If you're craving pumpkin pie but don't want to turn on the oven, this No Bake Pumpkin Pie is your new go-to dessert. It's creamy, dreamy, and full of cozy fall flavor with layers of cream cheese, pumpkin spice, and whipped topping all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. Each bite tastes like autumn comfort in dessert form.
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This no bake pie is simple enough for a weekday treat yet elegant enough for Thanksgiving. It chills beautifully, slices cleanly, and keeps that light, fluffy texture for days. Ready to make this easy fall favorite? Let's get started.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No oven needed, perfect for busy holidays
- Creamy layered texture with just the right spice
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- Quick 15-minute prep time
- Easy to make ahead and serve chilled
- Family-friendly and always a hit
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz Cool Whip, divided
- 1 (9-inch) pre-made graham cracker pie crust
- ¼ cup instant vanilla pudding mix
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Cream cheese: Full-fat gives the richest flavor, but light cream cheese also works well.
- Cool Whip: You can use homemade whipped cream (stabilized with a bit of powdered sugar) if preferred.
- Pumpkin puree: Choose 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which already has sugar and spices.
- Pie crust: A gingersnap or homemade graham crust adds a warm, spiced twist.
Instructions
- Cream cheese layer: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in half of the Cool Whip until fluffy. Spread evenly in the graham cracker crust.
- Pumpkin layer: In another bowl, whisk pudding mix and milk until thickened. Stir in pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Assemble: Spread the pumpkin mixture gently over the cream cheese layer.
- Top and chill: Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the top. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
- Refrigerate: Chill at least 3-4 hours or overnight before slicing. Serve cold.
Each layer firms up beautifully in the fridge, giving you those clean, defined layers when you slice.
Pro Tips for Success
- Let cream cheese soften before mixing for a smooth filling.
- Chill the first layer for 10-15 minutes before adding the pumpkin layer if your kitchen is warm.
- Use a glass or metal pie dish if transferring from a store crust.
- Add crunch with crushed gingersnaps or chopped pecans before serving.
- For a lighter version, use sugar-free pudding and light Cool Whip.
Storage and Reheating
- Store: Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before serving.
- Serve: Always enjoy chilled.
Make Ahead & Freezing
This pie is a holiday lifesaver. Make it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. The layers set perfectly overnight. To freeze, assemble without the top layer of whipped cream and add it after thawing for a fresh finish.
Tips and Variations
- Crust swap: Try chocolate cookie crumbs for a deeper flavor.
- Mini desserts: Make individual servings in small jars or ramekins.
- Extra spice: Add a dash of cloves or ginger for a bolder taste.
- Healthier twist: Replace sugar with pure maple syrup.
- Decorate: Pipe whipped cream rosettes and sprinkle cinnamon on top.
FAQs
Yes, just make sure it's thick and not watery. Strain excess liquid before using.
The bottom layer may have been too soft. Chill the first layer briefly before adding the pumpkin layer.
You can substitute a homemade vanilla custard base, but cool it before layering.
Keep it chilled as much as possible. It's fine for about an hour at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
This no bake pumpkin pie fits right into any fall or holiday table. Serve it with hot apple cider or a mug of coffee. Add caramel drizzle for extra indulgence or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for crunch.
If you enjoy creamy desserts like this, you may also love my Creamy Mushroom Risotto for another cozy classic. For ingredient insights, check out Serious Eats' guide to the best canned pumpkin.
Nutrition & Notes
Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Skill Level: Easy
📖 Recipe
No Bake Pumpkin Pie - Easy Creamy Layered Dessert
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (includes chill time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
This No Bake Pumpkin Pie is creamy, light, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. It's the ultimate make-ahead fall dessert no oven required, just layer, chill, and serve.
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz Cool Whip, divided
- 1 (9-inch) pre-made graham cracker pie crust
- ¼ cup instant vanilla pudding mix
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in half of the Cool Whip until fluffy. Spread evenly into the graham cracker crust.
- In another bowl, whisk pudding mix and milk until thickened. Stir in pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Spread the pumpkin mixture gently over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with remaining Cool Whip and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice.
- Chill for 3-4 hours or overnight before slicing. Serve cold and enjoy.
Notes
- Let cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing.
- Chill the first layer briefly if your kitchen is warm to keep layers distinct.
- Substitute gingersnap crumbs for a spiced crust twist.
- Keeps well for 4 days in the fridge or freeze up to 1 month (without whipped topping).
- Serve with caramel drizzle or toasted pecans for added texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~260
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg
I've made this pie many times, and it always brings a smile at the table. The creamy pumpkin layer with a hint of spice tastes like fall comfort in every bite. It's one of those desserts that feels special yet effortless.
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