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No Bake Chocolate Pudding Pie
This easy no-bake recipe makes the best Chocolate Pudding Pie, complete with creamy pudding mousse and whipped cream atop a graham cracker crust.
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Creamy, chocolatey, and downright irresistible, this chocolate pudding pie is an easy no-bake dessert that doesn’t compromise on taste. A buttery graham cracker crust holds two layers of rich chocolate pudding, topped off with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. The pudding layers set beautifully and the flavors are just right—chocolatey but not overpowering. It’s everything you want in a sweet treat.
Our #1 Tip for making this pie: let it chill completely before serving. Leaving it overnight in the fridge, if you can, allows the pudding to fully set and the crust to firm up. This ensures clean slices and the perfect texture in every bite. Patience is key—it’s worth the wait.
Chocolate Pudding Pie Ingredients
With just five ingredients, this recipe is proof that sometimes the simplest dessert are the best. Keep this one handy—it’s a guaranteed hit.
- chocolate instant pudding
- 2% milk
- 9-inch graham cracker pie crust
- whipped cream
- Hershey’s chocolate bar
Key Ingredient Overview
MILK: Stick with 2% milk for the ideal balance of creaminess and thickness. Whole milk can make it a bit too heavy, while skim milk won’t set as well.
Ingredient Substitutions
CRUST: For true chocolate addicts, try using an Oreo crust, chocolate cookie crust, or one that is made of chocolate graham crackers in place of graham crackers for an even more indulgent dessert.
WHIPPED CREAM: You could use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip if you prefer.
Step By Step Instructions: Making Chocolate Pudding Pie
1. Prepare the Pudding
In a medium bowl, combine the instant chocolate pudding mix with cold 2% milk, following the measurements on the pudding package. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the mixture for about 2 minutes until it thickens. Let it sit for 5 minutes to set fully.
2. Create the Mousse
Pour slightly less than half of the prepared pudding into the graham cracker crust and spread it evenly. In the remaining pudding, fold in half of the thawed whipped topping to create a lighter mousse. Spread this mousse layer over the first pudding layer. Use a spatula for smooth, even layers, and tap the crust gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
3. Add the Whipped Topping
Spread the remaining whipped topping over the mousse layer, creating a smooth and fluffy finish.
4. Finish with Chocolate Garnish
Using a vegetable peeler, shave the Hershey’s chocolate bar to create elegant curls. Sprinkle them evenly over the top for a beautiful finishing touch. Helpful Tip: Chill the chocolate bar beforehand for cleaner, more defined curls.
How to Serve Pudding Pie
Chocolate pudding pie is almost always served cold, straight from the fridge. The chilled pudding and whipped cream create a refreshing and creamy bite that contrasts beautifully with the buttery crust.
Dip a sharp knife in warm water, wipe it clean, and slice gently to keep the layers intact. Repeat for each slice for a picture-perfect presentation.
For extra indulgence, some drizzle chocolate fudge or caramel sauce over each slice before serving — or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
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How to Store No Bake Chocolate Pie
Refrigeration
- It is important that you store the leftover pie in the fridge between servings, or the pie filling can melt and it won’t firm up in the same shape again.
- Using a pre-made pie shell makes for very easy storage of the homemade chocolate pudding pie. Simply snap the lid on top and place it in the fridge.
- Or cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or store it in an airtight pie container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from the fridge.
- Keep the pie in the refrigerator for up to four days. After this, the crust may start to soften, and the whipped cream could lose its texture.
Freezing
- While the pie is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to one month if needed. Wrap the pie securely in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by foil, to protect it from freezer burn.
- If you have leftover slices, store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between the slices to prevent sticking. This also makes it easy to grab a single slice without disturbing the rest of the pie.
- To serve, let the pie thaw in the fridge overnight. Note that the whipped cream may not have the same fluffy texture after freezing, so consider adding fresh whipped cream once thawed for the best results.
Why Our No Bake Pie Recipe
- Our recipe keeps things simple but doesn’t sacrifice taste. Some recipes overcomplicate with extra steps and unnecessary ingredients, but our chocolate pudding pie delivers that creamy, chocolatey goodness without the fuss.
- Some recipes, like French Silk Pie or more elaborate no-bake options, require additional prep or specialty ingredients. Ours keeps it approachable without losing the indulgent factor. It’s faster, easier, and still delivers those crowd-pleasing results.
