August 13, 2024
Review RecipeChocolate 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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As easy as it is delicious, this chocolate pudding pie is a 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.
Since we first published this recipe, it’s been enjoyed by more than a half a million families. We’ve heard from readers who’ve made it for everything from birthdays to simple weeknight desserts.
It’s clear this pie has become a favorite in many homes – a testament to why we’ve loved creating and sharing recipes for more than a decade.
Chocolate Pudding Pie Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 1 box (5.85 ounces) of chocolate instant pudding
- 2% milk (as called for on the pudding box)
- 1 pre-made 9-inch graham cracker pie crust
- 1 8-ounce tub of whipped cream
- 1 regular-sized Hershey’s chocolate bar (optional for garnish)
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
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.
How to Make Chocolate Pudding Pie
STEP ONE: In a medium bowl using a hand mixer, prepare your instant chocolate pudding mix by following the directions on the back of the box.
STEP TWO: Pour a little less than half of your chocolate pudding into the bottom of your graham cracker pie crust.
PRO TIP:
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.
STEP THREE: In the mixing bowl, mix the remaining ½ of your chocolate pudding with ½ of the whipped cream and stir them together well.
Then, add this chocolate pudding filling as the next layer of the pie.
STEP FOUR: Add the last ½ of the remaining un-mixed whipped cream to the top of the pie, and smooth out the top.
STEP FIVE: Use a potato peeler to make chocolate shavings from the Hershey’s chocolate bar to add to the top of your pie as a garnish.
STEP SIX: Refrigerate the chocolate pudding pie for at least one hour to let it set and firm up a bit, before serving.
When ready, just remove from the fridge, cut into slices and enjoy!
PRO TIP:
Don’t skip the chilling step as you need to give the pie and filling time to set.
Chocolate Pudding Pie Recipe Substitutions & Additions
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.
MILK: Most pudding mixes call for milk, I like to use 2% or whole milk because it makes the filling of the pie extra rich and creamy.
You could also use other types of milk, based on your preference.
WHIPPED CREAM: You could use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip if you prefer in this easy chocolate pudding pie.
How to Serve Pudding Pie
Enjoy this classic chocolate pudding pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side and a drizzle of chocolate fudge on top for an extra decadent dessert.
If you are a chocoholic, you could add a mug of Instant Pot hot chocolate on the side.
MORE CHOCOLATE RECIPES
If you are looking for another great recipe for chocolate desserts, make sure you check out our chocolate pudding cake or chocolate poke cake.
How to Store No Bake Chocolate Pie
IN THE FRIDGE: 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. 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.
IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze chocolate pudding pie for up to a month.
This easy no-bake recipe makes the best chocolate pudding pie (check out our amazing chocolate pudding cake for another amazing option).
Creamy pudding mousse and whipped cream top a graham cracker crust for the perfect blend of texture and decadent flavors.
It is sure to be a family favorite and the hardest part will be waiting for it to chill.
FAQs for No Bake Chocolate Pie with Pudding
Can I freeze this no-bake chocolate pudding pie?
This easy recipe can be frozen for up to a month covered in plastic wrap.
Could I make my own graham cracker crust?
This chocolate pie recipe would work with a homemade crust as well. Just buy graham cracker crumbs or blend graham crackers in the food processor. Add melted butter, press into a 9-inch pie pan and bake for 10 minutes at 350°F before proceeding with the recipe.
Could I use a different crust for this instead of the graham cracker crust?
You could substitute an Oreo cookie crust for an extra dose of chocolate in this easy chocolate pie.
How do you thicken instant pudding for pie?
– Substitute heavy cream: Replacing some or all of the milk with heavy cream adds richness and thickness to the pudding.
– Reduce the milk: Using slightly less milk than the package directs can create a thicker pudding base.
– Chill thoroughly: Allow the pudding to chill for an extended period to ensure maximum thickness.
– Add gelatin: For a firmer texture, incorporating a small amount of bloomed gelatin can help solidify the pudding.
– Use pudding with higher fat content: Opting for a full-fat pudding mix rather than a low-fat or fat-free version can result in a thicker filling.
Why is my chocolate pudding pie runny?
– Improper Setting Time: Instant pudding requires time to firm up. If you didn’t chill it for the recommended time, it might remain runny. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to help it set properly.
