No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie

This No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie is a delightful and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from festive holidays to casual family gatherings. With its sweet cranberry orange sauce and creamy orange filling, this pie offers a refreshing twist that will impress your guests. Best of all, it requires no baking, freeing up your oven for other dishes while still delivering on flavor and presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation – This recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for bakers of all levels. You can whip it up in just 20 minutes!
• Seasonal Flavors – The combination of cranberries and oranges captures the essence of fall and winter, creating a warm, inviting dessert.
• No Baking Required – Enjoy the convenience of a no-bake dessert that sets beautifully in the refrigerator while you focus on other holiday preparations.
• Versatile Serving Options – This pie can be served as a show-stopping centerpiece or as individual slices at parties, adapting to any setting.
• Customizable Toppings – Add your favorite garnishes like sugared cranberries or candied orange peels for an extra touch of elegance.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Deep dish 9” pie plate

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor – Perfect for quickly turning graham cracker sheets into fine crumbs for the crust.
• Mixing bowls – Essential for mixing ingredients separately before combining them.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer – These tools make whipping the cream easy and ensure stiff peaks are achieved.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

For the 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

For the Cranberry Filling

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 Tbsp fresh orange juice
• 2 tsp orange zest
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Orange Cream Filling

• 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

Optional Garnishes

• Orange zest, if desired
• Sugared cranberries, if desired
• Candied orange peels, if desired

How to Make No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

In a food processor, pulse graham cracker sheets until they are crumbs. Add in sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Press this mixture into a deep dish 9” pie plate to form your crust. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cranberry Sauce

In a small saucepan, bring fresh cranberries and orange juice to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Mix in orange zest, sugar, and vanilla extract. Let it simmer for about 6-7 minutes until the cranberries soften and thicken. Allow to cool completely.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

Using a hand mixer or standing mixer, whip heavy cream until it starts to thicken. Gradually add fresh orange juice, zest, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Set aside half of this whipped cream for topping later.

Step 4: Combine Fillings

In another bowl, mix cream cheese with cooled cranberry filling until smooth. Fold half of the whipped cream into this mixture gently until combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

Spread the cranberry filling over your prepared crust evenly. Top with the remaining whipped cream mixture.

Step 6: Chill

Refrigerate your No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to set properly before serving.

Step 7: Serve

If desired, garnish with additional orange zest, sugared cranberries, or candied orange peels before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie

Serving your No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie can be as delightful as making it. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious dessert that will impress your guests.

Festive Garnish

• Fresh Orange Zest: Sprinkle additional orange zest on top to enhance the citrus flavor and add a pop of color.
• Sugared Cranberries: Use sugared cranberries for a touch of sweetness and an elegant look on top of the pie.

Individual Portions

• Mini Pies: Serve in small tart shells for individual servings, making them perfect for parties or gatherings.
• Mason Jars: Layer the cranberry filling and orange cream in mason jars for a fun and portable dessert option.

Accompaniments

• Whipped Cream: Offer extra whipped cream on the side for guests who prefer a creamy addition.
• Fruit Salad: Pair with a light fruit salad to complement the flavors and add freshness to the meal.

How to Perfect No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie

Creating the perfect No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your pie turns out beautifully.

• Chill Thoroughly: Make sure to chill the pie for at least 4 hours. This allows it to set properly, ensuring clean slices when serving.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh cranberries and oranges for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients elevate the taste of your pie significantly.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust sugar levels according to your preference while preparing the cranberry sauce or cream filling. Tasting will help you achieve the desired sweetness.
• Fold Gently: When mixing whipped cream into the filling, fold gently. This preserves airiness, resulting in a light texture.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add various toppings like nuts or chocolate shavings for added texture and flavor variation.

Best Side Dishes for No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie

Pairing side dishes with your No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie can enhance its flavors and complete your meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Crispy Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pie.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a savory contrast that complements the dessert’s sweetness.
3. Cheese Platter: Serve alongside an assortment of cheeses like brie and goat cheese for a rich, creamy pairing that enhances flavors.
4. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup creates a comforting combination with your cranberry orange pie during colder months.
5. Honey Glazed Carrots: These sweet carrots offer a delightful contrast in flavors while adding vibrant color to your table.
6. Herbed Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with fresh herbs adds texture and nutritional value alongside your decadent dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie can be a joy, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Using stale ingredients: Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Check your cream cheese and cranberries for quality.
• Not chilling long enough: This pie requires sufficient time in the fridge to set properly. Ensure you chill it for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Overmixing the whipped cream: Be careful not to overwhip the heavy cream, as this can lead to a grainy texture. Stop once stiff peaks form.
• Skipping the orange zest: The zest adds essential flavor to the pie. Don’t skip it—it’s key for that burst of citrus.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth filling.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pie in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.

Reheating No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie

• Oven: Not recommended as this is a no-bake dessert and should be served cold.
• Microwave: If desired, gently microwave a slice on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Not applicable; this pie is best enjoyed chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie?

No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie is a deliciously creamy dessert that combines sweet cranberry sauce with a rich orange cream filling, all on a graham cracker crust.

How long does it take to make No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie?

The prep time is around 20 minutes, but remember to chill the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just thaw them before cooking them down with orange juice.

What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?

You may use coconut cream or a plant-based alternative if you’re looking for dairy-free options.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, different fruit flavors, or even swap out the orange zest for lemon for a different twist.

Final Thoughts

This No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie is an easy yet impressive dessert perfect for any holiday gathering. Its combination of sweet and tart flavors makes it irresistible. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust the sweetness level. Give it a try and delight your friends and family!