If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both stunningly delicious and incredibly simple, you’re going to adore this Easy No-Bake Cranberry Pie (Creamy Holiday Dessert) Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tangy cranberry sauce and rich, creamy filling all nestled within a perfectly crisp graham cracker crust. This pie comes together quickly without turning on your oven, making it a fantastic choice for busy holidays or any time you want a fuss-free treat that feels special and festive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures — from the tangy bite of orange zest to the velvety smoothness of cream cheese. Let’s explore the essentials that make this pie such a crowd-pleaser.
- Cream cheese, 8 ounces: The creamy base that brings richness and a smooth texture to the filling.
- Powdered sugar, ⅓ cup: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without graininess.
- Orange zest, 1½ teaspoons: Infuses a fresh citrus note that lifts the cranberry flavor beautifully.
- Whole-berry cranberry sauce, 14 ounces: Provides vibrant color, tartness, and a hint of natural sweetness with delightful berry texture.
- Whipped topping, 8 ounces (thawed): Lightens the mixture, creating a fluffy, airy creaminess that’s irresistible.
- 9-inch graham cracker crust: The sturdy, slightly sweet foundation, offering a buttery crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
How to Make Easy No-Bake Cranberry Pie (Creamy Holiday Dessert) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base
Start by beating together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange zest in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to get the mixture silky smooth and creamy — this is the luscious foundation of your pie, so make sure there are no lumps!
Step 2: Add the Cranberry Sauce
Slowly add the whole-berry cranberry sauce to the cream cheese mixture and beat on low speed. This ensures the tart cranberry flavor melds evenly without breaking down the berries too much, retaining their beautiful texture throughout the pie.
Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into your cranberry and cream cheese blend. Folding rather than mixing quickly keeps the filling light and airy, giving you that dreamy creamy holiday dessert consistency that everyone will love.
Step 4: Set the Pie
Spread the finished filling evenly into your graham cracker crust, then pop the pie into the fridge. It needs at least two hours (or overnight if you can wait!) to set properly and let all the flavors marry perfectly.
How to Serve Easy No-Bake Cranberry Pie (Creamy Holiday Dessert) Recipe
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, sprinkle some fresh orange zest or a few whole cranberries atop the pie. A dusting of powdered sugar or a few sprigs of fresh mint can make it feel extra festive and inviting.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides like a crisp green salad, or alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee for a cozy holiday experience. The tart-sweet flavors of the pie balance well with both savory and sweet accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pie in individual clear glasses for a charming mini-dessert option, layering the filling with extra cranberry sauce or whipped topping between layers. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of dark chocolate for a delicious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover pie refrigerated in the original crust pan to maintain its shape and freshness. It’ll stay delicious for up to three days, although we promise it won’t last that long once everyone tastes it!
Freezing
You can freeze this pie for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly and freeze, then thaw slowly in the refrigerator before serving. The texture remains creamy and the flavors stay bright even after freezing.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled, so no reheating is necessary. Simply slice and serve straight from the fridge or after thawing from frozen.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce works wonderfully in this recipe and lets you control the sweetness and texture exactly to your liking.
Is this pie suitable for kids?
Definitely! The creamy, mildly sweet flavors with a hint of fruitiness make it a hit for kids and adults alike.
Can I make this pie ahead of time for a party?
Yes, this Easy No-Bake Cranberry Pie (Creamy Holiday Dessert) Recipe is perfect for making a day or two in advance and storing chilled, which makes party prep stress-free.
What if I don’t have an electric mixer?
You can mix by hand using a sturdy whisk or wooden spoon, but it will require a bit more elbow grease to get it nice and smooth.
Can I substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream?
For sure! Homemade whipped cream adds a fresh touch and works beautifully if you prefer making everything from scratch.
Final Thoughts
This Easy No-Bake Cranberry Pie (Creamy Holiday Dessert) Recipe is truly a gem for anyone wanting a festive, flavorful dessert without the hassle of baking. Its creamy texture, lovely tartness, and quick prep make it a joy to serve and enjoy with loved ones. Give it a try and watch it become your new holiday favorite!
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Easy No-Bake Cranberry Pie (Creamy Holiday Dessert) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy No-Bake Cranberry Pie is a creamy and tangy holiday dessert featuring a smooth cream cheese and whipped topping filling blended with tart cranberry sauce, all nestled in a classic graham cracker crust. Quick and simple to assemble, this pie requires no baking and is perfect for busy festive gatherings, potlucks, or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons orange zest
- 1 (14 ounce) can whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 1 (8 ounce) tub whipped topping, thawed
Crust
- 1 (9 inch) graham cracker crust
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange zest with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Add the whole-berry cranberry sauce to the cream cheese mixture and beat on low speed until the sauce is fully incorporated and the mixture is well combined.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cranberry mixture using a spatula to keep the mixture light and airy, avoiding overmixing.
- Fill the Crust: Spread the creamy cranberry filling evenly into the pre-made 9-inch graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill the Pie: Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least two hours or overnight to allow it to set firmly.
- Serve: Once chilled and set, optionally garnish as desired, slice into 8 pieces, and serve chilled for a refreshing holiday dessert.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days, preferably in the pie pan to maintain crust shape. The pie is best enjoyed within two days.
- The pie can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving or enjoy it frozen as a frozen treat.
- Keep the pie chilled until ready to serve to preserve texture and flavor.
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