Silky No Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Velvety Pumpkin Delight: No-Bake Pie Recipe for Fall Magic

Autumn’s golden embrace brings comfort through a delectable no bake pumpkin pie that melts hearts with every creamy bite.

This seasonal delight combines rich, velvety textures with warm spices that dance across your palate.

Crafting this dessert requires minimal effort and zero oven time, making it a perfect treat for busy home cooks.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dessert that captures the essence of fall’s cozy moments.

Layers of smooth pumpkin filling nestled in a crisp graham cracker crust create a harmonious symphony of flavors.

Each forkful promises a nostalgic journey through harvest memories and sweet indulgence.

Prepare to savor a dessert that celebrates the magic of pumpkin season.

FAQs

  • Is this pumpkin pie healthy?

While not a low-calorie dessert, it uses lighter ingredients like reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping, making it a slightly healthier alternative to traditional baked pumpkin pies.

  • Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! This no-bake pie can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated, which makes it perfect for holiday gatherings or meal prep.

  • What if I can't find instant vanilla pudding mix?

You can substitute with vanilla instant pudding powder or use whipped cream stabilized with a small amount of cornstarch to help set the filling.

  • How do I know if the pie is properly set?

The pie is ready when it feels firm to the touch and doesn’t wobble when gently shaken, typically after 4-6 hours of refrigeration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 9

What You’ll Need for No Bake Pumpkin Pie

For Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Creates a crunchy, sweet foundation that complements the creamy filling, select finely crushed crumbs for smooth texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Enhances the crust's sweetness and helps bind ingredients together.
  • Melted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps crumbs stick, choose unsalted butter for consistent taste.
For Filling Base Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers rich, tangy base for filling, ensure softened at room temperature for smooth blending.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances flavors and adds sweetness to the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth, use pure extract for best flavor.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Brings signature autumn flavor and vibrant orange color, select 100% pure pumpkin puree.
For Spice and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, classic pumpkin pie flavor, use fresh ground for maximum aroma.
  • Ground Ginger: Contributes subtle heat and complexity.
  • Ground Cloves: Provides deep, intense spice note.
  • Ground Nutmeg: Rounds out the spice profile with sweet, woody undertones.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances overall flavor profile.
For Binding and Texture Ingredients:
  • Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Creates smooth, stable filling texture.
  • Cold Milk: Activates pudding mix and adds creamy consistency.
  • Whipped Topping: Provides light, airy texture and additional sweetness.

Tools for an Effortless Pumpkin Pie

  • 9-inch pie dish: Essential for shaping and holding the pie crust and filling.
  • Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for combining graham cracker crumbs and preparing the crust.
  • Large mixing bowl: Needed for creating the creamy pumpkin filling.
  • Separate smaller bowl: Used for mixing pudding mixture.
  • Whisk: Great for blending pudding mix and ensuring smooth consistency.
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer: Helps beat cream cheese and create smooth, creamy texture.
  • Spatula: Useful for folding whipped topping and spreading filling evenly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Without an Oven

  • Whip Up the Crust

Crush graham crackers and blend with sugar. Drizzle melted butter and mix until crumbly. Press mixture firmly into a pie dish, creating a solid base. Chill the crust while preparing the filling.

  • Create the Creamy Filling

Blend cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until silky smooth. Fold in pumpkin puree and warm spices. In another bowl, whisk pudding mix with milk until thickened. Gently combine pudding with pumpkin mixture. Incorporate whipped topping until filling is light and airy.

  • Craft the Final Masterpiece

Pour filling into chilled crust, spreading evenly. Top with remaining whipped cream, creating a fluffy cloud-like layer. Refrigerate for several hours until firm and set.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Cut into beautiful slices. Optional: Dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon or add a dollop of extra whipped cream. Savor the cool, creamy autumn-inspired dessert that requires zero baking.

Flavor Tweaks for Chilled Pumpkin Pie

  • Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature for a silky-smooth filling without lumps.
  • This no-bake pie can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, making it ideal for holiday entertaining or busy schedules.
  • Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham-style crackers or crushed gluten-free gingersnap cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Experiment with additional warm spices like cardamom or increase existing spice quantities for a more intense flavor profile.
  • Substitute low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free pudding mix with light whipped topping to create a lighter, less caloric dessert option.

Serving Up No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Easily

  • Cozy Autumn Dessert Companion: Sprinkle ground cinnamon or crushed pecans on top for a warm, nutty crunch that complements the creamy pumpkin filling.
  • Holiday Party Centerpiece: Arrange pie slices on a decorative autumn-themed platter with small cinnamon sticks or maple leaf decorations to create a festive seasonal presentation.
  • Whipped Cream Wonderland: Add a swirl of extra whipped cream around the pie's edges and top each slice with a delicate caramel drizzle for an indulgent touch that elevates the dessert's visual appeal and flavor profile.
  • Spice Lover's Dream: Garnish with a light dusting of pumpkin pie spice or a few whole cloves to enhance the aromatic experience and add a sophisticated finishing touch to this no-bake treat.

Refrigerating and Saving Pumpkin Pie Properly

  • Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours to ensure the filling sets perfectly, creating a smooth and creamy texture that holds its shape when sliced.
  • Keep the no-bake pumpkin pie covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its fresh flavor and consistent texture throughout the week.
  • Prepare the entire pie up to 2 days before serving, allowing flavors to meld and saving precious time during busy holiday preparations or gatherings.
  • Wrap the fully assembled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing it in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, ensuring optimal taste and consistency.
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Silky No Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Silky No Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe


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4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Pumpkin lovers rejoice with this No Bake Pumpkin Pie that blends creamy textures and warm spices. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this dessert perfect for autumn gatherings and holiday celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 container (8 oz/226 grams) whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 package (8 oz/226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 can (15 oz/425 grams) pumpkin puree
  • 1 package (3.4 oz/96 grams) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) cold milk
  • 6 tbsps (90 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground ginger
  • 0.25 tsp ground cloves
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers and fuse with sugar and melted butter, creating a unified mixture. Meticulously press into a 9-inch pie dish, covering bottom and sides uniformly. Refrigerate to solidify foundation while preparing subsequent components.
  2. Filling Construction: Whip cream cheese until supremely smooth. Integrate pumpkin puree with warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Prepare instant vanilla pudding using cold milk, whisking until achieving thick, glossy consistency. Delicately fold pudding into pumpkin mixture, maintaining airy texture.
  3. Assembly and Chilling: Incorporate whipped topping into spiced pumpkin base, blending until achieving velvety harmony. Transfer filling into chilled crust, spreading evenly to eliminate potential air pockets. Generously top with remaining whipped cream, creating an elegant surface. Refrigerate for minimum four hours to allow flavor melding and complete setting.
  4. Serving Presentation: Extract pie from refrigeration. Slice with precision, offering optional garnish of cinnamon dusting or additional whipped cream dollop to elevate visual and gustatory experience.

Notes

  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Pack graham cracker mixture tightly and evenly to create a firm, crisp base that won’t dissolve when sliced.
  • Smooth Filling Technique: Whip cream cheese thoroughly to eliminate lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth pumpkin mixture without any grainy texture.
  • Spice Balance: Adjust spice quantities to personal taste, but avoid overwhelming the delicate pumpkin and cream cheese flavors.
  • Chilling is Critical: Allow pie to set completely for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to develop full flavor depth and perfect slicing consistency.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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