flavor) and 6 tablespoons melted butter. Mix well and gently push the mixture into your favorite pie plate.
Absolutely! You can make it ahead of time and allow it to chill in the refrigerator for a day or two. You can also freeze the pie for up to 1 month and then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
No Bake Cranberry Cream Pie
Equipment
- Stand Mixer
- Measuring Cup
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 Graham Cracker Crust
- 8 oz Full Fat Cream Cheese Room temperature
- 1 cup Cranberry Sauce Homemade or store bought
- ½ cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 tub Whipped Topping 8 oz
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add cranberry sauce and mix until fully combined.
- Fold in whipped topping until fluffy and smooth.
- Spoon mixture into the graham cracker crust and spread evenly. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to let the pie chill for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps let the pie set completely.
- If you don't want to use whipped topping, you can make your own homemade whipped cream.
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