Cherry Cheese Pie (Our Favorite No-Bake Dessert)

If there’s one dessert that never misses a holiday at my house, it’s this Cherry Cheese Pie.
My mom has been making it for as long as I can remember, and now I make it for my own family — especially at Thanksgiving.
It’s one of those desserts that feels a little nostalgic, a little retro, but always perfect.
The best part? It’s completely no-bake and comes together in just 10 minutes.
The filling is silky smooth, with a hint of lemon and vanilla, and it all sits inside a buttery graham cracker crust.
Then comes the fun part — a glossy cherry topping that makes it feel fancy without any extra effort.
We’ve been loving this pie lately — it’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for when you need a dessert that looks beautiful but is secretly so simple.
I hope it becomes one of your family’s favorites too!
For Cherry Cheese Pie Filling
- Cream Cheese – A key ingredient for that creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened before mixing!
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds a rich, sweet flavor that helps the filling set perfectly.
- Lemon Juice – Adds a refreshing tang to balance the sweetness of the condensed milk.
- Vanilla Extract – For a hint of warmth and depth in the flavor.
For the Crust
- Graham Cracker Crust – This buttery, slightly sweet crust is the perfect base for the creamy filling.
For Topping
- Cherry Pie Filling – Use a canned version for convenience, and add it to the top for a fruity, glossy finish. You may not need the whole can!


Cherry Cheese Pie
Notes
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk (such as Eagle Brand)
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (9 oz) graham cracker crust
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps!
- Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract, mixing well to ensure everything is fully combined.
- This helps the filling set properly.
- Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust and smooth out the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until firm.
- Once set, spoon the cherry pie filling over the top.
- You may not need the entire can — just add enough to generously cover.
- Chill until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 493.1 kcal | Carbohydrates: 62.9g | Protein: 5.0g | Fat: 22.0g | Saturated Fat: 10.9g | Cholesterol: 45.0mg | Sodium: 138.9mg | Potassium: 117.5mg | Fiber: 1.0g | Sugar: 53.5g | Vitamin A: 251.3 IU | Vitamin C: 5.0mg | Calcium: 43.3mg | Iron: 0.1mg
- Can I skip the graham cracker crust and use a store-bought one instead?
Yes, absolutely! A pre-made graham cracker crust works perfectly and saves you time. Just make sure it’s a 9-inch crust to match the recipe proportions. - What can I do if my cream cheese isn’t soft enough?
If your cream cheese isn’t soft, it might make mixing a bit lumpy. Simply microwave it in 10-second intervals until it’s softened or leave it out at room temperature for 30 minutes before using. - Can I add other fruit toppings instead of cherry pie filling?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out the cherry pie filling for blueberry, strawberry, or even fresh berries for a lighter twist on this classic. - How long does the pie need to chill before it’s ready to serve?
For the best results, chill the pie for at least 3 hours, but overnight is even better. This ensures the filling sets properly and the flavors meld together beautifully. - Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Yes! This pie is perfect for preparing in advance. Make it a day ahead, refrigerate it overnight, and serve it the next day for a hassle-free dessert that’s still fresh and delicious.

