If you’re looking for a quick and no-fuss dessert that packs a punch of cherry flavor, you have to try this Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe. It’s creamy, sweet, and perfectly refreshing—ideal for those warm summer afternoons when you want something cool to enjoy without heating up the kitchen.

The image shows a slice of light pink pie with a smooth, creamy texture lifted on a silver pie server. The pie has three layers: a light golden brown crust at the bottom, a thick, fluffy pink filling in the middle, and a swirl of white whipped cream on top, crowned with a shiny red cherry. In the background, the rest of the pie is in a white pie dish, with the same layers visible and decorated with matching dollops of whipped cream and cherries spaced evenly around the edge. The setting is a white marbled surface and a white tiled wall. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made this pie on a hot summer day when the last thing I wanted was to turn on the oven. The result? A dessert that’s creamy, fruity, and just downright fun to make—and eat! I know you’re going to love how simple and satisfying this pie is.

No-bake delight: No oven? No problem! This pie chills to perfection without any cooking.
Minimal ingredients: You likely have most of these on hand already, making it super convenient.
Fun, nostalgic flavor: That classic black cherry Kool-Aid adds a playful twist to a creamy filling.
Perfect presentation: With a few maraschino cherries on top, it looks just as good as it tastes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Shopping for this Cherry Kool-Aid Pie recipe is simple since the ingredients are straightforward and easy to find. When you pick out these basics, aim for quality in your cream cheese and condensed milk—they really make a difference in texture and taste.

Flat lay of a whole pre-made graham cracker crust on a simple white ceramic plate, a block of smooth softened cream cheese on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl filled with glossy sweetened condensed milk, a small white bowl with deep red unsweetened black cherry Kool-Aid powder, a bowl of fluffy thawed cool whip, and eight fresh maraschino cherries with stems arranged neatly in a line, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Pre-made graham cracker crust: Cuts prep time and gives a buttery, crunchy base that pairs beautifully with the cherry filling.
Cream cheese: Provides a rich, smooth texture and tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds creaminess and the perfect amount of sweetness without extra effort.
Black cherry Kool-Aid mix: This is the star flavor—delivers that bright, nostalgic cherry taste.
Cool Whip: Gives the filling lightness and fluffiness, making every bite airy and creamy.
Maraschino cherries: Pops of color and sweetness for garnish that also hint at the pie’s flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe is how easily it adapts to your taste and pantry. Whether you want to switch up the flavor or tailor it to dietary needs, this no-bake pie welcomes your creativity with open arms.

Try Different Kool-Aid Flavors: I once swapped the black cherry Kool-Aid for tropical punch, and it gave the pie a fun, fruity twist that was a big hit at a summer barbecue. Feel free to experiment with your favorites like blue raspberry or grape for a colorful variation.
Freeze for Later: If you have leftover pie, freezing it (without the Cool Whip and cherries) works like a charm. Just wrap it tightly in foil and thaw overnight in the fridge — perfect for making ahead for gatherings.
Garnish Swaps: When you change the Kool-Aid flavor, consider matching the garnish to complement. For example, use fresh strawberries or blueberries with a strawberry-flavored pie for an extra pop.
Make It Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free twist, try substituting the cream cheese and Cool Whip with plant-based alternatives. The texture might vary slightly but you'll still get that classic Kool-Aid pie vibe!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe

A single thick slice of pink mousse pie sits centered on a white plate, showing three layers: a crumbly light brown crust at the bottom, a thick and airy pink mousse filling in the middle with a smooth yet slightly porous texture, and a swirl of smooth white whipped cream on top. A bright red cherry with a long stem rests on the whipped cream, giving a bright pop of color. In the blurred background, there is another slice of the same pie and a bowl filled with cherries, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese Until Smooth

Start with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the cream cheese for about 1 minute. You want it silky smooth with no lumps — this creates the perfect creamy base for your pie filling. If the cream cheese feels a little firm, let it sit out a bit longer before beating.

Step 2: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk

Pour in the entire 14-ounce container of sweetened condensed milk. Continue mixing on medium-high speed for another minute until the mixture is fully combined. The mixture will start to look glossy and smooth — that’s when you know it’s ready for the Kool-Aid magic.

Step 3: Mix in the Black Cherry Kool-Aid

Sprinkle the 0.13 ounce packet of unsweetened black cherry Kool-Aid mix into the bowl. Stir until the color is evenly distributed throughout the filling. The mixture will take on a beautiful cherry-red hue, and you’ll get that unmistakable tangy-sweet Kool-Aid flavor shining through.