- This chocolate pudding pie has mastered the balance of textures: a rich chocolate pudding layer, a light mousse-like layer, and a fluffy whipped topping. Each bite is perfectly proportioned, making it more satisfying than recipes that lack this attention to detail.
FAQs for No Bake Chocolate Pie with Pudding
Can I use a non-dairy milk?
You can use unsweetened almond milk, but it’s not 1:1 substitution; as it’s thinner than regular milk and may not set as firmly. Follow the instructions on your pudding’s box.
If I don’t have a chocolate bar can I use cocoa powder as a garnish instead?
Yes, you can use cocoa powder as a garnish instead of a chocolate bar! Lightly dust the top of the pie with cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve for an elegant finish. Just be sure to sift it evenly to avoid clumps and go lightly, as cocoa powder can be quite rich and bitter on its own.
Is this the same as French silk pie?
No, this is not the same as French Silk Pie. While both are chocolate pies, French Silk Pie is typically made with a rich, custard-like filling that uses melted chocolate, butter, sugar, and eggs (often whipped for a silky texture). It’s creamier, denser, and more decadent.
This No-Bake Chocolate Pudding Pie, on the other hand, uses instant pudding mix for a much lighter, simpler, and quicker preparation. It’s less rich but just as satisfying in its own way!
Sometimes the best desserts are the ones that let the ingredients shine—and this No-Bake Chocolate Pudding Pie does just that. With its silky pudding, airy whipped topping, and buttery crust, it’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors without any unnecessary fuss.
Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or sneaking a slice late at night, it’s one of those desserts that feels special, yet is so simple to make. A pie like this proves you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something absolutely unforgettable.
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No Bake Chocolate Pie with Pudding
This easy no-bake recipe makes the best Chocolate Pudding Pie, complete with creamy pudding mousse and whipped cream atop a graham cracker crust.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Ingredients
- 5.85 ounces instant chocolate pudding
- 2% milk, as called for on pudding box
- 1 pre-made graham cracker pie crust (9-inch)
- 8 ounces whipped cream
- 1 regular sized Hershey's Chocolate Bar
Instructions
- Prepare the instant chocolate pudding per package directions.
- Pour a little less than half of your chocolate pudding into the bottom of your graham cracker pie crust.
- Mix the remaining pudding with ½ of the whipped cream and stir well. Add as the next layer of pie.
- Add ½ of the remaining whipped cream to the top of the pie.
- Using a potato peeler, shave off chocolate pieces to add to the top of your pie.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour or more. Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- For even more chocolate flavor, try substituting an Oreo cookie pie crust instead.
- It’s highly recommended to make this simple dessert a day ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. This will allow it to thicken and makes it easier to cut into slices.
- While not required, I’d recommend setting your premade pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate to give it a bit of extra stability on the bottom.
- Don’t skip the chilling step as you need to give the pie and filling time to set.
Nutrition
Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 197mg | Potassium: 124mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 149IU | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 1mg
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Comments
Cheryl says
I personally would use the graham cracker crust, whole milk, Kool whip and chocolate shavings all. Yum chocolate pie is my fav.
FAITH MCKEE says
I think I would use real whipped cream. I’m a snob for the taste. LOL
Jodi says
I like to use choc fudge pudding richer chocolate taste, Oreo crust. I also like to cut the milk by at least 1/4 cup. The pie is a little firmer and hold together better when you cut and serve❤️
shari says
Looks amazing!
To make it non dairy what would you sub in?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Shari – we haven’t tried making this with non-dairy milk but I assume something like almond milk would be ok? Enjoy!
Cathy Willis says
Loved it when over very well . I use sugar free instant pudding mix could not tell it was sugar free .Will be making again . Husband wanted choc pie . He loved it . Do you have one for a lemon pudding pie?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Cathy – so glad you enjoyed it! We’ve got this lemon custard pie you might enjoy!
Terrie Peterson says
OMG, this pie was such a hit! Everyone loved it! I used a store-bought pecan crust cuz pecans are our fav 😍 And I shaved both milk & dark chocolate on top cuz we love both! And great suggestion to place the tin in a pie plate for stability. Thanks for the great recipe & suggestions 😋
Presh says
Delicious! I used Dove pudding, whole milk, and Twin shaker and fudge drizzle on top 🥰
Tonya says
It was gone in a heartbeat! Very light tasting and delicious. Perfect for summer! Between the two chocolate layers, I added a layer of chopped toasted pecans & crunchy toffee bits. I’m making one again this weekend for our friends next door.