No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Dreamy No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe for Fall Sweetness

Crafting a delightful no-bake pumpkin pie brings pure autumn magic right to your kitchen.

Crisp leaves and cozy sweaters make this dessert perfect for seasonal gatherings.

Creamy textures and warm spices dance together in a simple, elegant treat that requires zero oven time.

Cool whipped cream and a graham cracker crust complement the rich pumpkin filling beautifully.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation mean you can whip up this dessert in minutes.

Sweet memories of family dinners and holiday celebrations will flood back with each delectable bite.

Dive into this delicious recipe and treat yourself to a slice of comfort that’s sure to impress.

Why No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Is a Holiday Favorite

  • Conquer Creamy Complexity: Surprisingly simple steps transform basic ingredients into a luxurious dessert that looks professionally crafted.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap pecan toppings with other nuts or add a drizzle of caramel sauce to personalize this crowd-pleasing pumpkin pie without complicated techniques.
  • No-Bake Brilliance: Skip traditional oven time with this chilled dessert that develops rich flavors through refrigeration, making it perfect for warm days or when kitchen heating isn't desirable.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners, this recipe delivers impressive results that will have everyone asking for seconds without requiring advanced culinary skills.

What Goes Into No-Bake Pumpkin Pie

For the Crust:
  • Graham Crackers: A classic base that provides a sweet, crumbly foundation for the pie.
  • Pecans: Adds a delightful nutty crunch and rich flavor to the crust.
For the Filling Base:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy backbone that gives the pie its luxurious texture.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Brings rich sweetness and helps bind the filling together.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds extra creaminess and helps achieve a light, airy consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet notes.
For the Pumpkin and Spices:
  • Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient that provides the classic autumn flavor and signature orange color.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves: A warming spice blend that delivers the quintessential pumpkin pie taste.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the sweet and spicy flavors in the pie.

How to Prepare No-Bake Pumpkin Pie

Step 1: Crush Graham Crackers

Pulverize graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin to create a consistent base for the pie.

Step 2: Prepare Pecan Topping

Finely chop pecans and set aside, ensuring a delicate, nutty component that will add crunch and depth to the dessert.

Step 3: Whip Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese until silky smooth, removing any potential lumps to create a velvety foundation.

Step 4: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk

Gradually pour sweetened condensed milk into the cream cheese, stirring continuously to develop a uniform, creamy mixture.

Step 5: Incorporate Cream and Vanilla

Fold in heavy cream and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to build a rich and luxurious texture.

Step 6: Mix Pumpkin Puree

Integrate pumpkin puree into the creamy base, stirring until completely combined and consistent in color.

Step 7: Create Spice Blend

Combine spices:
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Ginger
  • Cloves
  • Salt

Sprinkle the spice mixture into the pumpkin mixture, stirring to distribute evenly.

Step 8: Form Crust

Press graham cracker crumbs firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish, creating a compact and even crust.

Step 9: Pour Filling

Gently transfer the spiced pumpkin filling over the graham cracker base, smoothing the top with a spatula for a perfectly level surface.

Step 10: Add Pecan Garnish

Sprinkle chopped pecans across the top of the pie for a decorative and crunchy finish.

Step 11: Chill and Set

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the pie to set and flavors to fully develop.

Step 12: Serve

Remove from refrigerator and let the pie sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften and enhance its creamy texture.

Helpful Tips for No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Success

  • Prevent Crumbly Crust: Press graham cracker crumbs firmly and evenly into the pie dish, using the bottom of a measuring cup to create a compact base that holds together perfectly.
  • Smooth Out Filling: Use a spatula to level the pumpkin mixture, eliminating air pockets and ensuring a silky, professional-looking surface that's free from bumps or valleys.
  • Boost Nutty Flavor: Toast chopped pecans lightly in a dry skillet before sprinkling on top to intensify their rich, warm flavor and add a delightful aromatic dimension to the pie.
  • Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the filling to set completely and giving the flavors time to meld and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.

