No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie Recipe

Introduction

This No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie is a refreshing and tangy dessert perfect for any occasion. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious cranberry orange cream filling, it offers a delightful balance of sweet and citrus flavors without the need to turn on your oven.

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 garnish)
• Sugared cranberries, if desired (for garnish)
• Candied orange peels, if desired (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a food processor, pulse graham cracker sheets until they become fine crumbs. Add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well coated and hold together when pressed.
2. Step 2: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a deep 9-inch pie plate. Set aside while preparing the filling.
3. Step 3: In a small or medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries and 2 tablespoons of orange juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low.
4. Step 4: Stir in orange zest, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Let the mixture simmer for 6 to 7 minutes until the cranberries soften and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
5. Step 5: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the heavy cream until it starts to thicken. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of orange juice, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
6. Step 6: In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the cooled cranberry filling until smooth. Gently fold in half of the orange whipped cream until combined.
7. Step 7: Spread the cranberry cream mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
8. Step 8: Spread the remaining orange whipped cream over the top of the filling, smoothing it out evenly.
9. Step 9: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set properly.
10. Step 10: Before serving, garnish with additional orange zest, sugared cranberries, or candied orange peels if desired. Enjoy your refreshing cranberry orange cream pie!

Tips & Variations

• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers or substitute with crushed nuts.
• If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries can be used after thawing and draining excess liquid.
• Add a splash of triple sec or orange liqueur to the cranberry mixture for an adult twist.
• To make the crust extra crunchy, toast the graham cracker crumbs lightly before mixing with butter.

Storage

Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing as the cream filling may separate. When ready to serve, let the pie sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, this pie is perfect for making a day in advance. Chilling it overnight allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set firmly.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh cranberries?

You can substitute frozen cranberries, just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using them to avoid a watery filling.

No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 57 reviews

This no-bake cranberry orange cream pie combines a crunchy graham cracker crust with a luscious cream cheese and cranberry filling, complemented by an airy orange-flavored whipped cream topping. Perfectly balancing tart cranberries and sweet citrus zest, this dessert is easy to prepare and ideal for holiday gatherings or any occasion needing a refreshing, creamy treat without oven time.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 14 graham cracker sheets (or 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs)
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 Tbsp butter, melted

Cranberry Filling

• 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

Orange Whipped Cream

• 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

Garnish (optional)

• Orange zest
• Sugared cranberries
• Candied orange peels

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: Use a food processor to pulse the graham cracker sheets until they become fine crumbs. Add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter, then mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
2. Form crust: Press the graham cracker crumb mixture firmly into a deep dish 9-inch pie plate, ensuring an even layer. Set the crust aside to maintain its shape while preparing the filling.
3. Cook cranberries: In a small or medium saucepan, bring the fresh cranberries and fresh orange juice to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low to continue simmering.
4. Simmer cranberry filling: Add orange zest, sugar, and vanilla extract to the cranberries. Let the mixture simmer for 6 to 7 minutes until the cranberries have softened and the filling has thickened. Remove from heat and cool completely.
5. Whip the cream: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the heavy whipping cream until it begins to thicken. Add fresh orange juice, orange zest, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
6. Combine cream cheese and cranberry filling: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the cooled cranberry filling until smooth and well combined.
7. Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold half of the orange whipped cream into the cranberry and cream cheese mixture, mixing carefully to maintain the airy texture.
8. Assemble the pie: Spread the cranberry and cream cheese filling evenly over the graham cracker crust. Next, spread the remaining orange whipped cream on top to create a smooth layer.
9. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set and the flavors to meld.
10. Garnish and serve: Before serving, optionally garnish the pie with additional orange zest, sugared cranberries, and candied orange peels for a festive and decorative touch.

Notes

• You can substitute graham cracker sheets with pre-made graham cracker crumbs to save time.
• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smoother mixing.
• Use fresh cranberries and fresh orange juice for the best flavor and texture.
• For a firmer crust, chill the crust in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before adding the filling.
• This pie should be kept refrigerated and consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
• For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped cream substitutes, though the texture may vary slightly.

Keywords: No-bake, Cranberry orange pie, Cream pie, Holiday dessert, Easy pie recipe, Graham cracker crust, Whipped cream dessert