If you’re craving dessert that’s packed with fall flavors but don’t want to crank up the oven, you’re in for a treat. This No Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe is an absolute game-changer — creamy, spiced just right, and super easy to whip up in no time. I love this recipe because it’s perfect for when the weather’s starting to cool but your kitchen doesn’t need any extra heat. Plus, it’s one of those desserts that impresses guests but feels totally doable on a busy day. Keep reading, and I’ll share all my tips to help you nail this pie perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: No oven required—simply mix, chill, and enjoy.
- Classic Flavor: Rich pumpkin and warm spices deliver traditional pie taste without fuss.
- Family Favorite: My crew goes nuts for this pie every time I make it.
- Adaptable and Convenient: You can use store-bought crusts or homemade, depending on time and preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this No Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe lies in its simple ingredient list that blends together for a creamy, luscious filling. These ingredients are easy to find in most stores around fall, and they work so well together—the pumpkin puree brings that warm autumn vibe, while the instant vanilla pudding adds just the right amount of sweetness and texture. Picking a good-quality pumpkin puree and a reliable brand of Cool Whip will really make your pie shine.
- Pumpkin Puree: Use canned 100% pumpkin for consistent flavor; avoid pumpkin pie filling which has spices and sugars added.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This adds sweetness and stability without baking.
- Milk: Just enough to activate the pudding mix; use whole or 2% for creamier texture.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for that quintessential fall taste.
- Cool Whip: It lightens the filling beautifully; I love folding it gently to keep the texture airy.
- Graham Cracker Crust: Store-bought works perfectly, but homemade crust gives extra personal flair.
- Whipped Cream: For topping — fresh whipped cream always ups the wow factor at the table.
Variations
One of the nicest things about this No Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or what mood you’re in. Over the years, I’ve played around with a few ways to make it just right for different occasions or dietary needs. Don’t be shy about making it your own!
- Dairy-Free Variation: Swap Cool Whip for a coconut whipped topping and use almond or oat milk for an allergy-friendly option—I tried this when a friend couldn’t eat dairy, and it was still so creamy.
- Spice it Up: Add a bit more pumpkin pie spice or a dash of cayenne if you like a little kick—this surprise addition really woke up my family’s taste buds one year!
- Crust Swap: For a gluten-free twist, use a gluten-free graham cracker crust or even a nut crust; this adds a nutty depth that’s delightful.
- Mini Pies: Make individual servings in cupcake tins with mini crusts—great for parties or easy portion control.
How to Make No Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Pumpkin Filling Delightfully
Start by combining your pumpkin puree, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl. I always use a whisk here and stir until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. You’ll want it silky but not runny—it should have a nice, thick consistency. A common trap is adding too much milk; stick to the measurement and you’ll be golden.
Step 2: Fold in the Cool Whip for Airy Creaminess
Here’s where your pie gets that dreamy texture. Gently fold in the Cool Whip using a spatula, being careful not to overmix because you want to keep all those light, fluffy air pockets intact. This step is key—I discovered this trick after rushing through and ending up with a denser pie. Folding slowly makes every bite melt on your tongue.
Step 3: Fill and Chill the Pie Crust
Pour your pumpkin mixture into the graham cracker crust and spread it evenly with your spatula. Now comes the waiting game: refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours. This chilling time allows the filling to set perfectly so you get clean slices later. Believe me, it’s tempting to dig in early, but patience pays off here!
Pro Tips for Making No Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe
- Pick the Right Pumpkin Purée: Canned pumpkin works great, but I always check for no added sugars or spices to keep flavors balanced in my no bake pie.
- Gentle Folding: I learned it’s best to fold in your Cool Whip gently to keep the filling light and fluffy, rather than stirring vigorously.
- Chill Time is Sacred: Don’t skip the chilling step—even if you’re excited. I’ve tried cutting it early, and the slices just don’t hold up.
- Use a Serrated Knife: For clean slices, I always use a serrated knife and wipe it between cuts to avoid messy edges.
How to Serve No Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Garnishes
I love topping this pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream because it adds a light, creamy contrast to the spiced pumpkin filling. Sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for an extra pop of aroma and color, and on special occasions, a few crushed toasted pecans add a nice crunch. These simple garnishes always make it feel like a party.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. For a fuller dessert spread, I like serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or apple cider. These sides complement the warm spices without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or dinner parties, I sometimes make little pie jars by layering the filling and crushed graham crackers in small mason jars—easy to serve and so cute. Another fun idea is adding a drizzle of caramel sauce just before serving to give it a decadent twist that always gets compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pie covered tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps perfectly for up to 3 days, and honestly, the flavors meld even better after a day or two in my experience.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the pie, I recommend freezing it before adding whipped cream to avoid texture changes. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. I did this once for a party, and while texture softened a bit, the flavor stayed spot-on.
Reheating
This pie is best enjoyed cold, so I avoid reheating it. If you want warm spices in your dessert, serve it chilled and pair it with a hot drink instead—that combo is unbeatable in my book.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
You certainly can, but you’ll need to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin first to get the right consistency. Fresh pumpkin can sometimes be more watery, so cooking it down and straining any excess moisture is key to avoid a runny pie filling.
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Is this No Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe suitable for vegans?
The traditional recipe uses Cool Whip and instant pudding, which may contain dairy or gelatin. However, you can make vegan adjustments by using plant-based whipped toppings and vegan instant pudding mixes available at specialty stores.
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Can I make this pie ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead actually improves the texture and flavors, since it needs at least 3 hours to chill and set properly. Just keep it covered in the fridge until serving.
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What’s the best way to get clean slices from this no bake pie?
Use a sharp serrated knife and wipe it clean between each slice to prevent crumbs and filling from sticking. Also, make sure your pie is fully chilled before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this No Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe a try soon—it really is one of those recipes I keep coming back to, especially on busy autumn evenings when I want comforting flavors without the fuss. The first time I made it, my family went crazy, and now it’s a staple for holiday gatherings. Trust me, once you master this no bake pie, you’ll find it’s your go-to pumpkin dessert whenever you want something quick, tasty, and totally satisfying.
Print
No Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This No Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe is a quick and easy dessert perfect for fall gatherings or holiday meals. Combining smooth pumpkin puree with instant vanilla pudding and pumpkin pie spice, then folded with whipped topping and chilled in a graham cracker crust, it delivers creamy, spiced sweetness without baking. Serve chilled with whipped cream for a classic seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup (249g) pumpkin puree
- 1 3.4 ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix
- ¼ cup (59ml) milk
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 8 ounces Cool Whip (or whipped topping)
Crust
- 1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
For Serving
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Combine Filling Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and pumpkin pie spice until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the Cool Whip into the pumpkin mixture until fully incorporated, ensuring the mixture remains light and airy.
- Assemble Pie: Spread the pumpkin filling evenly into the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill the Pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours or until it is set enough to slice cleanly.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled topped with additional whipped cream as desired.
Notes
- Use canned pumpkin puree labeled 100% pumpkin for best texture and flavor.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix thickens quickly; be sure to stir it thoroughly to avoid lumps.
- For a lighter crust, use a low-fat or reduced-calorie graham cracker crust.
- Pie can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Adjust pumpkin pie spice amount to taste if you prefer more or less spice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 pie)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg


