If you’re a pumpkin lover like me, you are going to adore this No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe. It’s a wonderful twist on classic pumpkin pie, delivering all the rich, spicy autumn flavors in a creamy, dreamy slice that requires zero baking. Perfect for those busy days when you crave traditional comfort without firing up the oven. This pie is incredibly easy to make, from its luscious layers to its fluffy topping—everything comes together quickly but tastes like an indulgent family dessert that everyone will request again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. Each element brings its unique touch, creating a luscious texture, perfect spice balance, and that beautiful pumpkin-orange hue we all love during fall and holiday gatherings.
- 2 cups canned pumpkin: The star ingredient providing that classic pumpkin flavor and smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to balance the spices and pumpkin earthiness.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy, tangy layer that complements the pumpkin filling perfectly.
- 2 (8-ounce) containers of Cool Whip or other whipped cream: Adds a light, fluffy texture and a luscious finish for both the base and topping.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: A classic blend that defines pumpkin desserts.
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty spiciness that enhances the other spices.
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding: Thickens the pumpkin mixture while adding a creamy vanilla undertone.
- 1 cup milk: Needed to prepare the pudding, making the filling velvety smooth.
- 2 pre-made 9-inch graham cracker crusts: Add crunch and buttery flavor, serving as the perfect sturdy base.
How to Make No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Crusts
Start by setting out your pre-made graham cracker crusts. This step gets you organized and ensures the crust is ready and waiting for your luscious fillings, creating a convenient no-bake solution that saves you precious time.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sugar, and one container of whipped cream with a hand mixer until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. This layer adds a tangy softness that balances the sweet pumpkin filling beautifully. Spoon this creamy goodness evenly into each graham cracker crust, forming the delicious base layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling
Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it thickens to a rich consistency. Then, stir in the canned pumpkin, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and fragrant. This spiced pumpkin layer brings the iconic autumn flavor that makes this No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe so beloved.
Step 4: Layer the Pumpkin Filling
Carefully spread the pumpkin mixture over the cream cheese layer in each pie, smoothing it out evenly. This part is where the pie starts looking like a delightful dessert masterpiece, with that inviting orange color promising rich fall flavors in every bite.
Step 5: Add the Whipped Cream Topping
Finish your pies by gently topping them with the second container of Cool Whip, spreading it evenly to create a fluffy, cloud-like top. For a charming finishing touch, sprinkle a little pumpkin pie spice over the whipped cream to add aroma and inviting spice hints.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Place the pies in the refrigerator to chill until fully set, usually a few hours or overnight. This chilling allows the flavors to marry, and the layers to firm up into that perfect, sliceable texture that’s a pure joy to serve.
How to Serve No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate this pie from delicious to absolutely stunning. Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top, or opt for a few whole pecans or toasted pumpkin seeds to add a crunchy contrast. Fresh whipped cream rosettes on each slice are always a crowd-pleaser.
Side Dishes
This no-bake pumpkin pie pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea for an afternoon treat. If you’re serving it at a holiday meal, light, crisp sides like a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables complement the sweetness of the pie tremendously, balancing the richness on the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in clear glass cups layered with crushed graham crackers, pumpkin filling, and whipped cream for a deconstructed No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe experience. Or drizzle a caramel or chocolate sauce over the top for an extra indulgent touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pie covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pie will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days, giving you plenty of time to savor every last bite.
Freezing
This pie is best enjoyed fresh or chilled in the fridge; freezing is not recommended as the texture of the whipped cream and pudding layers can change when thawed. If you have to freeze, wrap the pie very well and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake, refrigerated dessert, reheating is not necessary. Keep it chilled and serve cold for the best creamy texture and refreshing taste.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
While fresh pumpkin can be used, it requires roasting and pureeing first, which adds time and slightly changes the texture. Canned pumpkin is convenient and provides consistent smoothness, making it ideal for this no-bake recipe.
Is it okay to substitute Cool Whip with whipped cream?
Absolutely! Freshly whipped heavy cream can be used as a substitute for Cool Whip, lending a richer flavor and luxurious texture to the pie, though the whipped cream may not hold as firmly over time.
Can I make just one pie instead of two?
Yes, you can halve the recipe to make a single pie. Just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and follow the same steps for an equally delicious result.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No problem! You can mix your own with ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg to approximate that warm, spicy blend vital for the authentic pumpkin pie flavor.
How long should the pie chill before serving?
For best results, chill the pie for at least 4 hours to allow the layers to set properly. Overnight chilling intensifies the flavors and improves the texture, making slices clean and firm.
Final Thoughts
You truly cannot go wrong with this No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe. Its incredible ease, creamy textures, and perfectly balanced spiced pumpkin flavor make it a standout anytime of year, especially when you want that classic taste without the fuss. Gather your favorite people, whip it up, and enjoy the smiles this pie always brings to the table!
Print
No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus refrigeration time
- Yield: 2 (9-inch) pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This no-bake pumpkin pie is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines creamy layers of pumpkin-spiced pudding and cream cheese filling, all set in a pre-made graham cracker crust. Perfect for fall and holiday gatherings, this recipe requires no oven time and yields two delicious 9-inch pies.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 pre-made 9-inch graham cracker crusts
Filling Layer 1 (Cream Cheese Layer)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip or other whipped cream
Filling Layer 2 (Pumpkin Pudding Layer)
- 2 cups canned pumpkin
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
Topping
- 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip or other whipped cream
- Optional: pumpkin pie spice for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the crusts: Set out the two pre-made 9-inch graham cracker crusts so they are ready for the pie filling.
- Make cream cheese layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and one 8-ounce container of whipped cream. Use a hand mixer to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Evenly distribute this mixture into the two prepared graham cracker crusts, forming the base layer of the pies.
- Mix pumpkin pudding layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until the mixture thickens. Then add the canned pumpkin, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and nutmeg. Stir all ingredients thoroughly until well blended. Spread this pumpkin pudding mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer in both pies.
- Add topping: Take the second 8-ounce container of whipped cream and spread it over the pumpkin pudding layer on both pies. For a decorative touch, sprinkle a small pinch of pumpkin pie spice over the top.
- Chill and serve: Place the pies in the refrigerator and let them chill until fully set, which will take a few hours. Serve chilled and enjoy your easy no-bake pumpkin pies!
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Refrigerate the pies for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight, to ensure the layers are firm and the flavors meld well.
- Use canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, to control sweetness and spice levels.
- Feel free to substitute Cool Whip with any preferred homemade whipped cream or dairy-free alternative for customization.
- The pies are best consumed within 2-3 days and should be kept refrigerated.
