If you’re craving a sweet and tangy summer treat that’s a breeze to make, this Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe is seriously your new best friend. It’s no-bake, super refreshing, and perfect for those hot days when the last thing you want is to turn on the oven.

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’ve made this pie so many times during summer cookouts and family gatherings — it’s always the first dessert to disappear! It’s sweet, creamy, and the black cherry Kool-Aid adds a delightful pop of flavor that’s nostalgic and fun.

No-bake simplicity: Ready in 10 minutes with zero cooking, making it perfect for any level cook.
Bright & refreshing flavor: The black cherry Kool-Aid gives it a vibrant, fruity twist you won’t find in typical pies.
Light and creamy texture: The combination of cream cheese and Cool Whip creates a smooth, luscious filling that kids and adults both love.
Easy to customize: Swap in any Kool-Aid flavor to mix things up and garnish accordingly for personalized fun.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you head to the store for this Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe, you’ll want to look for quality simple ingredients that come together effortlessly. The graham cracker crust is my shortcut for that buttery base without any fuss.

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 brings that classic, slightly sweet crunchy base for the pie.
Cream cheese: Softened for a smooth, rich filling that pairs perfectly with the fruity Kool-Aid flavor.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and creaminess without needing extra sugar.
Unsweetened black cherry Kool-Aid mix: The star flavor — it gives the pie that bright cherry punch.
Cool Whip: Thawed to mix in for a light, fluffy texture; plus extra for a lovely garnish on top.
Maraschino cherries with stems: For the perfect finishing touch — those little pops of color and cherry sweetness make presentation a breeze.

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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 personalize and make your own. Whether you love to experiment with flavors or want to keep things classic, this pie invites your creativity while staying refreshingly simple.

Flavor Swap: I once swapped out the black cherry Kool-Aid for tropical punch, and it brought a bright, sunny vibe to the pie — perfect for a luau-themed get-together! Just swap the garnish to matching fruit like pineapple chunks or maraschino cherries, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser.
Diet-Friendly Twist: For a lighter take, try reduced-fat cream cheese and a sugar-free Kool-Aid packet. The pie stays creamy and flavorful, but with fewer calories and less sugar.
Crust Options: While a pre-made graham cracker crust keeps things quick, you can also try a chocolate cookie crust for a richer flavor contrast that pairs wonderfully with the black cherry filling.
Garnish Magic: I like to pipe extra Cool Whip swirls before adding the maraschino cherries — it makes each slice feel extra special and inviting for guests.

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: Soften and Beat the Cream Cheese

Start by making sure your cream cheese is fully softened—this helps it blend smoothly without lumps. Using a medium-size mixing bowl and a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the cream cheese for a full minute. You’ll notice it becomes fluffy and creamy, the perfect foundation for your pie filling.

Step 2: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Mix

Next, pour in the entire 14-ounce container of sweetened condensed milk. Continue mixing for another minute until it’s completely combined with the cream cheese. This mixture will start to feel silky and slightly thickened, a good sign that you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Mix in the Black Cherry Kool-Aid

Sprinkle the unsweetened black cherry Kool-Aid mix gently over the batter. Keep mixing until the color is completely uniform and the whole filling has that inviting rosy hue. The tart fruit flavor will start to shine through here, balancing the sweetness beautifully.

Step 4: Fold in the Cool Whip

Lower your mixer to a gentle speed and add the thawed 8-ounce container of Cool Whip. Fold it in carefully until the filling is smooth, fluffy, and fully combined. This step keeps your pie light and airy — the ultimate refreshing texture for a summer dessert.

Step 5: Spread Into Crust and Chill

Spoon the luscious pie filling evenly into your pre-made 6-ounce graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth out the top. Cover the pie and transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours. This chill time is key for the filling to set beautifully and for the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Slice and Garnish with Cool Whip Swirls

Once your pie is thoroughly chilled, slice it into 8 generous portions. For the finishing touch, use a decorator’s bag or a quart-size Ziploc bag with a small corner cut off to pipe swirls of the extra 1 cup Cool Whip around each slice’s edge. This adds a light, creamy decoration that’s just visually delightful.

Step 7: Top with Maraschino Cherries and Serve

Place one maraschino cherry, stem side up, on top of each Cool Whip swirl. These bright red cherries not only look pretty but also complement the black cherry flavor perfectly. Keep the pie chilled until you’re ready to serve — every bite will be as fresh and cool as a summer breeze.

Top Tip

Getting your Cherry Kool-Aid Pie just right is easier than you think! These simple tips will help you nail the perfect texture and flavor every time.

Use room temperature cream cheese: Softening the cream cheese before mixing ensures a smooth, lump-free filling that's easy to whip up.
Mix Kool-Aid evenly: Sprinkle the Kool-Aid powder gradually and mix thoroughly until the color is uniform, so every bite bursts with that bright cherry flavor.
Chill thoroughly: Don’t rush the chilling process—four full hours in the fridge helps the pie set beautifully for clean slices and a refreshing taste.
Reserve garnish for last: Add the Cool Whip swirls and maraschino cherries just before serving to keep everything looking fresh and appetizing.

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

Keep it classic with the maraschino cherries placed atop each Cool Whip swirl—it's a timeless look and adds a little extra sweetness. Try adding a sprinkle of toasted graham cracker crumbs or a few fresh black cherries to amp up the presentation and flavor even more.

Side Dishes

This pie shines on its own, but when you want to turn your dessert into a full summer spread, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit salad, crunchy almond biscotti, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra cool touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply cover your pie with plastic wrap or the graham cracker crust’s plastic lid (minus the paper center) and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days—perfect for enjoying a slice over several sunny afternoons.

Freezing

You can freeze this no-bake pie for up to 1 month, but skip the Cool Whip and cherry garnish before freezing. Wrap the pie tightly in aluminum foil, optionally covering it with the plastic lid first, then thaw it overnight in the refrigerator when you're ready to serve.

Reheating

No reheating needed here! This pie is best served chilled straight from the fridge to enjoy that cool, creamy texture and refreshing cherry flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different flavor of Kool-Aid for this pie?

Absolutely! You can swap the black cherry Kool-Aid mix with any other Kool-Aid flavor you like. Just remember to adjust the garnish accordingly—for example, use lemon slices for lemon-flavored pie or strawberries for strawberry flavor.

Do I need to bake the graham cracker crust?

No baking required! Since this recipe uses a pre-made graham cracker crust, you can skip baking altogether. It’s a big time-saver and perfect for a no-bake, refreshing dessert.

How long should I chill the pie before serving?

Chill the pie for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the filling to set properly, making slicing easier and giving you that perfect creamy, chilled texture.

Can I freeze the pie after adding the Cool Whip and cherries?

It's best to freeze the pie without the Cool Whip and maraschino cherries to maintain the best texture and appearance. Add those fresh toppings after thawing and just before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the bright, nostalgic sweetness of this Cherry Kool-Aid Pie Recipe on a warm day. It’s one of those simple pleasures that brings smiles and cool refreshment with every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a family barbecue or just indulging on a quiet afternoon, this no-bake pie is sure to become a summertime favorite. So go ahead, whip it up, chill, and enjoy—cheers to delicious memories made easy!