If there’s one dessert that signals the start of summer in my kitchen, it’s the Easy No-Bake Cherry Pie. This delightful treat is a breeze to whip up, a joy to share, and the kind of recipe that makes everyone swoon with nostalgia. Imagine a buttery, crumbly graham cracker crust, a cloud-like cream cheese filling, and a mountain of sweet-tart cherry pie filling—all without turning on the oven. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or craving something special on a lazy weeknight, this cherry pie is always the answer. The Easy No-Bake Cherry Pie proves that decadence truly can be effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of classic, easy-to-find ingredients for this pie, and each one plays a unique role in creating that cloudlike texture and bold cherry flavor. It’s a perfect little team—let’s break down exactly why each part matters!
- Graham cracker crumbs: The backbone of the crust, these lend the pie its signature nutty crunch and rich golden color.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the crumbs together, giving the base its sliceable, sturdy structure and that irresistible buttery melt.
- Cream cheese: This is the filling’s velvety heart—be sure to soften it first for the creamiest results.
- Powdered sugar: It dissolves beautifully into the cream cheese, sweetening without any graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash enhances the richness of the filling and gives it warmth and depth.
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): This ingredient folds in airiness and that light, dreamy texture you want in a no-bake dessert.
- Canned cherry pie filling: Vivid red, juicy, and bursting with summer flavor, this is the crowning glory of any Easy No-Bake Cherry Pie.
How to Make Easy No-Bake Cherry Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Start by combining your graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a medium bowl, stirring until the crumbs look like damp sand and hold together when pressed. Immediately press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a standard 9-inch pie dish. Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down tightly—this way your crust will stand up to a big, luscious filling. Pop the crust into the freezer while you work on the next step; this helps it firm up quickly (and keeps things ultra-simple for you).
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until its silky smooth and fluffy. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until everything is well combined. The scent is irresistible at this point. Now, gently fold in the whipped topping until no streaks remain—work slowly and carefully, so you don’t deflate all that nice airiness. This is what gives the Easy No-Bake Cherry Pie its signature cloud-like texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Spread the cream cheese filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the top nicely. Make sure to cover the crust edge to edge—the creaminess against the buttery crust is pure magic in every bite. Spoon the luscious cherry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer. Be generous here! The glossy cherries are what make this dessert sing, both visually and flavor-wise.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Cover your pie gently with plastic wrap or foil and pop it into the fridge. Letting it chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) is the golden rule for a perfectly set Easy No-Bake Cherry Pie. This gives every layer time to meld together and makes sure you slice into a pie that holds its shape beautifully.
How to Serve Easy No-Bake Cherry Pie
Garnishes
The finishing touches are half the fun! Dust the top of your Easy No-Bake Cherry Pie with a little extra graham cracker crumb, a swirl of whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of finely grated dark chocolate. For a pop of fresh flavor, add a few mint leaves or a tiny zest of lemon right before serving.
Side Dishes
This pie is fantastic alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh mixed berries—these cool, creamy, or fruity sides balance the pie’s richness and bring even more color to your dessert table. A cup of hot coffee or iced tea is perfect for cutting through the sweetness and making every bite feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the classic wedge! Try building mini Easy No-Bake Cherry Pies in jars for a picnic, or use a cookie cutter to create adorable bite-size squares from a slab pie version. For parties, serve in elegant parfait glasses with a layered look, or drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce onto each plate for a restaurant-worthy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Easy No-Bake Cherry Pie fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay perfectly delicious in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors might even meld and get better by day two!
Freezing
If you’d like to stash a pie for later, you’re in luck! Wrap the pie (whole or in individual slices) securely in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the cherry topping and add it fresh after thawing.
Reheating
This is one dessert that’s best enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge. There’s no need to reheat; just slice, serve, and savor!
FAQs
Can I make Easy No-Bake Cherry Pie with a homemade cherry topping?
Absolutely! Simmer fresh or frozen cherries with a splash of lemon juice, sugar, and a bit of cornstarch to thicken. Let it cool completely, then spoon over your pie for a truly personalized touch.
Is it possible to use a different type of crust?
Certainly! If you prefer, try a chocolate cookie crust or a vanilla wafer crust—both pair spectacularly with the creamy filling and cherry topping, adding their own unique flavors.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
You can! Whip 1 cup of heavy cream with a tablespoon of powdered sugar until soft peaks form, then gently fold into the cream cheese mixture. Just note that homemade whipped cream won’t hold its shape as long, so serve the pie within a day or two.
How do I keep the crust from crumbling?
Packing the crust tightly and letting it chill thoroughly are key steps. Don’t rush the chilling time! If you want even more structure, stir in an extra tablespoon of melted butter.
What’s the best way to get clean, beautiful slices?
Wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between cuts, and use a thin-bladed, sharp knife. Chilling the pie overnight makes slicing even easier and ensures every wedge looks picture-perfect.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sharing a slice of Easy No-Bake Cherry Pie with people you love. It’s one of those recipes that always delivers happiness—no fuss, no oven, just pure joy. Go ahead and give it a try; I can’t wait for you to discover how truly irresistible it is!
Print
Easy No-Bake Cherry Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 pie 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy No-Bake Cherry Pie recipe is a delightful treat that requires no oven time. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious cherry filling, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a pie dish.
- Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream.
- Assemble the Pie: Spread the cream cheese mixture into the crust. Top with cherry pie filling.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can use fresh cherries for the filling if they are in season.
- Feel free to garnish the pie with chocolate shavings or whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 46mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *