No Bake Cranberry Butterscotch Pie

No Bake Cranberry Butterscotch Pie is a creamy, sweet-tart dessert that delivers festive flavor without ever turning on the oven. This chilled pie features a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth butterscotch-infused filling, and a vibrant cranberry topping that adds both brightness and texture. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays, dinner parties, or whenever you’re craving something a little different.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No oven needed—perfect for warm weather or busy holiday baking days
• A stunning presentation with minimal effort
• Tangy cranberries cut the sweetness of the butterscotch beautifully
• Creamy, rich texture with a refreshing fruity finish
• Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge
• Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Friendsgiving
• Unique twist on traditional cranberry and butterscotch pairings
• Simple, accessible ingredients
• Light yet indulgent—perfect after a heavy meal
• Great balance of flavor and texture in every bite

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar

For the butterscotch filling:

• Butterscotch chips
• Cream cheese
• Whipped topping or whipped cream
• Vanilla extract

For the cranberry topping:

• Fresh or frozen cranberries
• Granulated sugar
• Orange juice
• Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

directions

1. Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar until combined. Press firmly into a pie dish and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to set.
2. Make the filling: Melt butterscotch chips in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
3. In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the melted butterscotch and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Fold in whipped topping or whipped cream gently to create a light, fluffy texture.
5. Spoon the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top. Chill for at least 2 hours or until set.
6. Prepare the cranberry topping: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 10–12 minutes.
7. If needed, dissolve a bit of cornstarch in water and stir in to thicken further.
8. Let cranberry topping cool completely before spooning over the chilled butterscotch pie.
9. Chill the fully assembled pie for at least 1 more hour before serving.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 8 slices
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 3 hours (total)
• Total Time: About 3 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Nut Crust: Add crushed pecans or walnuts to the graham cracker crust for a nutty twist.
• Spiced Topping: Add cinnamon or cloves to the cranberry topping for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Mini Pies: Make individual servings using muffin tins or mini tart pans.
• Gingersnap Crust: Swap graham crackers for gingersnaps for extra seasonal flavor.
• Layered Look: Add a layer of whipped topping between the filling and cranberry topping for a parfait-like effect.
• Coconut Version: Mix shredded coconut into the crust or sprinkle on top for texture.

storage/reheating

Store the pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the pie (without the cranberry topping) for up to 1 month—add the topping fresh before serving. This pie is meant to be served chilled; no reheating necessary.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, a pre-made graham cracker or shortbread crust works perfectly if you’re short on time.

What if I don’t have butterscotch chips?

You can use butterscotch pudding mix as a substitute, though the texture and richness will vary slightly.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely. It’s even better after a night in the fridge, making it ideal for entertaining.

How do I thicken the cranberry topping?

Use a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) if the cranberry mixture seems too runny.

Can I use canned cranberry sauce instead?

You can, but homemade topping gives much better flavor and texture contrast.

Is the pie overly sweet?

No—while the butterscotch is rich, the tart cranberries balance the sweetness nicely.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones in the topping.

Can I make this pie dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese, whipped topping, and check your butterscotch chips for dairy content.

Will the pie hold its shape when sliced?

Yes, once fully chilled, the filling sets nicely and slices cleanly.

Can I skip the cranberry topping?

Yes, the pie is still delicious with just the butterscotch filling, or you can top with caramel, chocolate, or fresh fruit.

Conclusion

No Bake Cranberry Butterscotch Pie is the kind of dessert that surprises and delights—sweet, creamy, and tangy in every bite. With its easy preparation and stunning presentation, it’s perfect for holiday feasts, dinner parties, or anytime you want something unique without the fuss of baking. Keep this one in your back pocket for the next time you need a showstopping no-bake treat.

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