If you’re searching for a summery dessert that’s as easy as it is tasty, you’re in the right spot. This Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe is a no-bake wonder that delivers sweet cherry flavor with a creamy, dreamy texture — perfect for those hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.

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 have to admit, I fell for this cherry Kool-Aid pie the very first time I made it. It’s the kind of dessert you whip up in minutes, then let chill while you enjoy the rest of your day. Plus, it’s always a crowd-pleaser at summer get-togethers.

Super Simple Prep: No baking means you can throw it together in just 10 minutes.
Refreshing Flavor: The black cherry Kool-Aid adds a bright, nostalgic twist to a creamy pie.
Perfect Texture: A chewy graham cracker crust balances the smooth, fluffy filling beautifully.
Fun Garnish: Topped with Cool Whip and maraschino cherries for that classic, inviting look.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk ingredients before you start mixing. Most of what you need is easy to find, and each one plays a special role in making this pie so irresistible.

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: The crunchy base saves time and adds that perfect chewy bite.
Cream cheese: Softened so it blends smoothly, giving the filling its creamy richness.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and a luscious texture that holds the pie together.
Unsweetened black cherry Kool-Aid mix: The star flavor that gives this pie its vibrant cherry burst.
Cool Whip: Folded in for lightness and used on top for that classic finishing touch.
Maraschino cherries with stems: Beautiful, sweet garnishes that complete each slice perfectly.

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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

One of the best parts about this Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to switch up the flavors or try some creative garnishes, there’s plenty of room to make this summer favorite uniquely yours!

Variation: I love swapping out the black cherry Kool-Aid for a tangy raspberry or tropical fruit flavor. It completely changes the vibe of the pie and keeps it fresh every time I make it.
Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free twist, try using a coconut cream-based whipped topping and a plant-based cream cheese alternative. Just keep in mind the texture may be a touch different but still delicious!
Adding Texture: Stir in some chopped fresh fruit or crushed nuts into the filling for a little crunch or an extra burst of freshness.
Garnish Inspiration: Instead of maraschino cherries, experiment with fresh berries or a drizzle of cherry syrup to complement your Kool-Aid flavor choice.

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 Silky Smooth

Start by placing your softened 8 ounces of cream cheese into a medium mixing bowl. Using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat it for about 1 minute. You’re looking for a smooth, creamy consistency without any lumps—that silky base makes all the difference in your pie’s texture.

Step 2: Blend in the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Next, pour in the entire 14-ounce container of sweetened condensed milk. Continue mixing for another minute until the two ingredients are completely combined. The mixture will become slightly glossy and thicker—this richness is what adds that dreamy creaminess to your pie filling.

Step 3: Add the Cherry Flavor Burst

Sprinkle the 0.13-ounce packet of unsweetened black cherry Kool-Aid mix into the bowl. Stir until the vibrant cherry color is even throughout the filling. This is where the pie starts to get that delightful cherry punch that everyone loves.

Step 4: Gently Fold in the Cool Whip

Finally, add the entire 8-ounce container of thawed Cool Whip. Switch your mixer to low speed and gently mix until everything is well combined and creamy. Be careful not to overmix to keep the filling light and airy.

Step 5: Fill Your Graham Cracker Crust

Spoon the luscious cherry filling evenly into your 6-ounce pre-made graham cracker crust. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the top for a polished look. The crust provides a slightly crunchy contrast that’s perfect with the creamy filling.

Step 6: Chill Until Perfectly Set

Cover the pie and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This chilling time is essential—it lets the pie firm up and the flavors meld together, ensuring each slice holds its shape beautifully.

Step 7: Decorate and Serve

Once chilled, slice the pie into 8 equal pieces. For a fancy finish, pipe extra Cool Whip around the edges of each slice using a decorator’s bag or a quart-size Ziploc with a corner snipped off. Top each swirl with a maraschino cherry for that classic, eye-catching look. Keep the pie chilled until serving—then enjoy your cool, sweet reward!

Top Tip

These tips will help you master the Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe and enjoy a perfectly smooth, refreshing dessert every time!

Beat the Cream Cheese Thoroughly: I’ve found that beating the cream cheese for a full minute ensures a creamy base and avoids lumps in your filling.
Mix Kool-Aid Evenly: Sprinkle the Kool-Aid powder slowly and mix well so the color and flavor become uniform throughout the pie without any streaks.
Fold in Cool Whip Gently: Mix the Cool Whip on low speed to keep the filling light and airy — it makes a noticeable difference in the texture!
Keep It Chilled: Always keep your pie chilled until serving to maintain that perfect firm yet creamy texture. I’ve avoided disappointed guests by not rushing this step!

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

Beyond the classic swirl of Cool Whip and maraschino cherries, try adding a sprinkle of crushed graham cracker crumbs for extra crunch or a few fresh black cherries to enhance the cherry flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salads, vanilla ice cream, or a simple cup of hot coffee or iced tea on a warm day. Its light, sweet flavor balances well with tangy berries or citrus-based desserts if you want to offer variety!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cherry Kool-Aid Pie covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Covering well keeps the pie fresh and prevents it from absorbing any fridge odors.

Freezing

You can freeze the pie for up to 1 month if you remove the Cool Whip topping and cherry garnish first. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, and for convenience, use the plastic cover from the graham cracker crust underneath the foil. When ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

This is a no-bake, chilled dessert best enjoyed cold — so no reheating needed. Just thaw the frozen pie completely in the fridge and enjoy it as a refreshing, summery treat!

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute any Kool-Aid flavor to customize the pie. Just remember to garnish with complementary fruits that match your chosen flavor for best results.

Do I have to use a pre-made graham cracker crust?

You don’t have to, but using a pre-made crust saves time and effort. If you prefer, you can make your own graham cracker crust at home and use that instead.

How long should I chill the pie before serving?

The pie should be chilled for at least 4 hours to set properly. This helps the filling firm up just right and makes slicing easier.

Can I freeze the whole pie with the Cool Whip topping and cherries on it?

It’s best to freeze the pie without the Cool Whip topping and cherry garnish to maintain texture and appearance. Add those fresh when you’re ready to serve after thawing.

Final Thoughts

Making the Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe is such a joy — it’s quick, fuss-free, and yields a refreshingly sweet dessert that feels like summer in every bite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family BBQ or an anytime treat, I hope this pie brings a little extra happiness to your table. Don’t forget to keep it chilled and enjoy every creamy, cherry-filled slice!