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No Bake Kool-Aid Pie is a creamy, no-fuss dessert made with just 3 ingredients in a graham cracker crust. Ready in 10 minutes, no oven needed!
As soon as the weather starts to get warm I am all about no bake desserts. They are so easy to make and always delicious! Something like this No Bake Oreo Cheesecake is super creamy and has all the cookies and cream flavor that everyone loves.
What I love most about this recipe is how forgiving and customizable it is. Grape, mixed berry, lemon, tropical punch… any flavor works, and each one gives you a completely different-looking, differently-flavored pie. It’s simple enough that my son can put it together on his own, which in my house means it’s officially a keeper.
Erin’s Notes
- Just 3 ingredients (plus the crust) — no baking, no candy thermometer, no fuss.
- Ready in 10 minutes of hands-on time, then the fridge does the rest.
- Endlessly customizable — a different Kool-Aid flavor gives you a brand new pie every time.
- Kid-friendly to make — simple enough for little hands to help with.
- Perfect make-ahead dessert for potlucks, cookouts, and hot summer days.
Ingredient Notes
- Sweetened Condensed Milk — this is what sweetens and binds the filling, so reach for the classic canned version, not evaporated milk.
- Kool-Aid Drink Mix — use an unsweetened packet (the small envelope meant to be mixed with sugar and water for drinks). You won’t add any sugar or water here — just the dry powder goes straight into the filling for flavor and color.
- Cool Whip — thaw it in the fridge first so it folds in easily. A tub of any whipped topping works, or see the Variations section for a homemade swap.
- Graham Cracker Crust — a store-bought crust keeps this a true no-bake recipe, but a homemade graham cracker crust works too if you don’t mind turning on the oven briefly.
No Bake Kool-Aid Pie
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 graham cracker crust, (homemade or store bought)
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 8 oz Cool Whip
- 1 package Kool-Aid drink mix, (flavor of your choice)
Instructions
- In a bowl mix together sweetened condensed milk and kool-aid packet. Fold in Cool Whip.14 oz sweetened condensed milk, 1 package Kool-Aid drink mix, 8 oz Cool Whip
- Pour into graham cracker crust.1 graham cracker crust
- Place in fridge for 4 hours or in freezer until set and ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How To Make Kool Aid Pie
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and the Kool-Aid packet until fully combined and no streaks of powder remain.
- Fold in the Cool Whip: Gently fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored. Fold rather than stir so the filling stays light and fluffy.
- Pour into the crust: Spread the filling into the graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or place in the freezer, until set enough to slice cleanly.
Recipe Tips
- Let the Cool Whip thaw completely before folding it in. Cold and stiff Cool Whip is harder to fold smoothly and can leave streaks.
- Fold gently rather than stirring vigorously; overmixing can deflate the whipped topping and leave you with a denser filling.
- For the cleanest slices, chill the pie the full 4 hours (or longer) before cutting.
- Keep your Kool-Aid flavor in mind when choosing a garnish – a few fresh berries or citrus slices on top hint at the flavor inside.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesecake-Style: Beat an 8 oz block of softened cream cheese smooth before adding the sweetened condensed milk and Kool-Aid powder. This gives the filling a denser, cheesecake-like texture.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Fold in chopped strawberries, drained mandarin oranges, or chopped cherries along with the Cool Whip for extra texture and a fresh pop of flavor.
- Swap the Flavor: Any Kool-Aid flavor works – mixed berry, grape, lemon, tropical punch, and blue raspberry are all popular choices, and each one changes the color and flavor completely.
Storage
Store the pie covered in the fridge, where it stays creamy and holds its shape well for slicing. Some readers like to freeze this pie for a firmer, frozen-pie texture instead.
You may have just created a monster. I don’t think you realize the depths of my love for Kool Aid and the nostalgia is provides. I LOVE THIS!
Yay!! So glad you like it Erin. It really is a fun and easy pie!
Is the Koolaid mix already sweetened or unsweetened?
The unsweetened packets Janice. Enjoy!
So you don’t have to add any extra sugar at all?
I mean the unsweetened Kool aid is pretty tart!
The sweetened condensed milk and cool whip add all the sweetness you need. Trust me, it is plenty sweet!
Thank you!!! Just wanted to be sure.
Can’t wait to try this!
It has sweetened condensed milk in it that would sweeten it enough
@Erin S,
UNSWEETENED Kool Aid Mix was not mentioned in the recipe.
Only saw it as I read the comments.
The last ingredient listed in the printable recipe card:
1 package Kool-Aid drink mix, (flavor of your choice)
The packages of Kool-Aid are all unsweetened, that is just the way they are sold.
Love love love!!
Love the color of this pie! Also, I want that rainbow milk jug. Where did you find that?
It was sent to me Lise, I have no idea where they got it. But they are so cute, aren’t they?!
I can imagine the possibilites with all those kool-aid flavors available. i wonder how it would work; if I were to put in diced fruit, nuts,,cookie crumbs, chopped candies, etc. it would be endless. thank you for this excellent recipe..
Wow that’s a great recipe. My son will love it…so will my husband.
can you use something for the sweetened condensed milk . My husband and I are diabetic I can use sugar free cool whip and the sugar free koolaid packet but no sure what I can substitute for the sweetened condensced milk this looks interesting
Nancy – My friend Carolyn from All Day I Dream About Food blogs all diabetic friendly recipes. She has a recipe for a sweetened condensed milk sub you could use. Check out the recipe at the bottom here http://alldayidreamaboutfood.com/2012/10/magic-cookie-bar.html
Hi! I understand it’s a “Kool-aid” pie but is it possible to make it with Jell-0 instead of Kool-aid, but keeping the same ingredients for the rest of the recipe? Thank you for the answer!
Madeleine, Sorry for the late response. I am traveling and did not have access to a computer. I have wondered if Jello would work as well. I honestly can’t see why not. Try it! Enjoy!
We used to make this pie using any flavor jello mix with plain yogurt and cool whip. No condensed milk. It works just as well. You just have to chill it before serving it.
I make a no bake cheesecake using same ingredients except I mix cream cheese & sugar then add coolwhip. Do you think it would mess it up adding the kool-aid for the awesome color & flavor? The 2 are so similar but feel the cream cheese would just have a creamery texture? What do you think? Thanks Alli
I think that would work Alli – it would just give it more flavor and definitely color 🙂 Let me know how it goes!
I was actually looking to see if I could make a non-desert dish using sweetened condensed milk, when after 8 pages I came across your link in google. I’m glad I kept look. although this is a dessert item, it look great! looks light and refreshing. I can’t wait to try it.
Annette