No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie: 4 Easy, Irresistible Ingredients

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If you’ve ever found yourself craving something sweet, creamy, and just a little festive—but without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone—this No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie is about to become your new best friend. Truly. This is one of those desserts that feels special enough for holidays yet easy enough for a random Tuesday when life feels heavy and you just want dessert now.

I first leaned on this No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie during one of those weeks where my to-do list laughed at me every morning. You know the kind—work deadlines, family stuff, zero mental space for baking. This pie saved the day. No oven. No stress. Just creamy, tangy-sweet goodness tucked into a graham cracker crust and chilling quietly in the freezer while I handled life.

And the best part? People think you worked way harder than you did. Let’s keep that between us.

Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie

Let’s talk about why this dessert earns a permanent spot in your recipe box:

No oven required – Perfect for busy days or hot kitchens.
Only a handful of ingredients – Nothing fancy, nothing intimidating.
Make-ahead friendly – Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or hosting without stress.
Sweet + tangy balance – The cranberry cuts through the creaminess in the best way.
Crowd-pleasing – Even folks who “don’t like cranberry” tend to ask for seconds.

This No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie is light but rich, creamy but bright, and honestly feels like a cozy hug with a little zing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of this recipe—you might already have most of these on hand:

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (14.5-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
or 1 ½ cups heavy cream, whipped
1 pre-made 9” graham cracker crust
(store-bought or homemade—no judgment here)

That’s it. No gelatin, no baking, no complicated steps.

How to Make No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie (Step-by-Step)

This recipe is beginner-friendly and forgiving. Take a breath—you’ve got this.

Step 1: Whip the Cream Cheese

Place your softened cream cheese into a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat for about one minute, until smooth and fluffy. Scrape down the sides once to avoid any sneaky lumps.

Tip: Softened cream cheese is non-negotiable. Cold cream cheese = frustration.

Step 2: Soften the Cranberry Sauce

Spoon the cranberry sauce into a bowl and lightly mash it with a fork. You’re not aiming for smooth—just breaking up the berries a bit.

Microwave it on low for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This helps loosen it up so it blends beautifully with the cream cheese. Don’t let it melt—warm and soft is perfect.

Step 3: Combine Cream Cheese and Cranberry

Add the softened cranberry sauce to the cream cheese. Beat until smooth and fully combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.

At this stage, the mixture will be pink, creamy, and already tempting enough to eat by the spoonful. (I won’t tell.)

Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Remove the bowl from the mixer. Gently fold in the whipped topping using a spatula. Go slow here—you want to keep that airy, cloud-like texture.

If you’re using freshly whipped cream instead, fold it in the same way.

Step 5: Fill the Crust

Pour the filling into your graham cracker crust. Smooth the top into a gentle mound—it doesn’t need to be perfect. Rustic is charming.

Step 6: Freeze

Place the pie in the freezer for 6–8 hours or overnight. This helps it set beautifully and makes slicing clean and easy.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie from the freezer about 30 minutes before serving. This gives it the perfect creamy, sliceable texture.

No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie with a slice removed and sugared cranberries on top — This No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie is rich, creamy, and perfectly set after chilling—ideal for make-ahead entertaining.This No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie is rich, creamy, and perfectly set after chilling—ideal for make-ahead entertaining.

Helpful Tips for Pie Success

Too firm? Let it sit a bit longer at room temperature.
Too soft? Pop it back in the freezer—this pie is very forgiving.
Want extra flair? Top with whipped cream swirls, sugared cranberries, or white chocolate shavings.
No mixer? A hand mixer works just fine.

If your filling looks a little thick, don’t panic—it’s just extra comfort waiting to set up.

A Little Personal Note from My Kitchen

This No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie has become one of my quiet heroes. I’ve made it for holiday dinners when the oven was already packed, for last-minute guests, and once—true story—just because I needed a win after a long week.

There’s something deeply comforting about a dessert that asks so little of you but gives so much back. It reminds me why I fell in love with simple, no-fuss cooking in the first place. Life is busy enough—dessert shouldn’t be.

FAQs About No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?

Absolutely. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before adding it to the cream cheese.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This pie is perfect for making a day or two ahead. Keep it frozen and thaw slightly before serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Cover tightly and store in the freezer for up to one week. Individual slices freeze beautifully.

Can I use a different crust?

Of course. A vanilla wafer crust or even an Oreo crust works well if you want to switch things up.

Is this No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie overly sweet?

Not at all. The cranberry sauce adds a tangy balance that keeps it from being too rich or sugary.

There’s something magical about a dessert that feels festive, comforting, and effortless all at once. This No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie checks every box. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for when time is short, energy is low, but you still want to show up with something homemade and heartfelt.

Whether you’re making it for a holiday table, a family dinner, or a quiet night when you just need a little joy on a plate, this No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie delivers every time. And if you ask me, desserts like this aren’t just about sweetness—they’re about making life a little easier, one chilled slice at a time.

No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie slice topped with whipped cream and sugared cranberries — A creamy slice of No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie finished with fluffy whipped cream and sparkling sugared cranberries.

If You’re Planning a Sweet Little Dessert Spread…

If this No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie has you in a festive, dessert-loving mood, here are a few more treats that pair beautifully with it. Think holiday tables, potlucks, or those moments when you just want a couple of easy options to choose from:

These cranberry bars with a buttery crust and festive flavor are perfect if you want something sliceable and easy to share alongside the pie.
A handful of sparkly candied cranberries for holidays and desserts makes the prettiest topping or garnish and adds a little extra magic to any dessert plate.
If you enjoy seeing another take on this classic, this No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie recipe from A Family Feast is a lovely read with helpful tips and variations.
And for another creamy, oven-free favorite, this no-bake Christmas peppermint pie that everyone loves is always a hit when freezer space is doing the heavy lifting.

Mix and match a couple of these, and you’ve got a dessert spread that feels thoughtful, festive, and totally doable—even on your busiest days.