This vibrant Christmas cherry pie is not only bright and festive, it’s totally delicious! Anyone can make this easy holiday pie recipe because it’s made with simple ingredients and there’s no baking involved! It’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Grandma’s Christmas Pie
My mother-in-law does not like to cook, but she does have a few go-to desserts that she makes around the holidays. One of them is Christmas Pie.
Every year she makes my husband two Christmas pies and he hoards them and gobbles them up himself. Since I’m not normally a huge fruit pie fan, I never thought twice about it.
But one year I decided to try the Christmas pie. I figured if my husband was obsessed with it and people keep requesting them from my MIL, then there had to be something to it.
OMG.
Christmas pie is AMAZING!!
It sounds like it shouldn’t taste good. It sounds all sorts of wrong. I mean, Jello + pecans? What?!
But it just does.
I decided to make Christmas pie for our holiday get-together this year with my family. They asked what was in Christmas pie and when I told them, they kind of laughed.
I get it, it’s the same reaction I had initially.
But let me just tell you, they scarfed down that pie in like 5 minutes flat. Christmas pie for the win again!!
Related: For one of our favorite holiday dinners, try Mémère’s Garlic Roasted Pork Loin Recipe. It’s only 3 ingredients, super easy, and incredibly juicy!
What is Christmas Pie?
If you google “Christmas pie” nothing like this will turn up in the search results (at least not that I could find). I have no idea where my mother in law got the original recipe because she’s been making it for years and years.
Even if she found the inspiration in a cookbook decades ago, I think by now it’s pretty much her own special thing.
I can try to describe it, but I’m not sure I can do it justice.
Christmas pie is essentially a cherry pie, but with extra fruit, extra sweetness, and an addicting little crunch from the chopped pecans. And topped with Cool Whip, because Cool Whip makes everything better!
Even better, this Christmas cherry pie is super easy to make because there’s no baking involved and you use pre-made graham cracker pie crusts. That also makes it easy to carry to potlucks and holiday parties because the pies are already in disposable pie pans.
For your convenience in re-creating our Christmas pie recipe at home, we’ve included shop-able ad links to some of the products and supplies used. Read our disclosure policy here.
What You Need to Make Christmas Cherry Pie
- Cherry Pie Filling –Â We used canned cherry pie filling; (1) 21oz can is the perfect amount for the 2 pies this recipe makes.
- Strawberry Jello –Â You could also use cherry Jello for extra cherry flavor. Make sure to use the 3oz box and not the large size.
- Sugar –Â We used granulated sugar.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the pie and helps it set up without baking.
- Crushed pineapple –Â We used the kind that’s kept in juice, not syrup. Be sure to drain it first!
- Chopped Pecans –Â Smaller pieces add just the right crunch.
- Bananas –Â Thinly sliced so they’re bite sized.
- Graham cracker pie crust – Because it’s easy and already comes in a pie pan with a lid for easy traveling!
- Cool Whip –Â Or similar whipped topping.
Kitchen Tools Used
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
How to Make Christmas Pie
Add cherry pie filling, pineapple (drained), sugar, and cornstarch to saucepan and bring to a boil. Be sure to stir regularly to it doesn’t scorch!
As soon as the filling reaches a boil, remove from heat and stir in Jello. Whisk until the Jello dissolves and allow to cool to room temperature.
Once cool, stir in the chopped pecans and sliced bananas.
Divide filling evenly between two pre-made graham cracker pie crusts and chill in fridge until it sets up (about 1-2 hours).
Once pie is set, spread Cool Whip on top and place back in fridge until ready to serve.
Can You Make Cherry Pie a Day Ahead?
Yes definitely! In fact, we recommend making your pie the night before to give it time to set up fully. Though if you’re in a time crunch you can make the day of, just be sure to allow for a couple hours for chill time.
Related: For another of our favorite Christmas recipes, try Granny’s Surprise Cookies or our Chocolate Cherry Cake!
Christmas Cherry Pie Recipe (Printable Copy)
If you love this recipe, please rate it! We’d also love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Grandma's Christmas Cherry Pie
Ingredients
- 1 can Cherry Pie Filling 21oz can
- 1 box Strawberry Jello small box (3oz)
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1 can Crushed pineapple 20z can, drained
- 1 cup Pecans chopped
- 5 Bananas sliced
- 2 Pre-made pie crust
- 2 cups Cool Whip
Instructions
- Add crushed pineapple, cherry pie filling, sugar, and cornstarch to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring regularly to prevent scorching.
- Once boiling, remove from heat and whisk in Jello powder until it dissolves.
- Allow to cool to room temperature, then stir in pecans and sliced bananas.
- Scoop pie filling into two pie shells.
- Place in fridge and chill for 1-2 hours, until pie begins to set.
- Spread about one cup of whipped topping on each pie. Place back in fridge until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Pin our Christmas Cherry Pie on Pinterest:
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My mom left us this recipe in a cookbook. There wasn’t any measurements for the sugar or cornstarch. She made it every year of my life and we tried forever after she passed to make it again. This is legit. Not sure where the original recipe appeared, but yes!!!
I am so happy to hear that–thanks for sharing. We’re looking forward to having Grandma’s Christmas Cherry Pie soon! Sara