Step 4: Fold in the Cool Whip

Now add the entire 8-ounce container of thawed Cool Whip. Mix on low speed just until the filling is well incorporated and fluffy. Avoid overmixing here to keep the airy texture that makes this pie so light and delightful.

Step 5: Fill the Graham Cracker Crust and Chill

Spoon the creamy filling evenly into your 6-ounce pre-made graham cracker crust. Smooth out the top gently. Cover the pie and pop it into the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours. This chilling time is essential — it helps the pie set so your slices hold their shape.

Step 6: Slice, Garnish, and Serve

Once chilled and firm, slice the pie into 8 generous servings. For a pretty presentation, pipe extra Cool Whip around the edges of each slice using a decorator’s bag or a quart-size ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. Top each swirl with a maraschino cherry with its stem. Keep the pie chilled until serving to enjoy that refreshing creamy texture at its best.

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail the perfect Cherry Kool-Aid Pie every time, making your no-bake dessert smooth, flavorful, and visually appealing.

Beat the Cream Cheese Thoroughly: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened and beat it for a full minute until smooth to prevent lumps and get that silky texture in your filling.
Mix Kool-Aid Evenly: Sprinkle the black cherry Kool-Aid slowly and mix until the color is completely uniform; this ensures the cherry flavor is consistent throughout the pie.
Gentle Folding of Cool Whip: When adding Cool Whip, fold gently on low speed to keep the filling light and airy instead of dense.
Chill Properly: Don’t rush the chilling step. Letting the pie set for at least 4 hours is key to a sliceable and refreshing dessert.

How to Serve Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe

The image shows four steps of making a pink pie. In the first step, there is a clear glass bowl with thick, smooth, bright pink cream being mixed with a black electric hand mixer. Next to the bowl is a pink Kool-Aid packet on a white marbled surface. The second step shows the cream in the same bowl but lighter pink and fluffy in texture, still being whipped by the black electric hand mixer. The third step displays the light pink creamy filling spread evenly inside a round graham cracker crust in a silver foil pie pan, placed on the white marbled surface. The last step shows the pie with the pink filling but now topped with eight evenly spaced white dollops of whipped cream around the edge, with a small white bowl of bright red cherries and a white plate with silver forks nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

The classic garnish on this Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe is a swirl of Cool Whip topped with a maraschino cherry on each slice. For an extra touch, you can add a few fresh black cherries or even a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for contrast. If you’re feeling festive, a light dusting of edible glitter or a few mint leaves can brighten the presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with simple, light sides like fresh summer berries, a crisp green salad, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. For a fun party spread, serve alongside lemonade or iced tea to keep things cool and refreshing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cherry Kool-Aid Pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Using the plastic cover from the graham cracker crust package works perfectly as a lid to keep the pie fresh and moist.

Freezing

You can freeze the pie for up to 1 month, but be sure to omit the Cool Whip and cherry garnish before freezing. Wrap the pie tightly with aluminum foil (if using the plastic crust lid as well, wrap that in foil too) to prevent freezer burn. When ready to serve, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator, then add fresh Cool Whip and cherries before slicing and serving.

Reheating

Since this is a no-bake, chilled dessert, reheating isn’t needed. Just keep it refrigerated or chilled before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different Kool-Aid flavor instead of black cherry?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any Kool-Aid flavor you like to customize your pie. Just remember to pair the garnish with the flavor—for example, use lemon slices for lemon Kool-Aid or strawberries for strawberry flavor.

Do I really need to chill the pie for 4 hours?

Yes, chilling for at least 4 hours is important so the filling sets properly and can be sliced neatly. Overnight chilling is even better if you have the time.

Can I make this pie ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! This pie is a wonderful make-ahead dessert. Prepare it the day before your event, chill it thoroughly, and add the garnish right before serving for a fresh look.

What if I don’t have a graham cracker crust ready-made?

You can make your own graham cracker crust using graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Press it firmly into your pie pan and chill it before filling. Just make sure it’s fully chilled to support the cool filling.

Final Thoughts

Making the Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe is like bringing a burst of nostalgia and summer fun right onto your dessert table. It’s quick, easy, and so satisfying with its creamy texture and bright cherry flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a picnic, or just to treat yourself on a hot day, this pie never fails to delight. Remember to keep it chilled, garnish it with a cherry on top, and enjoy every sweet bite!