If you’ve been on the hunt for a fun, vibrant dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious, you’re in for a treat. This Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe combines creamy, dreamy filling with that nostalgic black cherry Kool-Aid flavor we all love—without turning on the oven. Let me show you how to whip up this no-bake summer favorite in no time!

A slice of pink mousse pie is shown on a silver pie server held by a woman's hand, revealing three layers: a light brown crumbly crust at the bottom, a thick smooth and fluffy light pink mousse middle layer, and a small swirl of white whipped cream on top with a bright red maraschino cherry. The rest of the pie in a silver foil pie dish has the same layers and is decorated with evenly spaced whipped cream swirls each topped with a maraschino cherry. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a white bowl of cherries and a glass of red drink blurred in the background. 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 remember making this pie for a summer BBQ with friends, and everyone kept asking for seconds (and the recipe!). It’s simple, satisfying, and brings back memories of carefree days and childhood flavors in the best way.

Super Easy to Make: No baking means minimal effort and mess.
Refreshing & Light: Perfectly cool and creamy for hot summer afternoons.
Classic Flavor Combo: The tartness of black cherry Kool-Aid pairs so well with creamy filling.
Eye-Catching Presentation: Those bright maraschino cherries on fluffy Cool Whip swirls are just adorable.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before heading to the store or raiding your pantry, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient plays a starring role in this no-bake Cherry Kool-Aid Pie.

Flat lay of a whole pre-made graham cracker crust on a simple white ceramic plate, a softened block of cream cheese on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl filled with thick sweetened condensed milk, a small white bowl containing vibrant dark red black cherry Kool-Aid powder, a small white bowl of fluffy thawed Cool Whip, and eight glossy maraschino cherries with stems arranged neatly beside the bowls, 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: Saves you time and adds that perfect crunchy, slightly sweet base.
Cream cheese: Provides creaminess and a mild tang to balance the sweet Kool-Aid flavor.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds rich sweetness and helps everything set without baking.
Unsweetened black cherry Kool-Aid mix: The key flavor powerhouse giving the pie its signature bold cherry taste.
Cool Whip: Lightens the filling and makes it irresistibly fluffy.
Extra Cool Whip for garnish: For that pretty finishing touch on each slice.
Maraschino cherries with stems: Classic pie garnish that ties everything together visually and flavor-wise.

📝

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

One of the best parts about this Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe is how easily it adapts to your personal taste or dietary needs. Whether you want to change up the flavor or add a twist on the garnish, this no-bake treat welcomes creativity!

Variation: I once swapped the black cherry Kool-Aid with raspberry flavor and it was a hit at a summer barbecue. The tartness gave the pie a bright, fresh kick that my guests loved!
Dairy-Free Option: To make it dairy-free, try using a vegan cream cheese and a dairy-free whipped topping. The texture stays creamy and delightful.
Garnish Ideas: Instead of maraschino cherries, you can top with fresh berries or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an indulgent twist.
Make It Mini: Use small graham cracker crusts to create individual-sized pies for a fun party presentation.

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

A slice of light pink mousse pie with a crumbly light brown crust sits on a white plate. It has two dollops of white whipped cream stacked on top, crowned by a bright red cherry with its stem curving upward. In the background, there is a small white bowl filled with cherries and two clear glasses containing a red drink, all set on a white marbled surface. The mousse texture looks smooth and airy with small bubbles visible on the sides. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese to Perfection

Start by placing the softened 8 ounces of cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat it for about 1 minute. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s completely smooth, with no lumps left behind. This step ensures your filling will be nice and creamy.

Step 2: Mix in the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Next, add the entire 14-ounce container of sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese. Continue mixing on medium speed for another minute. The mixture should look velvety and well combined, which means all that sweetness is perfectly blended now.

Step 3: Add the Black Cherry Kool-Aid Mix

Sprinkle the 0.13-ounce packet of unsweetened black cherry Kool-Aid mix into the bowl. Keep mixing until the filling has an even, vibrant cherry color throughout. This adds that signature fruity flavor without any additional sugar—just pure cherry goodness!

