If you’re searching for a dessert that’s fuss-free yet captures the very essence of cozy fall gatherings, you’re in luck with this No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Family Favorite. This pie is creamy, spiced just right, and impossibly easy to pull together, making it the centerpiece of every holiday meal—without ever turning on the oven. One bite brings the sweet nostalgia of autumn and the warmth of family traditions straight to your table, and you won’t believe how simple it is to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (9-inch)
Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
Toppings (Optional):
- extra whipped topping for garnish
- crushed graham crackers or chopped pecans
How to Make No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Family Favorite
Step 1: Mix the Pumpkin Filling
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the pumpkin purée, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. You’re looking for a smooth, cohesive mixture without any lumps—this is the heart of our No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Family Favorite. The spices swirl together to create that unmistakable autumn aroma and flavor!
Step 2: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Now, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping. Go slow and use a light hand—you want the filling to stay airy and mousse-like. This step gives the pie its glorious fluffy texture, letting each forkful practically melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Fill the Crust
Spoon the pumpkin mixture into your pre-made graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly and smooth the top. If you’re a perfectionist, there’s nothing more satisfying than that glossy, level surface just waiting for its finishing touches.
Step 4: Chill to Set
Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours. This is where the magic happens: the pudding firms up, the flavors marry, and your No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Family Favorite is transformed into silky, sliceable perfection. Patience is tough—but totally worth it!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, crown your pie with extra whipped topping and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or chopped pecans, if you like. The contrast in textures and the presentation make this dessert as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Family Favorite
Garnishes
A cloud of whipped topping swirled onto each slice is always a hit, but you can get creative—try sprinkling with cinnamon, nutmeg, or a handful of chopped pecans for extra crunch. A touch of orange zest can wake up the flavor, or keep it classic with crushed graham crackers for a sweet, crumbly finish.
Side Dishes
Since the pie is rich and creamy, it pairs beautifully with lighter refreshments like hot herbal tea or black coffee. For a dessert spread, consider serving sliced fresh pears, apple wedges, or a crisp fruit salad on the side—they’ll balance the sweetness and add bright color to your autumn table.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Family Favorite into individual parfaits by layering the filling and crust crumbs in pretty glasses. For parties, cut the pie into bite-sized bars, or present each slice on festive plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a modern twist. However you serve it, this pie truly shines!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pie should be covered with plastic wrap or transferred to an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert that doesn’t lose its charm after day one.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze the No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Family Favorite! Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving—just note that the whipped topping may become softer after thawing, but the flavor remains dreamy.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this pie (one of its glorious advantages!)—just serve it cold directly from the refrigerator. If you like, let it rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before slicing for easier serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin purée?
Absolutely, homemade pumpkin purée will taste wonderful in this recipe. Just be sure it’s well-drained and thick, as too much liquid can affect the pie’s texture.
Is it possible to make this pie dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute non-dairy whipped topping and your favorite plant-based milk. The rest of the ingredients are already vegetarian-friendly, so it’s easy to make this pie work for a variety of diets.
Can I prepare the No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Family Favorite in advance?
Definitely. In fact, this pie tastes even better after a night in the refrigerator as the flavors deepen and meld together, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for busy holidays.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No problem—just make your own blend using cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves or allspice. Adjust to your taste and sprinkle in until you get that cozy, classic aroma.
Why did my pie not set properly?
Typically, letting the pie chill fully for at least 4 hours (or overnight) is key for it to set. If it’s still soft, double-check that you used instant pudding (not cook-and-serve) and the proper amount of pumpkin purée and milk.
Final Thoughts
If you love easy desserts that make everyone at the table swoon, give this No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Family Favorite a try. It’s a creamy, dreamy, no-fuss way to savor pumpkin season without heating up the kitchen, and I promise your family will be asking for it year after year. Give it a whirl—you might just start a new holiday tradition!
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No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This No-Bake Pumpkin Pie recipe is a family favorite that’s perfect for fall. With a creamy pumpkin filling and a graham cracker crust, it’s a delicious and easy dessert to make for Thanksgiving or any occasion.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (9-inch)
Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
Toppings (Optional):
- extra whipped topping for garnish
- crushed graham crackers or chopped pecans
Instructions
- Mix Pumpkin Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
- Add Whipped Topping: Fold in the thawed whipped topping gently until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Fill Crust: Spoon the pumpkin filling into the prepared graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish with extra whipped topping and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or chopped pecans if desired.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy milk and whipped topping.
- You can also use a homemade graham cracker or cookie crust.
- The pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