Different Ways to Enjoy No-Bake Pumpkin Pie

  • Gluten-Free Pecan Pumpkin Pie: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version, maintaining the same rich flavor profile.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Spice Treat: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut condensed milk, and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a plant-based alternative.
  • No-Bake Keto Pumpkin Dessert: Use almond flour and crushed pecans for the crust, replace sweetened condensed milk with sugar-free alternatives, and incorporate cream cheese with monk fruit sweetener for a low-carb option.

What to Serve with No-Bake Pumpkin Pie

  • Brew Warm Spiced Chai Tea: Rich, aromatic chai tea with cardamom and cinnamon notes perfectly echoes the pie's warm spices, creating a harmonious flavor connection.
  • Select Caramel Bourbon Cocktail: Smooth bourbon mixed with caramel syrup provides a luxurious liquid complement that enhances the pie's nutty and sweet undertones.
  • Serve Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream: Dollop fresh vanilla bean whipped cream alongside the pie to add an extra layer of creamy, delicate sweetness that balances the robust pumpkin filling.
  • Choose Aged Cream Sherry: Slightly nutty and sweet cream sherry offers a sophisticated wine pairing that highlights the pie's complex flavor profile and pecan crunch.

Storage Tips for No-Bake Pumpkin Pie

  • Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping it fresh for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the covering is secure to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Carefully seal the entire pie in a freezer-safe container or wrap it completely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
  • Transfer the frozen pie to the refrigerator and let it slowly defrost overnight. This gradual thawing prevents moisture buildup and preserves the pie's original consistency.

FAQs for No-Bake Pumpkin Pie

  • Why are graham crackers important for this recipe?

Graham crackers provide a sweet, crisp base that complements the creamy pumpkin filling and adds a delightful texture to the pie, creating a perfect foundation for the dessert.

  • How do spices impact the pumpkin pie's flavor?

The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves creates a warm, complex flavor profile that enhances the natural sweetness of the pumpkin and adds depth to the overall taste experience.

  • What role does cream cheese play in this recipe?

Cream cheese contributes to the pie’s rich, smooth texture and provides a tangy undertone that balances the sweetness of the condensed milk and pumpkin, resulting in a more complex and satisfying dessert.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe

No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy no-bake pumpkin pie delivers autumn’s richest flavors without heating up the kitchen. Silky spiced filling nestles into a graham cracker crust, promising delightful holiday memories you’ll savor with each cool, smooth bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup pecans

Creamy Filling:

  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Crush graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin, creating a consistent texture for the pie base.
  2. Finely chop pecans and set aside, ensuring a delicate, nutty component for added crunch and flavor.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth and creamy, eliminating any potential lumps for a silky filling.
  4. Gradually incorporate sweetened condensed milk into the cream cheese, stirring continuously to create a homogeneous mixture.
  5. Fold in heavy cream and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to develop a rich, velvety consistency.
  6. Integrate pumpkin puree into the creamy base, stirring until completely incorporated and uniform in color.
  7. Combine ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt, sprinkling the spice blend into the pumpkin mixture and stirring to distribute evenly.
  8. Press graham cracker crumbs firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish, creating a compact, even crust.
  9. Gently pour the spiced pumpkin filling over the graham cracker base, smoothing the top with a spatula for a perfectly level surface.
  10. Sprinkle chopped pecans across the top of the pie for a decorative and crunchy finish.
  11. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the pie to set and flavors to meld together completely.
  12. Before serving, let the pie sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly and enhance its creamy texture.

Notes

  • Use a food processor for consistently fine graham cracker crumbs, ensuring a uniform and compact crust that holds together beautifully.
  • Finely chop pecans to create a delicate, even crunch that distributes perfectly throughout the pie’s topping without overwhelming the smooth filling.
  • Whip cream cheese thoroughly to eliminate any lumps, guaranteeing a silky-smooth texture that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
  • Gradually mix sweetened condensed milk to prevent separation and achieve a perfectly creamy, well-integrated filling that’s rich and luxurious.
  • Allow the pie to chill completely for optimal set and flavor development, giving the spices time to meld and intensify their warm, autumnal notes.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star