Imagine a dessert so effortlessly elegant and delicious that it requires zero oven time and delivers maximum flavor. This No Bake Cranberry Pie is your ticket to becoming an instant dessert hero, transforming simple ingredients into a show-stopping treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. With its perfect balance of tart cranberries, silky cream, and buttery graham cracker crust, this pie is about to become your new go-to recipe for impressing guests or treating yourself to a luxurious, stress-free dessert experience.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cranberries begin to burst and create a thick sauce, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the cranberry mixture from heat and stir in lemon juice. Allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature, which helps it thicken and develop a rich flavor.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Use an electric mixer on medium-high speed for best results.
- Gently fold the cooled cranberry mixture into the whipped cream, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to deflate the cream while mixing.
- Pour the cranberry cream mixture into the pre-made graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set completely and develop a firm, creamy texture.
- Before serving, you can garnish with additional fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for extra visual appeal.
- Slice and serve chilled. The pie will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
Tips
- Use fresh cranberries for the most vibrant flavor and color. Frozen cranberries can work in a pinch, but thaw and drain them completely before cooking.
- When cooking the cranberry mixture, watch carefully and stir constantly to prevent burning. The sauce should be thick and slightly jammy.
- Allow the cranberry mixture to cool completely before folding into whipped cream to maintain the cream's light, airy texture.
- For the fluffiest whipped cream, ensure your heavy cream and mixing bowl are very cold before whipping.
- When folding the cranberry mixture into the cream, use a gentle, figure-eight motion to preserve the beautiful marbled effect.
- For a more stable whipped cream, you can add a tablespoon of powdered sugar while whipping.
- Chill the pie for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for the best set and flavor development.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
