No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie

This No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie is a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the vibrant flavors of the season. With its creamy orange filling and a swirl of tangy cranberry sauce, this pie is not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to make. Ideal for holiday gatherings or simply as a treat for yourself, it frees up your oven space while ensuring you indulge in deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Baking Required: Enjoy a delicious pie without the hassle of preheating your oven.
• Festive Flavors: The combination of cranberry and orange brings a refreshing taste that’s perfect for fall and winter celebrations.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Customizable Toppings: Add a personal touch with optional toppings like sugared cranberries or candied orange peels.
• Make Ahead Option: Chill in the fridge overnight for an easy dessert ready when you are.

Tools and Preparation

To create this No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make your preparation smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Perfect for crushing graham cracker sheets into fine crumbs quickly.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without any mess.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: Ensures your cream achieves the right texture with minimal effort.
• Deep dish pie plate: Provides enough depth to hold all the delicious layers of this pie.

Ingredients

To whip up this No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie, gather these fresh 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

1. In a food processor, pulse graham cracker sheets until they turn into fine crumbs.
2. Add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter to the crumbs. Mix until well combined.
3. Press the crust mixture firmly into a deep dish 9” pie plate. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cranberry Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries and orange juice over medium heat. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and mix in orange zest, sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 6-7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Orange Cream Filling

1. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream using a hand mixer or stand mixer until it begins to thicken.
2. Gradually add in fresh orange juice, zest, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine Fillings

1. In another mixing bowl, blend cream cheese with cooled cranberry filling until fully combined.
2. Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the cranberry mixture until just mixed.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

1. Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust.
2. Top with the remaining orange whipped cream.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to set properly.
2. Before serving, garnish with additional orange zest or optional garnishes like sugared cranberries or candied orange peels if desired.

Enjoy your deliciously creamy No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie!

How to Serve No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie

This No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie is not just delightful on its own but can be complemented with various serving suggestions. Here are some ideas to enhance your dessert experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Oranges: Fresh orange slices add a zesty touch and brighten the flavor profile.
• Berries: Mixed berries like strawberries or blueberries provide a colorful and flavorful contrast.

Pairing with Beverages

• Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea pairs nicely, balancing the sweetness of the pie.
• Sparkling Water: Serve with a slice of lemon or lime for a refreshing contrast.

Garnishing Options

• Candied Orange Peels: These offer a sweet and chewy texture that complements the pie’s flavors.
• Sugared Cranberries: A sprinkle of these adds both sweetness and a festive look.

How to Perfect No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie

Creating the ultimate No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie involves a few simple yet effective tips. Follow these for best results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
• Chill Thoroughly: Allow the pie to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for better set and flavor melding.
• Whip Cream Until Stiff Peaks Form: This ensures your whipped cream holds its shape when layered on top.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust the sweetness of both the cranberry filling and whipped cream to suit your preference.

Best Side Dishes for No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie

Pairing side dishes with your No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie can elevate your dessert experience. Consider these options for a well-rounded meal.

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as Brie and sharp cheddar, balances the sweetness of the pie.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with citrus fruits complements the flavors in the pie beautifully.
3. Nut Mix: A spiced nut mix provides crunchiness and savory notes, enhancing the dessert’s sweetness.
4. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream offers creamy richness that pairs well with tartness from cranberries.
5. Chocolate Fondue: For an indulgent twist, serve alongside chocolate fondue for dipping fresh fruits or cake pieces.
6. Gingerbread Cookies: These spiced cookies add warmth and texture, making them an excellent accompaniment to this creamy pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a perfect dessert.

• Overmixing the crust: Mixing too long can lead to a tough crust. Just combine the ingredients until they are incorporated.
• Skipping the chilling time: Not allowing the pie to chill can result in a runny filling. Aim for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator.
• Using warm cream cheese: If the cream cheese is not softened properly, it can create lumps in your filling. Ensure it’s at room temperature before mixing.
• Not tasting the cranberry sauce: The sweetness can vary between cranberries. Taste and adjust sugar as needed before cooling.
• Ignoring the whipped cream texture: Whipping the cream too little will make it not hold its shape. Whip until stiff peaks form for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for best results.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until slightly warm.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, flipping carefully until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making this delicious pie, check out these frequently asked questions.

How do I make No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie gluten-free?

You can easily use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a nut-based crust instead of traditional graham crackers.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just ensure they are thawed and drained well before cooking them down.

How long does No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie last?

The pie lasts about 3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

What can I use instead of heavy whipping cream?

For a lighter option, you can substitute with coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping alternative.

Final Thoughts

This No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie is not only easy to prepare but also brings festive flavors that delight everyone. Feel free to customize it by adding different fruits or toppings like nuts or chocolate shavings. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie

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Indulge in the delightful flavors of this No Bake Cranberry Orange Cream Pie, a perfect dessert for any occasion. This luscious pie features a creamy orange filling layered with a tangy cranberry sauce, creating a stunning visual and flavor experience. It’s an effortless treat that doesn’t require any baking, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or as a refreshing dessert any time of the year. With just a few simple ingredients and quick preparation steps, you can create a show-stopping dessert that’s both delicious and easy to make. Chill it overnight for the best results, allowing all those vibrant flavors to meld beautifully.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 14 graham cracker sheets (or 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs)
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 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
• 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: Orange zest, sugared cranberries, candied orange peels

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust by blending graham crackers with sugar and melted butter until combined. Press into a deep dish pie plate.
2. For the cranberry filling, cook cranberries with orange juice until thickened; let cool.
3. Whip heavy cream with orange juice and zest until stiff peaks form. Mix cream cheese with cooled cranberry filling, then fold in half of the whipped cream.
4. Layer cranberry filling over the crust followed by the remaining whipped cream. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

• Author: Juniper
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 130g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For gluten-free options, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. Customize toppings with sugared cranberries or candied orange peels for added flair.