This No Bake Cranberry Pie is one of those holiday desserts that looks beautiful, tastes amazing, and comes together with almost no effort. The first time I made it, I was surprised by how creamy and refreshing it was—the tart cranberries, sweet filling, buttery crust, and soft pink color make it feel like Christmas in every bite. It’s a dessert that doesn’t need baking, doesn’t need complicated steps, and always gets compliments. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to a gathering, this pie feels festive, light, and absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Completely no-bake and foolproof: This recipe skips the oven entirely, making it perfect when the kitchen is full of holiday dishes or when you need something fast and stress-free.
- Creamy, fluffy texture: The combination of whipped cream, cream cheese, and cranberry sauce creates a light, mousse-like filling that sets beautifully without being heavy.
- Festive flavor without effort: Using whole berry cranberry sauce keeps all the bright holiday flavor but avoids the extra work of cooking fresh cranberries.
- Beautiful color and presentation: The soft pink filling flecked with cranberries looks elegant and Christmas-ready without any decorating skills required.
- Make-ahead friendly: The pie needs chilling time, which means you can make it the day before and have dessert completely ready for guests.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp sugar
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for whipping cream)
For Garnish (optional):
- Extra cranberry sauce
- Fresh cranberries
- Whipped cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
STEP 1: Make the Crust
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the texture resembles wet sand.
Tip: Pressing firmly helps the crust hold its shape for clean slices. - Press Into Pan: Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
Tip: Use the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even, compact crust. - Chill: Place the crust in the fridge for 15 minutes while you prepare the filling.
STEP 2: Prepare the Whipped Cream
- Whip Until Stiff Peaks: In a large bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
Tip: Cold cream whips faster, chill the bowl for best results.
STEP 3: Make the Cranberry Filling
- Beat Cream Cheese & Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add Vanilla & Cranberry Sauce: Mix in the vanilla extract and whole berry cranberry sauce until fully combined.
Tip: Don’t overmix, the cranberry bits give texture and color.
STEP 4: Fold Everything Together
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cranberry mixture using a spatula until light and fluffy.
Tip: Folding (not mixing) keeps the filling airy and mousse-like.
STEP 5: Fill & Chill
- Add Filling to Crust: Spread the cranberry cream mixture into the prepared crust.
Tip: Smooth the top with a spatula for a clean finish. - Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set. Overnight works best.
STEP 6: Garnish & Serve
- Decorate: Add whipped cream, fresh cranberries, or small spoonfuls of cranberry sauce on top if desired.
Tip: Garnish right before serving to keep everything fresh.
Cooking Notes
- Whole berry cranberry sauce is essential for the correct texture, jellied sauce won’t work here.
- The filling will feel soft when mixed but sets perfectly after chilling.
- You can freeze the pie for 30 minutes before slicing to get cleaner cuts.
- The pie lasts up to 3 days in the fridge when covered tightly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with whipped cream and extra cranberry sauce on the side
- Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or a holiday spiced latte
- Add mint leaves for a festive touch
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a richer dessert
- Perfect after heavy meals like turkey, ham, or roast beef
Tips
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture
- Keep the filling cold at all times so it sets correctly
- Make sure the whipped cream forms stiff peaks before folding
- Let the pie chill overnight for the most stable slices
- If the crust seems crumbly, add 1 more tablespoon of melted butter
Variations
- Chocolate Cranberry Pie: Add ¼ cup melted white chocolate to the filling.
- Cranberry Orange Version: Add 1 tbsp orange zest and 1 tbsp orange juice.
- Gingersnap Crust: Replace graham crackers with crushed gingersnaps.
- Light Version: Use Cool Whip instead of heavy cream for a quicker filling.
- Berry Mix-In: Add chopped cherries or raspberries for extra fruitiness.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes + chilling
Nutritional Information
(Per slice, based on 10 slices)
Approx. 285 calories, 18g fat, 27g carbs, 3g protein
FAQs
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
- Yes! In fact, this is the perfect make-ahead dessert. Prepare it the day before, chill overnight, and it will slice beautifully the next day.
Can I use jellied cranberry sauce instead of whole berry?
- It’s not recommended. Whole berry sauce gives texture, real fruit pieces, and structure to the filling. Jellied sauce will make the pie too soft and less flavorful.
My filling looks soft—will it firm up?
- Yes. The pie firms as it chills. As long as the whipped cream was beaten to stiff peaks, it will set correctly in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the No Bake Cranberry Pie?
- Yes. Freeze for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the fridge for several hours before serving. The texture stays creamy and smooth.
What can I use instead of graham crackers?
- Gingersnaps, vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or digestive biscuits all make delicious crust variations.
Can I make it without cream cheese?
- Cream cheese is needed for structure. Without it, the filling would be too soft. For a lighter version, you can use Neufchâtel cheese.
Conclusion
This No Bake Cranberry Pie is everything you want in a holiday dessert, creamy, light, fruity, festive, and incredibly easy to make. With its beautiful pink color, tart cranberry flavor, and smooth mousse-like filling, it stands out on any Christmas table. It’s perfect for busy cooks, perfect for make-ahead needs, and perfect for anyone who wants a dessert that tastes impressive without requiring baking. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or looking for a simple dessert to brighten your winter meals, this pie delivers every time. One slice and it instantly becomes a holiday favorite.
