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Review RecipeNo 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.
MORE CHOCOLATE RECIPES
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
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.