Name: No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 14 graham cracker sheets (or 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs); 2 Tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 8 Tbsp butter, melted; 1 cup fresh cranberries; 2 Tbsp fresh orange juice; 2 tsp orange zest; 2 Tbsp granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream; 2 Tbsp fresh orange juice; 1 Tbsp orange zest; 1/3 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Orange zest; Sugared cranberries; Candied orange peels

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie is a refreshing and festive dessert perfect for any occasion. It combines tangy cranberries, bright orange flavors, and a creamy filling all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. Easy to prepare and no baking required!

A creamy pie with three clear layers sits in a white pie dish with a crumbly, golden-brown crust on the bottom and sides. The middle layer is a soft pink filling, topped with a thick, smooth white cream layer that covers the whole pie. Small red berries dusted with white sugar are placed on the cream, scattered evenly. Thin orange zest pieces are sprinkled over the top, adding tiny bright spots against the white cream. The pie dish rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

14 graham cracker sheets (or 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs)
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 Tbsp butter, melted
1 cup fresh cranberries
2 Tbsp fresh orange juice
2 tsp orange zest
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 Tbsp fresh orange juice
1 Tbsp orange zest
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Orange zest, if desired (for topping)
Sugared cranberries, if desired (for topping)
Candied orange peels, if desired (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: In a food processor, pulse graham cracker sheets until they become fine crumbs. Add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter, then mix until well combined.
Step 2: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into a deep dish 9-inch pie plate to form the crust. Set it aside.
Step 3: In a small or medium saucepan, bring fresh cranberries and orange juice to a boil over medium heat. Then reduce the heat to medium-low.
Step 4: Stir in orange zest, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract with the cranberries. Let it simmer for 6 to 7 minutes, until the cranberries have broken down and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Step 5: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the heavy cream until it begins to thicken. Add fresh orange juice, orange zest, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Step 6: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the cooled cranberry filling until well combined. Gently fold half of the whipped orange cream into this mixture until evenly incorporated.
Step 7: Spread the cranberry and cream cheese filling evenly over the graham cracker crust. Then spread the remaining orange whipped cream over the top.
Step 8: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set and the flavors to meld.
Step 9: Before serving, optionally garnish the pie with additional orange zest, sugared cranberries, and candied orange peels for an elegant finish.
Step 10: Slice, serve, and enjoy this bright, creamy no bake pie!

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free crust, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free crackers or nuts mixed with butter.
Use frozen cranberries if fresh are not available, just increase simmering time slightly.
To make it vegan, replace cream cheese and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives that whip well.
Adding a teaspoon of orange liqueur like Grand Marnier to the cranberry filling adds an extra depth of flavor.

Storage

Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain its texture and freshness. For best results, consume within the first two days. When ready to serve, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly before slicing.

How to Serve

A slice of pie with three distinct layers sits on a white plate over a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is a light brown crumbly crust, thick and firm. Above it is a pink creamy filling with small pieces of red berries inside, giving it a textured look. The top layer is a thick white whipped cream, soft and smooth, decorated with a few small red berries covered in sugar and tiny orange zest pieces scattered on top. A few more sugared berries are placed around the plate, adding color and detail. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pie in advance?

Yes, this pie actually benefits from resting overnight in the fridge, allowing the flavors to blend and the filling to set perfectly.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Make sure to press the crust firmly and evenly. Chilling the crust before adding the filling can also help it stay crisp longer.