A creamy no-bake cheesecake layered with tangy cranberry sauce and topped with caramelized pecans. This festive pie blends sweetness, tartness, and crunch in every bite, making it a stunning holiday dessert without the need for baking.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• No oven required—quick and easy to prepare.

• Tangy cranberries balance the rich cheesecake filling.

• Crunchy caramelized pecans add texture and flavor.

• Perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays or gatherings.

• Beautiful presentation with vibrant cranberry color.

No-Bake Cranberry Cheesecake Pie

No-bake desserts offer convenience without sacrificing flavor, and this cranberry cheesecake pie is proof that you don’t need an oven to create something stunning. With its creamy cheesecake base, tart cranberry layer, and caramelized pecan topping, it delivers multiple textures and flavors in perfect harmony.

The highlight of this recipe is the cranberry layer, made by gently simmering fresh cranberries with sugar and water until they burst and release their natural juices. The result is a sauce that is both tangy and sweet, adding brightness to the richness of the cheesecake filling.

The cheesecake layer itself is simple yet luxurious. Cream cheese is whipped with sugar and folded with whipped cream, creating a filling that is light, smooth, and airy. The addition of cranberry sauce provides a swirl of flavor that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Using a premade graham cracker crust keeps the process easy and approachable, saving time without compromising on taste. Its slightly sweet, crunchy texture pairs perfectly with the creamy filling and fruity topping.

What truly sets this dessert apart is the pecan topping. Pecans are gently caramelized with butter and brown sugar, then scattered across the top for a delightful crunch. They bring nutty depth and a subtle sweetness that complements the tart cranberries.

Because this is a no-bake recipe, it’s also ideal for busy schedules. You can prepare it ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This not only enhances the flavors but also makes it stress-free for entertaining.

Visually, the pie is a showstopper. The deep red cranberry sauce contrasts against the pale cheesecake filling, while the pecans add a rustic, festive touch. It’s the kind of dessert that draws attention before the first slice is cut.

The pie is versatile, too. You could swap cranberries for raspberries, cherries, or even a mixed berry sauce if desired. The pecans could be substituted with walnuts or almonds, offering different textures and flavors.

Despite its elegance, the recipe is straightforward enough for beginner bakers. Each step is approachable, from making the cranberry sauce to folding the whipped cream into the cheesecake filling. With just a little patience for chilling time, you’re rewarded with a dessert that looks and tastes professional.

This pie is especially suited for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, where cranberries shine as a seasonal ingredient. Yet it’s equally enjoyable year-round, offering a refreshing twist on traditional no-bake cheesecakes.

The balance of flavors is what makes this pie memorable. The tartness of cranberries prevents it from being overly sweet, the creamy cheesecake provides indulgence, and the caramelized pecans bring crunch and warmth. Together, they create a harmonious dessert that satisfies every craving.

For those who love to prepare desserts in advance, this pie is a dream. It holds its shape well in the refrigerator and slices cleanly, making serving effortless. It’s also a great option for potlucks or parties where transportability matters.

Because it requires no baking, the recipe is also more energy-efficient and perfect for warmer months when you’d rather not turn on the oven. It’s proof that some of the most delicious desserts don’t need heat to come to life.

Ultimately, this no-bake cranberry cheesecake pie delivers indulgence with ease. It celebrates seasonal fruit, creamy textures, and nutty toppings, all in one simple yet impressive dessert. It’s a recipe worth keeping in your collection for any occasion.

Servings

8–10 slices

Time

• Prep time: 25 minutes

• Chilling time: 4–6 hours

• Total time: About 6 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ready-made graham cracker pie crust

• 2 cups fresh cranberries

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup water (or orange juice)

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to firm peaks

• ⅔ cup chopped pecans

• 2 tablespoons butter

• ¼ cup light brown sugar

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, simmer cranberries, sugar, and water until berries burst and sauce thickens. Cool completely.

2. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add cooled cranberry sauce and vanilla.

3. Fold in whipped cream until light and airy.

4. Spoon mixture into graham cracker crust. Smooth the top.

5. In a skillet, melt butter with brown sugar. Stir in pecans until coated.

6. Scatter caramelized pecans over cheesecake filling.

7. Chill for 4–6 hours before slicing.

Tips

• For a stronger citrus note, replace water with orange juice.

• Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture.

• Chill overnight for the cleanest slices.

• Try swapping cranberries for raspberries for a different twist.

• Toast pecans before caramelizing for added flavor.