
You know a recipe’s a keeper when you remake it until it sings—and trust me, this No-bake Raspberry Cream Cheese Pie has been through enough re-runs to deserve its own sitcom. After tweaking textures and chilling times, I landed on a version that’s sweet, tart, and perfectly set up for summer picnics, potlucks, and (my personal fave) holiday dessert tables. Best part? No oven fuss. Just plan ahead and let the fridge do the heavy lifting.
This pie layers simple, honest flavors: a buttery crust, a silky cream-cheese layer, and a glossy raspberry topping. If you want something that reads elegant but actually feels effortless to make, this falls squarely into the “serve-and-pretend-you’ve-slaved” category. I use a ready-made shortbread base when I can find it, but a classic Biscuits Graham crust works great too—both give you that crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.
Let’s talk cream cheese: you only need half of an 8-ounce block for the cheesecake layer, so don’t panic thinking you must open an entire brick and use it all. Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture—that richness makes this feel like a proper Cream Cheese Pie, not a watered-down wannabe. FYI, full fat matters here; it gives structure and keeps the filling from weeping.
Frozen raspberries shine in this recipe. They’re convenient, affordable year-round, and they actually make a firmer fruit layer when thickened with cornstarch. To make the compote, simmer berries with sugar, then whisk in a cornstarch slurry and cool until glossy and set. If you prefer fresh fruit, go for it—but expect a looser top layer unless you tweak the thickener. This is still one of my top Raspberry Desserts for summer entertaining.
Here’s the real reason this pie works for holidays: it’s a make-ahead champion. Each layer needs chill time—don’t skip it. Chill each layer until fully set before adding the next; that keeps the raspberry topping from bleeding into the cream layer and guarantees neat slices. Seriously, read the recipe through, plan your fridge time, and breathe easy.
Want to switch things up? Use a shortbread crust for a richer crunch, or toss in a splash of lemon zest to the filling for a brightness that plays so well with the berries. If you’re catering to a French-leaning crowd, serve a small label calling it Dessert Aux Fruits and watch the compliments roll in. (Language is optional; deliciousness is not.)
This pie also makes a great addition to any collection of Raspberry Recipes—it sits nicely next to tarts, muffins, and trifle. Compared to baked cheesecakes or heavy custards, the No-bake Raspberry Cream Cheese Pie feels lighter yet totally indulgent. Want a handheld version? Spoon the filling into individual tart shells and chill—party-friendly and totally Instagrammable.
Storage notes: because this contains dairy and whipped cream, do not freeze—it ruins the texture. Instead, keep the pie refrigerated, covered, for up to three days. Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean edges. If you must prep early, make the crust and the cream layer a day ahead, and add the raspberry topping the morning of serving.
Curious how this compares to other fruit-forward treats? Think of it as a cross between classic Raspberry Cream Pies and modern no-bake cheesecakes—rich like Cheese Pies, but with a brightness that keeps it from feeling heavy. It also plays nicely on dessert tables next to pies and tarts labeled Cream Pie Recipes, giving guests more texture and flavor variety.
Two final tips before you preheat your fridge: beat the heavy cream to stiff peaks—don’t substitute Cool Whip—and use cornstarch to thicken the raspberry layer for a glossy finish that holds. Both small steps make a big difference to the final presentation and mouthfeel.
So—are you ready to make something deceptively simple that actually steals the show? Pull out a store-bought crust or whip up a quick graham base, soften that cream cheese, and get your raspberries ready. This No-bake Raspberry Cream Cheese Pie proves you don’t need complicated techniques to deliver a crowd-pleaser. It’s one of those dessert wins that earns you repeat requests and zero stress. Happy chilling—and may your pie slices be tidy and your guests impressed.


No-Bake Raspberry Cream Cheese Pie – Easy Summer Dessert
- Total Time: 14 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
Description
A light, no-bake raspberry cream pie layered in a ready-made graham or shortbread crust — a creamy cheesecake-style filling topped with a glossy raspberry layer. Easy to build, but plan for chilling time.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 (6 oz) ready-made graham cracker or shortbread pie crust
Cream Cheese Layer
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered (confectioners’) sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Raspberry Topping
- 3 Tbsp water
- 3 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 (12 oz) bag frozen raspberries
To finish (optional)
- Extra whipped cream and fresh raspberries for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until it holds stiff peaks. Fold the whipped cream gently into the sweetened cream cheese until evenly combined.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the prepared crust and smooth the surface. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for 6–8 hours so the filling firms up nicely.
- While the cream layer chills, make the raspberry gel: whisk the cornstarch into the water until dissolved. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the frozen raspberries and granulated sugar. Bring to a boil, then add the cornstarch slurry and boil for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and cool about 30 minutes, then transfer to the fridge to chill.
- Once both components are cold, spread the fully chilled raspberry mixture over the set cream cheese layer. Cover and refrigerate again — overnight is ideal — so the raspberry layer sets completely.
- When ready to serve, top with dollops of whipped cream and fresh raspberries if desired. Slice with a hot, clean knife for neat pieces.
Notes
Pro tips:
- Use full-fat cream cheese and whip the cream to stiff peaks for the best texture.
- Cool the fruit layer completely before adding it to the pie to avoid bleeding.
- Plan ahead: this is a true make-ahead dessert — start the day before for the cleanest slices and best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20
- Fridge Time: 14 hours
- Category: Desserts
Nutrition
- Calories: 229kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 53mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 36mg