Step 4: Fold in the Cool Whip

Now gently add the 8-ounce container of thawed Cool Whip. Use your mixer on low speed to fold it in until smooth and fully integrated. This keeps the filling light and fluffy—exactly what you want to balance the tangy cherry notes.

Step 5: Fill the Crust and Chill

Spoon the creamy filling evenly into your 6-ounce pre-made graham cracker crust. Spread it gently with a spatula for a smooth top. Cover the pie tightly and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. This chilling time sets the filling perfectly so it slices beautifully.

Step 6: Slice and Garnish Like a Pro

Once chilled and firm, carefully slice the pie into 8 equal wedges. For the garnish, put the extra 1 cup of Cool Whip into a decorator’s bag or a ziplock with a corner snipped off, then pipe a pretty swirl on the edge of each slice. Top each swirl with one maraschino cherry with stem to really make this pie pop.

Top Tip

Making the Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe is wonderfully simple, but these little tips will help ensure every slice turns out perfectly creamy and bursting with cherry flavor.

Smooth Cream Cheese: Beating the cream cheese until super smooth before adding anything else makes mixing the filling easier and prevents lumps.
Uniform Color and Flavor: Sprinkle the Kool-Aid powder gradually while mixing to help it fully dissolve and give that gorgeous, even cherry color.
Gentle Folding: When incorporating the Cool Whip, use the mixer on low or fold gently by hand to keep the filling light and fluffy.
Keep It Chilled: Don’t skip the 4-hour chill time — it’s key to letting the pie set properly and making slicing neat and clean.

How to Serve Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe

The image shows four steps of making a pink pie on a white marbled surface. In the first step on the top left, a glass bowl holds smooth, thick, bright pink whipped filling with a black hand mixer blending it, a pink Kool-Aid packet lies beside it. The second step on the top right shows the filling turned into a lighter, fluffier pink mix being whipped with the same black hand mixer in the glass bowl, with a few small white bowls and a pie crust close by. In the third step at the bottom left, the light pink filling is spread evenly as a thick layer inside a golden brown graham cracker crust in a round silver foil pie pan. The fourth step on the bottom right features the pie with the pink filling topped with eight small dollops of white whipped cream arranged in a circle on top. A small white bowl filled with bright red cherries and a white plate with silver forks are near the pie, alongside two pink Kool-Aid packets. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

This pie is delightful with its classic Cool Whip swirls and bright maraschino cherries perched on each slice. For an extra fresh touch, you can add a few mint leaves or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of chocolate or cherry syrup also pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.

Side Dishes

Keep things light and summery by serving slices alongside fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A crisp lemonade or an iced tea complements the sweet, tangy flavors perfectly for a refreshing dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Cherry Kool-Aid Pie, store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days. Using the plastic lid from the graham cracker crust (after removing the paper center) makes for a handy cover that locks in freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the pie for longer storage — just be sure to remove the Cool Whip swirls and cherries first. Wrap the pie tightly with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and if you’re using the plastic crust lid, cover the pie with a layer of foil over it for extra protection. Freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

This is a no-bake, chilled pie, so reheating isn’t necessary. Simply keep the pie chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other Kool-Aid flavors in this pie?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute any Kool-Aid flavor you love. Just match the garnish to the flavor for the best presentation, like strawberries for strawberry Kool-Aid or lemon slices for lemonade flavor.

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

Yes, the 4-hour refrigeration is essential to let the filling set firmly so the pie slices cleanly and holds its shape. It also helps develop the flavors fully.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Definitely. This pie is perfect for make-ahead dessert plans since it requires minimal prep and benefits from resting in the fridge. Just prepare it a day in advance for stress-free entertaining.

How long does this pie keep in the fridge?

Stored properly covered, your Cherry Kool-Aid Pie will stay fresh for up to 4 days refrigerated. Just keep it chilled between servings!

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe is one of those joyful summer treats—a simple, no-bake dessert with bright cherry flavor and creamy texture that everyone can enjoy. Whether you're cooling down after a sun-soaked day or looking for an easy crowd-pleaser at your next gathering, this pie delivers on both flavor and fun with minimal fuss. Treat yourself, your family, and your friends to a slice (or two!) and savor that nostalgia with every bite.