– Under-mixing: If the pudding mixture wasn’t stirred thoroughly, it may not fully set. Ensure you mix the pudding for the recommended time, and let it rest to achieve the right consistency.
– Temperature Issues: If the pudding mix wasn’t properly cooled before adding to the pie crust or if the pie was not chilled enough, it could affect the texture. Make sure all components are at the correct temperatures and allow adequate chilling time.
– Mixing Issues: If you added ingredients that were too warm or didn’t mix thoroughly, it can affect the consistency. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
More Recipes You’ll Love
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
Layne Henderson says
This is swoon-worthy it’s so delicious!
Michelle says
Omg! Can’t wait to try this one with whip cream!
Amber Day says
Question!
Can you put in freezer to firm up even a little better?
Thank you,
Amber Day
Layne Kangas says
Yes, you can! 🙂 Enjoy!!
Shirley says
How far in advance can you make this so the graham crackers crust does not get soggy.
Layne Kangas says
I usually make it a day ahead of time and it keeps well!
Maria says
My cool whip on top melted because the pudding was too hot. In hindsight I should have let the pudding cool and THEN put the whipped cream on top. Lol It was my first time ever making pudding. And I’m 40 years old! Hopefully it’s as good as my husband’s grandmother made it!
Layne Kangas says
Awww, I hope it’s super yummy!
Barbara Allen says
Where do the marshmallows come into this recipe? They are listed in the pictures of the ingredients, but I don’t see where we use them???
Layne Kangas says
Whoops, that is an error… those definitely shouldn’t be there! Thanks for letting us know. 🙂
karen shepherd says
delicious and so easy to make! when i prepared the first layer of just the pudding in the shell, i added finely chopped up butterfinger candy bars. i also added a dusting of butterfinger and finely chopped choc hershey bars to the top! yum!
SK says
Can I freeze these a week in advance?
Layne Kangas says
I honestly have never tried to freeze them for that long – I think it should be fine!
Dolores says
Would like to make the week before thanksgiving, can it freeze for a week. Has anyone freeze it?
Layne Kangas says
I’ve frozen it overnight but never for a full week. Enjoy 🙂
Elizabeth says
Do you use whipped cream or cool whip?
Layne Kangas says
We used Cool Whip! Some prefer to make their own whipped cream. Enjoy 🙂
Gloria says
Rich and delicious – I love this simple dessert.
Mary says
I would use Oreo cookie crumbs next time.
MaryahRose says
Haven’t made this yet…but sounds absolutely delicious…. Will definitely me making it very soon!!!
. Nancy Worth says
Looks and sounds great. I prefer the graham cracker 🍘 crust.
Christina says
Oreo cookie crust for extra chocolate!
Sprinkles on top for fun.
David says
I’ve never made a pie, but I’m going to try this one .
Sue says
Delish! Good with chocolate shavings or mini chips on top!
Gwen says
I would use a chocolate cookie or oreo crust. I’m going to make this today.
Gail says
I make my own crust and sometimes I put a little chilly powder in the chocolate mix, not too much, just enough to give it some warmth.
Belinda Snyder says
Great pie! Oreo crust is best
Carla Jans says
I’d love to try this with oreo crust.
I’d also use cool whip on to or whipping cream.
I’d also grate chocolate on top of the whipping cream.
This sounds actually very delicious.
LaVerne Ray says
I haven’t made this pie yet.I need to buy ingredients first.I would not use the chocolate bar
Or the cool whip.Just my preference.
Lisa says
This looks delicious! I would top with fresh made whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Can’t wait to try!
Anna says
I think this might make a great fried pie.
Gail Beam says
I would either use an oreo or chocolate graham cracker crust.
Sandra says
Looks great—can’t wait to try it and definitely chocolate shavings on top.
Tara Jenkins says
Extra chocolate shavings and sprinkles on top is awesome on this pie!! Absolutely love it
Patricia says
I would add extra chocolate shavings! The more chocolate the better!
Carrie Mossman says
Looks absolutely heavenly!!
Jo Ann Sester says
This looks great to try!
Shawnalee Farrington says
I would definitely use real stabilized whipping cream with this recipe. It just would add a layer of flavor into for me!
Rick Salzsauler says
Easy and looks tasty!
Patty Williams says
Always use Oreo pie crust & real whipped cream.
Elizabeth M Heimlich says
I would definitely add some mini chocolate chips on this!
