When summer hits and you want something sweet but refreshingly cool, my go-to is this Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe. It’s no-bake, super simple, and delivers that perfect fruity punch with every creamy bite. Trust me, you’re going to love it!

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 still remember the first time I made this pie — it was one of those scorching afternoons when the oven felt more like a sauna. The cool, tangy cherry flavor combined with that luscious creaminess was like an instant mood-lifter. I’ve been hooked ever since, and now I want you to enjoy it as much as I do.

Easy Prep: No oven? No problem! This pie comes together in just 10 minutes.
Perfect for Summer: Chill it for 4 hours and enjoy a refreshing cool treat.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry or fridge.
Flavorful & Fun: Black cherry Kool-Aid adds that nostalgic zing with a creamy twist.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This cherry Kool-Aid pie recipe is as straightforward as it gets, with ingredients that perfectly balance creaminess and bold flavor. When shopping, grab quality cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk to keep that silky texture. Also, pick a pre-made graham cracker crust to save yourself time but make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling.

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 buttery, slightly sweet crust forms the perfect crunchy base without any baking fuss.
Cream cheese: Softened to creamy smoothness, it adds richness and tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Sweetened condensed milk: This magic ingredient sweetens the pie while keeping the filling luscious and dense.
Unsweetened black cherry Kool-Aid mix: The secret star that gives the pie its vibrant cherry flavor and color without extra sugar.
Cool Whip: Adds lightness and fluffiness to the filling, creating that delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Extra Cool Whip: Optional, but perfect for piping pretty swirls on top before garnishing.
Maraschino cherries: They’re fun, colorful, and a classic finishing touch that makes the pie feel extra special.

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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 Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe is wonderfully flexible, letting you sprinkle in your own creativity. Whether you want to switch up the flavor or add a personal touch to the garnish, this pie invites playful variations that keep it fresh and exciting.

Flavor Swap: I've tried swapping the black cherry Kool-Aid mix with cherry-lime or grape flavors for a fun twist. Each variation offers a new pop of color and fruity zing—perfect for mixing up your summer dessert lineup.
Garnish Magic: Instead of the classic maraschino cherries, I once topped the pie with fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of toasted coconut, which added a lovely texture contrast and a tropical vibe.
Diet-Friendly Idea: For a lighter option, you can try using a reduced-fat cream cheese and Cool Whip Light, keeping all the fun with fewer calories and fat.

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 to Smooth Perfection

Start by softening your cream cheese for an hour or so at room temperature—this makes beating it a breeze. Using a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed for 1 minute. You'll know it's ready when the cream cheese turns silky smooth with no lumps in sight, making the perfect base for your filling.

Step 2: Blend in the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Next, add the 14-ounce container of sweetened condensed milk right into the bowl with your smooth cream cheese. Continue mixing for another full minute until the two are completely combined—your mixture should be creamy and slightly thickened, the perfect consistency for blending in the Kool-Aid.

Step 3: Add the Black Cherry Kool-Aid Mix for that Signature Flavor

Sprinkle in the entire 0.13-ounce packet of unsweetened black cherry Kool-Aid mix. Mix gently but thoroughly, watching as the vivid cherry color spreads evenly throughout the creamy filling. This step transforms your mixture into the tangy, fruity delight that defines the pie.

Step 4: Fold in the Cool Whip for Lightness

Now comes the magic of folding in the 8-ounce container of thawed Cool Whip. Use low speed to gently mix it into the filling until everything is well incorporated and smooth. This makes your filling irresistibly fluffy while keeping it light and airy—a no-bake dream come true.

Step 5: Fill Your Graham Cracker Crust Evenly

Grab your 6-ounce pre-made graham cracker crust and spoon in the cherry filling evenly. Spread it smoothly with a spatula, covering the crust edge to edge. This even layer not only looks pretty but ensures each slice is packed with that luscious filling.

Step 6: Chill Your Pie for at Least 4 Hours

Cover the pie and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours. This chilling time is crucial because it lets the flavors meld and the filling set fully, giving you that perfect sliceable texture you'll love.

Step 7: Slice and Garnish with Style

Once your pie is fully chilled, slice it into 8 equal pieces. Using a decorator’s bag or simply a quart ziplock with a corner cut off, pipe on extra Cool Whip in pretty swirls around the edges. Top each swirl with a maraschino cherry, adding that classic bright pop of color and sweetness.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy Cold

Keep your Cherry Kool-Aid Pie chilled until ready to serve. Each bite is a cool, creamy, fruity delight—perfect for warm afternoons or casual get-togethers. The no-bake process makes it super easy, and the refreshing cherry flavor is always a crowd-pleaser.

Top Tip

To make your Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe shine, a few simple tips can really take it to the next level. These little tricks have saved me from common pitfalls and helped create that perfect creamy texture and vibrant flavor every time.

Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Beating softened cream cheese until completely smooth sets the foundation for a lump-free, silky filling—don't rush this step!
Mix Kool-Aid Thoroughly: I learned that sprinkling the Kool-Aid powder evenly and mixing until the color is uniform is key; this prevents streaks and ensures a consistent cherry flavor throughout.
Gentle Folding of Cool Whip: Mixing on low speed or folding in the Cool Whip delicately preserves its light, airy texture, making the pie wonderfully fluffy and not dense.
Keep it Chilled: Resist the urge to slice too early! Chilling for at least 4 hours lets the pie fully set, giving you clean slices and a pie that holds together perfectly.

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

Garnishing your Cherry Kool-Aid Pie is a delightful way to amp up its charm and flavor. Use extra Cool Whip to pipe pretty swirls along each slice, then top each swirl with a bright maraschino cherry for that classic look. For a twist, feel free to add fresh cherries or even a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, which pairs beautifully with the cherry flavor.

Side Dishes

This pie is a refreshing dessert all on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with light, summery sides like a fresh fruit salad, shortbread cookies, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the cool, creamy texture. For a party spread, try serving it alongside lemonade or an iced tea for a perfectly balanced summer treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which sometimes happens—this pie is so good!), simply cover the pie and store it in your refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, staying fresh and creamy without losing flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the pie to enjoy later, but make sure to skip the Cool Whip and cherry garnish before freezing. Wrap the pie tightly in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn and freeze for up to 1 month. When you're ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to maintain that delightful creamy texture.

Reheating

This is a no-bake, chilled dessert best enjoyed cold—so no reheating needed! Just keep it refrigerated until serving for that perfect refreshing bite.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! You can substitute any flavor of Kool-Aid for the black cherry packet to customize your pie’s taste. Just be sure to garnish with corresponding fruit to match the flavor for the best presentation and flavor harmony.

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

Nope! While a pre-made graham cracker crust is an easy shortcut, you can absolutely make your own homemade graham cracker crust if you prefer. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before filling it with the pie mixture.

How long should I let the pie chill?

The pie needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to fully set. This ensures the filling is firm enough to slice cleanly and maintain its creamy texture.

Can I freeze the pie with the Cool Whip and cherries on top?

It’s best to freeze the pie without the Cool Whip garnish and cherries. After thawing, you can refresh the top with new swirls of Cool Whip and maraschino cherries before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe has a special place in my summer dessert lineup — it’s cool, colorful, and crazy easy to put together. Whether you’re serving it at a family BBQ, a picnic, or just craving something sweet and chilled, this pie never disappoints. Give it a try, and I promise it will bring a little sparkle of joy to your table!