If you’re looking for a super easy, no-bake dessert that’s bursting with nostalgic flavor, you’ve got to try this Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe. It’s creamy, colorful, and perfect for those hot summer days when you want something sweet 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

Honestly, this pie has become one of my go-to desserts whenever I want something quick, bright, and crowd-pleasing. I love how simple it is but how that cherry Kool-Aid powder gives it such a fun, vibrant twist.

No baking required: Get a delicious pie ready without turning on the oven.
Simple ingredients: Uses things you probably already have or can easily find.
Perfect for summer: Cool, refreshing, and not too heavy.
Customizable flavors: You can swap the black cherry Kool-Aid for other flavors if you like.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering up your ingredients is a breeze for this one. I love using a pre-made graham cracker crust to save time, and the combination of cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk creates a silky, luscious base. The black cherry Kool-Aid mix is what gives this pie its signature color and flavor, while Cool Whip lightens everything up to a fluffy perfection.

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: Saves you time and adds that classic crumbly, buttery base.
Cream cheese: Softened to creamy smoothness, it gives the pie a rich, tangy backbone.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and a velvety texture without any extra fuss.
Black cherry Kool-Aid mix: This powdered mix is the magic touch for that bright cherry flavor and eye-catching pink color.
Cool Whip: Folded in for fluffiness and that irresistible light texture.
Maraschino cherries with stems: Perfect for garnish to add a pop of sweetness and a fun finishing touch.
Extra Cool Whip (optional garnish): For piping pretty swirls on top of each slice if you want to get fancy.

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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 easy it is to tweak and personalize. Whether you want to switch up the flavor, adjust the garnish, or even make it fit a dietary preference, there’s plenty of room to get creative!

Kool-Aid Flavor Swap: I’ve swapped out the black cherry Kool-Aid mix for raspberry lemonade before, and it gave the pie a bright, tangy twist that was especially refreshing on a scorching day.
Garnish Variations: Try matching your garnish fruit to the Kool-Aid flavor—blueberries for blueberry, or sliced strawberries for strawberry—adding a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Diet-Friendly Option: For a lighter version, you can use light cream cheese and a sugar-free Kool-Aid mix. Just be sure to keep the pie refrigerated until serving for the best texture.
Freezing Tips: When freezing, keep off the Cool Whip and cherries so your pie maintains the freshest texture and flavor when thawed.

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 Super Smooth

Start by softening your cream cheese to room temperature. Then grab a handheld mixer and beat it on medium-high speed for about 1 minute. You’ll want it silky smooth with no lumps in sight — this step is crucial for that creamy texture we’re aiming for.

Step 2: Mix in the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Next, pour in the 14-ounce container of sweetened condensed milk. Continue mixing for another full minute. You’ll notice the mixture start to lighten and become luscious and thick. This gives your pie that perfect sweet and creamy base.

Step 3: Add the Black Cherry Kool-Aid Powder

Sprinkle the entire packet of unsweetened black cherry Kool-Aid mix into the bowl. Mix until the deep cherry color is uniform and the aroma fills your kitchen. This vibrant color and tangy flavor make the pie feel like summer in every bite.

Step 4: Fold in the Cool Whip for Fluffy Goodness

Now add the thawed 8-ounce container of Cool Whip. Mix on a low speed just until everything is well combined and fluffy. You don’t want to over-mix here — the goal is to keep the light, airy texture that makes this pie so irresistible.

Step 5: Fill Your Graham Cracker Crust and Chill

Spoon the pie filling evenly into the pre-made 6-ounce graham cracker crust. Spread it smooth with a spatula, then cover the pie with plastic wrap or the crust’s plastic lid. Pop it into the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 4 hours. This step is key so the pie sets perfectly and slices cleanly.

Step 6: Slice, Garnish, and Serve

Once chilled, slice the pie into 8 equal pieces. If you want to go the extra mile, pipe swirls of the extra Cool Whip around each slice’s edge using a decorating bag or a Ziploc with a corner snipped off. Top each swirl with a maraschino cherry for that classic finishing touch. Keep the pie chilled until serving to maintain its freshness and beautiful texture.

Top Tip

Making the perfect Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe is all about keeping it smooth, chilled, and colorful. Here are some tips from my kitchen adventures to help you nail this no-bake delight every single time.

Beat Cream Cheese Thoroughly: I’ve found that beating the cream cheese for a full minute until it’s silky smooth is key. This prevents lumps and gives the filling a creamy texture that’s just dreamy.
Uniform Mixing: Sprinkling the Kool-Aid powder evenly and mixing until the color is just right ensures every bite bursts with that fun, tangy cherry flavor I love.
Low-Speed Cool Whip Fold: Adding the Cool Whip on low speed prevents deflating the fluffiness — this little trick keeps your pie light and airy.
Chill Time Patience: Resist the urge to slice too soon! Chilling for at least 4 hours really allows the pie to set perfectly for clean slices and a delightful texture.

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

While the maraschino cherries perched atop fluffy Cool Whip swirls are classic and charming, you can get creative! Try adding fresh black cherries or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for extra texture. For a refreshing twist, a few mint leaves bring a lovely pop of color and a hint of brightness that pairs wonderfully with the sweet-tart filling.

Side Dishes

This pie shines on its own but pairs beautifully with chilled lemon bars, fruit salad, or crisp vanilla wafers. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes alongside the pie adds another layer of indulgence that your guests will appreciate during those warm summer gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After slicing and serving, cover any leftover Cherry Kool-Aid Pie tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, maintaining its fresh flavor and creamy texture when kept chilled.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead or save some for later, freeze the pie without the Cool Whip topping and cherry garnish. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or use the graham cracker crust’s plastic cover (after removing the paper center) plus a layer of foil for protection. The pie freezes well for up to 1 month.

Reheating

No reheating needed here! Simply thaw frozen pie in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, add your Cool Whip swirls and maraschino cherries for serving. It’s best enjoyed cold and creamy, just like freshly made.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! The Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe works wonderfully with any Kool-Aid flavor. Just choose a corresponding garnish (like lemon slices for lemon Kool-Aid) to complement the taste.

Do I have to use a pre-made crust?

Using a pre-made graham cracker crust makes this recipe super quick and easy, but you can also make your own homemade graham cracker crust if you prefer. Just be sure it’s fully cooled before filling.

Can I make the pie ahead of time?

Yes! This no-bake pie is perfect for making ahead. Chill it for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. You can also freeze it without toppings for later enjoyment.

How long does the pie last in the fridge?

Stored covered in the refrigerator, the pie stays fresh for up to 4 days. Just keep it chilled to maintain the creamy texture and delicious flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe is one of those joyful, nostalgic desserts that brings smiles with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooling off on a scorching day or serving up something special for friends, this pie delivers sweet, tangy refreshment that's both playful and satisfying. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a bright spot in your summertime dessert lineup!