Marti Lampkin says
Graham cracker crust for sure and some chocolate shavings on top of the whip cream!
Lori A Pennington says
I would use oreo cookie crust for sure…..It sounds delicious 😋
Connie McClung says
I can’t wait to make this pie I love chocolate yes I’m addicted to it!
Charlotte says
I can’t wait to give it a try. I think you could use your favorite chocolate bar for the shavings. For me that would be Sarris chocolate!
Angela de Castro says
Looks great! I’m going to try it with an Oreo crust 😎
Sarah says
I would definitely make this with Oreo cookie crust because there’s no such thing as too much chocolate!
Diane Compton says
This is my favorite chocolate pie recipe, and I always use a graham cracker crust. I sometimes sprinkle toffee bits on top of the whipped cream.
mali says
This looks amazing! I would serve with mini chocolate chips on top!
Kelly Kardos says
I do love pudding pie! As much as I like Cool Whip in a pinch, homemade is the way I go
Nelda Sifford says
Graham cracker crust, Cool Whip topping with chocolate shavings.
Jean says
I would use cool whip, graham cracker crust, sugar free pudding, because we eat low carb
Karen says
I’d use golden Oreo crust, homemade whipped cream and hot fudge or a chocolate drizzle on top.
Lacie Gaines says
Looks yummy and easy.
I would stick with graham cracker crust as I am not a fan or chocolate crust. I also would skip
Sprinkles and chocolate on top of whip cream. Looks great with graham crust, chocolate puddings and cool whip.
Karen says
Chocolate shavings
Kim Thompson says
I would use cool whip instead of homemade whipped topping
Linda says
I have made this pie several times using either the chocolate or graham crust. The chocolate crust wins as the favourite. It is my go to chocolate pie because of the mousse layer and I always use real whip cream.
Harriet Goad says
Never made the pie before , but I think I will make this. Looks Delicious!
Charlotte says
I make this pie often. I use a graham crust most of the time. This is a fast and easy pie to make and everyone likes it so it is a win win.
Charlotte says
I use a graham crust most of the time. This is a fast and easy pie to make and everyone likes it so it is a win win.
Lillian says
I would use an oreo pie crust, real whipped cream not cool.whip, also top the pie with dark chocolate chips and shaved 85% chocolate bar
Brenda Pettis says
I would use the graham cracker crust and also drizzle with chocolate
Ashley Perez says
I’ve made something similar. I used cool whip and love the Graham cracker crust! I put chocolate sprinkles on top. I’m definitely going to try this recipe!
Heather says
This looks so good! I might use a shortbread crust with pecans.
Jack Hussey says
I will make recipe as is!
Rhonda P says
Love love love chocolate. I remember my mother making pies on holidays..Always so good. I would use a graham cracker crust for this pie. Oreo pie crust would be too much chocolate for me and I am not that fond of Oreo cookies either. Thank you for all your recipes
Linda says
I would use an oreo crust? This recipe sounds so good!
LAURA WALLACE says
laura
real whipped cream
Cassandra Cranmer says
I use a graham cracker crust. It sounds like a delicious pie.
Penny says
This is a fun and easy recipe, used to make often for a quick chocolate dessert for last minute guests. Love these recipes
Brenda says
I have never made this pie before, but look forward to making it!
Jennifer says
❤️❤️made this with homemade whipped cream and it was amazing!
Shirley Hunter says
I used the graham cracker crust but added chopped pecans on top and then the chocolate mixture and then the choc. And whipped cream and then the topping with added pecans chopped and a little Carmel syrup on top. Delish!!
Deb Carmicheal says
I can’t wait to make this pie this summer….
Hope Sheppard says
I love chocolate pudding pie. I haven’t had it in awhile.
Lynn says
I would use an Oreo cookie crust, I love Oreo’s!!
Alice says
This sounds absolutely amazing! I’m definitely going to save this recipe. I prefer graham cracker crust over Oreos. Unless I used golden Oreos which may change the flavor a bit. Depending on how much time I had I would make home made whipped cream and add chocolate shavings on top! Yum!! Thank you for sharing!
Lori Staton says
Love this pie. I like using the gram Cracker pie Crust the best for this pie.
Linda Murray says
I love to make this with Cool Whip for the ease of it. Having this for company dessert tomorrow.
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.