Reserve 9 cherries for the top.
Cut remaining cherries in half.
Mix Jell-O and boiling water in a medium bowl. Stir until Jell-O is dissolved.
Add ice and stir until Jell-O cools and begins to thicken.
Whisk in Cool Whip to incorporate and then add sliced cherries.
Spoon mixture into crust and refrigerate for at least several hours.
Top with whipped cream (optional) and reserved cherries before serving.