I absolutely love this No Bake Cranberry Butterscotch Pie! There’s something magical about the combination of tart cranberries and rich butterscotch that makes this dessert a showstopper at any gathering. I remember the first time I made this pie – it was for a family Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone was so thrilled with the unexpected flavor twist. I was practically giddy as my relatives took their first bites; the surprise on their faces was priceless!
This pie is perfect for those days when you want to whip up something impressive without the hassle of baking. Plus, it’s wonderfully versatile. You can serve it during the holidays, or as a refreshing dessert in any season. I love finding ways to shake up my dessert game, and this pie definitely does that!
What’s in No Bake Cranberry Butterscotch Pie?
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen, cranberries give this pie its delightful tartness. They’re also packed with antioxidants! If you use frozen cranberries, make sure to thaw and drain them properly.
Butterscotch Pudding Mix: The star of the show! This instant pudding mix is what gives the pie its creamy sweetness. I usually go for Jell-O brand, as I find it provides the best flavor and texture.
Cool Whip: For that luscious, fluffy topping! It lightens up the dense filling and adds a lovely creaminess. If you prefer, you can make your own whipped cream, but Cool Whip saves time.
Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust: A delightful twist! The chocolate flavor adds a nice contrast to the tartness of the cranberries. You can either buy a pre-made crust or make your own.
Butter: Just a tad, to help combine the crust ingredients if you’re making it from scratch. Opt for unsalted butter to control the flavor better.
Is No Bake Cranberry Butterscotch Pie Good for You?
Well, like most desserts, this pie is a treat, but let’s break it down!
Cranberries: These little gems are seriously nutritious. They’re low in calories and high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which can help support your immune system.
Butterscotch pudding: Contains sugar and some preservatives, so it’s definitely more of a guilty pleasure than health food.
Cool Whip: It’s a lighter option than heavy cream, but it does contain sugar and stabilizers, so moderation is key here.
Overall, this pie leans more towards indulgence, but honestly, a slice now and then is perfectly fine as part of a balanced diet! Just don’t tell anyone how easy it is to make, or they’ll be begging you for it every week!
Ingredients
– 1 package (3.4 oz) butterscotch pudding mix
– 1 cup cold milk
– 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed and drained
– 1 ½ cups Cool Whip
– 1 (6 oz) chocolate graham cracker crust
– 1 tablespoon melted butter (if making crust from scratch)
This recipe makes about 8 servings.
How to Make No Bake Cranberry Butterscotch Pie?
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the butterscotch pudding mix with the cold milk. Whisk until smooth and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens nicely.
2. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until well combined. It should be light and fluffy!
3. Add the cranberries to the mixture, being careful not to crush them. You want to keep that lovely tart flavor intact.
4. Pour the butterscotch and cranberry mixture into the chocolate graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
5. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until it’s set.
6. Serve chilled. You can even top it with additional Cool Whip and some whole cranberries for garnish!
Sweet Tips & Variations for No Bake Cranberry Butterscotch Pie
– Want to add a little crunch? Toss in some crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts for texture.
– If you love coconut, sprinkle some sweetened shredded coconut on top before serving.
– Feel free to swap out the butterscotch pudding for vanilla or even chocolate for a different flavor profile!
– This pie can be made a day ahead, which makes it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy occasions.
I can’t wait for you to try this delightful pie! The creamy butterscotch and zesty cranberries come together for a luscious blend of flavors and textures that your taste buds will thank you for. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out for you – I’m always eager to hear your experiences in the kitchen. Happy baking (or rather, chilling!) friends!
