Nothing says summertime like a cool slice of pie, and this Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe is exactly that—a no-bake, super easy dessert bursting with cherry flavor and creamy goodness. It’s perfect when you want something sweet but don’t want to heat 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

When I first tried this Cherry Kool-Aid Pie, I was surprised at how quickly it came together and how everyone at the summer barbecue couldn’t get enough of it. It’s like a slice of nostalgic cherry soda in pie form—creamy, sweet, and perfectly refreshing.

No-Bake Goodness: No oven needed, so your kitchen stays cool and your dessert is ready in no time.
Super Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples and that iconic Kool-Aid punch, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser.
Customizable Flavor: >You can swap the black cherry Kool-Aid for any flavor you love to make this your own.
Beautifully Presented: The Cool Whip swirls and maraschino cherry topping make every slice look as good as it tastes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, gather these simple ingredients — they’re what give this pie its signature creamy texture and that bright cherry pop. I like to choose a good-quality pre-made graham cracker crust to save time, and make sure the cream cheese is softened so it blends smoothly.

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: This forms a buttery, crunchy base that holds the creamy filling perfectly.
Cream cheese: Softened to silky smoothness, it adds richness and tanginess to balance the sweet flavors.
Sweetened condensed milk: The magic ingredient that makes the filling luxuriously creamy and sweet with zero fuss.
Unsweetened black cherry Kool-Aid mix: Gives the filling its addictive bright cherry flavor and that lovely pink hue.
Cool Whip (thawed): Folded in for lightness and fluff, and extra on top to garnish for that classic, dreamy pie look.
Maraschino cherries with stems: The perfect cherry-on-top that adds a pop of color and extra sweetness.

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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 things about this Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your tastes and the season. Whether you want to try a different Kool-Aid flavor or switch up the garnish, making it your own adds a fun twist to this classic no-bake dessert.

Variation: Replacing the black cherry Kool-Aid with grape or strawberry Kool-Aid creates a new fruity profile that’s just as refreshing. I once made it with lemonade Kool-Aid and garnished with fresh strawberries—it was a hit at a summer picnic!
Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding dairy, without compromising the creamy texture.
Seasonal Twist: For a holiday flair, swap in cherry Kool-Aid during summer and then try apple or cinnamon-flavored Kool-Aid in fall, pairing with matching garnishes like apple slices or cinnamon sticks.
Fun Garnishes: Instead of maraschino cherries, top each slice with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra indulgent touch.

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 by placing the softened 8-ounce cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Using a handheld mixer set to medium-high, beat the cream cheese for about 1 minute. You'll know it’s ready when it’s completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps—this sets the perfect base for your filling.

Step 2: Blend in the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Next, add the entire 14-ounce container of sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese. Mix again on medium-high speed for another full minute until everything is thoroughly combined. The mixture will become luscious and silky, with a sweet, creamy aroma.

Step 3: Add the Black Cherry Kool-Aid Mix

Sprinkle the 0.13-ounce packet of unsweetened black cherry Kool-Aid mix evenly over your combined cream cheese and milk. Mix gently but well until the entire filling has a consistent pinkish-red hue, signaling that the cherry flavor and color are perfectly infused.

Step 4: Fold in the Cool Whip

Reduce your mixer speed to low and add the thawed 8-ounce container of Cool Whip. Mix just until the filling is smooth and fully incorporated, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. The filling should feel light and fluffy, ready to scoop into the crust.

Step 5: Fill the Graham Cracker Crust and Chill

Carefully spoon the creamy filling into your 6-ounce pre-made graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly for a neat look and an even set. Cover the pie and pop it into the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours. This chilled rest allows the flavors to meld and the pie to firm up to the perfect sliceable texture.

Step 6: Slice, Swirl, and Garnish

Once chilled, slice the pie into 8 even pieces. Use a decorator’s bag or a quart-sized zip-top bag with a corner snipped off to pipe swirls of the extra 1 cup Cool Whip around the edges of each slice. Finally, top each swirl with one maraschino cherry with the stem left on for a beautiful and classic finish. Keep your pie chilled until you're ready to serve—it’s best enjoyed cold!

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail the Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe every time, ensuring it comes out perfectly creamy, colorful, and refreshingly delicious.

Perfect Cream Cheese Texture: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before beating—it helps avoid lumps and creates a smooth filling.
Uniform Color Mix: Sprinkle the Kool-Aid powder gradually while mixing to avoid streaks and get that beautiful vibrant cherry hue.
Chill Time Patience: Don’t rush the chilling process; the full 4 hours gives the pie that perfect set and creamy firmness.
Cool Whip Garnish: Use a decorator’s bag or a simple zip-top bag with a corner cut off to pipe neat swirls of Cool Whip for a pretty presentation that delights every time.

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

Top each slice with a maraschino cherry placed on a swirl of Cool Whip for that classic, inviting look. For a little extra flair, sprinkle a tiny dusting of crushed graham crackers or a few fresh mint leaves alongside the cherry to brighten the plate.

Side Dishes

This pie shines as a stand-alone treat but pairs wonderfully with a light, fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert spread during summer parties and barbecues.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers covered tightly and refrigerated. The pie stays fresh and delightful for up to 4 days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the pie for up to 1 month, but be sure to remove the Cool Whip and maraschino cherries first. Wrap the pie tightly in aluminum foil (using the plastic lid from the graham cracker crust helps!), and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

This pie is best served chilled and does not require reheating. Simply let it thaw completely in the fridge if frozen, and add fresh Cool Whip and cherries before serving for that authentic experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any Kool-Aid flavor you like. Just swap the black cherry Kool-Aid with your preferred flavor and garnish the pie with corresponding fruits for a fun twist.

Do I have to bake this pie?

No baking required! This is a no-bake dessert, making it super easy and perfect for hot weather or when you want a hassle-free treat.

How long should I chill the pie?

Chill the pie for at least 4 hours to allow it to set properly. This ensures a creamy, firm texture that's perfect for slicing and serving.

Can I prepare this pie a day ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it a day ahead is ideal since it needs time to chill. Just add the Cool Whip and cherries garnish just before serving for the best look and taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the simplicity of this Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe—it’s quick to make, delightfully sweet, and just the right chill for hot days. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family gathering or just craving a nostalgic, refreshing dessert, it’s sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every creamy, colorful bite!