No-Bake Kool-Aid Pie – A Colorful 3-Ingredient Dessert

By: Kelly Barlow

Looking for a fun, vibrant, and ultra-easy dessert that’s perfect for summer parties or quick weeknight treats? No-Bake Kool-Aid Pie is a nostalgic favorite made with just three simple ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, and a packet of Kool-Aid.

It delivers bold flavor and eye-catching color with almost no effort. Best of all, it requires no baking!

Serve it chilled on its own, topped with fresh fruit, or with a dollop of whipped cream.

A slice of pink no-bake Kool-Aid pie with a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream and red fruit sauce

No-Bake Kool-Aid Pie

Looking for a fun, vibrant, and ultra-easy dessert that’s perfect for summer parties or quick weeknight treats? No-Bake Kool-Aid Pie is a nostalgic favorite made with just three simple ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, and a packet of Kool-Aid.
Servings: 8
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 315

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping e.g., Cool Whip, thawed
  • 1 packet  Kool-Aid any flavor of your choice – cherry, tropical punch, lemonade, etc.
  • 9 inch graham cracker crust optional but recommended

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • 9-inch graham cracker pie crust store-bought or homemade
  • Measuring cup  if needed
  • Refrigerator
  • If you don’t have a pie crust, you can layer the filling in jars or cups for a parfait-style dessert. Alternative

Method
 

  1. Mix Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with the Kool-Aid packet. Stir well until the color is fully blended and the mixture is smooth.
    A mixing bowl filled with smooth, bright pink Kool-Aid pie filling being whisked with a metal whisk
  2. Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping using a rubber spatula. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated and the texture is fluffy.
    Fill the Crust: Pour the mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust. Use the spatula to smooth the top.
    A glass bowl filled with fluffy white whipped topping being stirred with a wooden spoon
  3. Chill: Place the pie in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until set.
    Serve: Slice and serve chilled. Add fresh fruit or extra whipped topping if desired.
    A slice of layered red, white, and blue Kool-Aid pie topped with blueberries, raspberries, and a mint sprig on a graham cracker crust

Notes

Cooking Tips

  • Choose bold Kool-Aid flavors for vivid color and taste.
  • For a tangier pie, add a tablespoon of lemon or lime juice to the mix.
  • Want a firmer texture? Pop the pie into the freezer for 1 hour before serving.
  • You can use sugar-free Kool-Aid for a slightly lighter version.

How About Alternative Ingredients?

If you’d like to put a twist on the classic No-Bake Kool-Aid Pie, there are plenty of alternative ingredients that can bring new textures and flavors while still keeping things simple. For example, instead of traditional whipped topping like Cool Whip, you can use homemade whipped cream.

Just whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This gives the pie a slightly richer taste and less processed finish.

For those who are dairy-free, coconut whipped topping is a great alternative and adds a subtle tropical note that pairs beautifully with fruity Kool-Aid flavors like pineapple or berry.

As for the sweetened condensed milk, you can try using a vegan or lactose-free version if dietary restrictions apply. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, there are low-sugar or sugar-free condensed milk products available as well. Don’t have a graham cracker crust on hand?

You can make your own with crushed cookies (like vanilla wafers, Oreos, or even shortbread) mixed with melted butter. For a gluten-free option, opt for gluten-free cookies or graham-style crackers.

You can also experiment with flavor enhancers—adding a bit of vanilla extract, citrus zest, or even mixing in fruit puree can elevate the taste and personalize the dessert to your liking.

Similar to this recipe, there’s the strawberry earthquake cake step-by-step recipe that you must try. For a more complicated and tastier dessert, but with similar ingredients!

Summary

The No-Bake Kool-Aid Pie is a perfect example of how a few pantry staples can come together to create something fun, flavorful, and completely hassle-free. Its bold colors, creamy texture, and nostalgic flavor make it a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

With endless flavor possibilities and customizable options, it’s easy to make this dessert your own. Try different Kool-Aid varieties, swap in alternative ingredients to suit dietary needs, or dress it up with your favorite toppings.

However you serve it, this vibrant pie is sure to brighten your table and bring smiles with every bite.