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    Home » Recipes

    Vanilla Pudding Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

    Published: Feb 7, 2023 by Marni Katz · This post may contain affiliate links

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    No Bake Vanilla Pudding Pie is one of my favorite no bake dessert recipes. Using a few simple ingredients, store bought pie crust and less than ten minutes of your time, you can have an easy dessert everyone will love!

    vanilla pudding pie with a slice cut out

    “This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link.”

    Why this recipe works

    This recipe for Vanilla Pudding Pie works because you have a no bake dessert that can be made with pantry staples and tastes fantastic. It's one of those recipes that you'll memorize and make over and over again.

    The pie filling is mixed up in just minutes and is added to a store bought (or homemade) graham cracker crust. The whole recipe is made in less than 10 minutes with just one dirty bowl.

    Not only is it simple to make, but it's endlessly adaptable. You can top the vanilla pudding pie filling with fresh berries and cool whip for a fancy summer treat. Or change things up and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers and a drizzle of caramel for a totally different take on the same quick dessert.

    Ingredients

    ingredients for vanilla pudding pie

    A few notes on the ingredients:

    • Instant pudding mix:  I have only tested this recipe with Jell-O instant vanilla pudding mix. Other vanilla pudding mixes will likely work, but be sure they say “instant”, not “cook & serve”. Also, pay attention to the size of the box. This recipe is written for instant pudding mixes that are 3.4-3.9oz boxes. Make this a pantry staple in your house for easy desserts whenever you need them.
    • Milk: You can use any type of milk in this recipe (skim milk, 2% milk, almond milk, etc,) but I do find the texture is best when I use heavy cream or half and half.

    How to make vanilla pudding pie

    To make things even simpler, here are step-by-step photos to help you every step of the way.

    Whip the pudding mix with the cold milk (heavy cream or milk of your choosing). Here's a whole tutorial on making the vanilla pudding pie filling with detailed pictures of each step

    whipped vanilla pudding in a glass bowl next to an empty graham cracker crust in a pie pan

    Add the whipped pudding mixture into the prepared pie shell.

    vanilla pudding pie filling being added to a graham cracker crust

    Top the top of your pie with crushed graham crackers, drizzle with caramel sauce, sprinkle with vanilla wafer cookies crumbs, dollop with whipped cream or decorate with fresh berries...this is the fun and creative part of the recipe.

    vanilla pudding pie with graham cracker crumbs on top, with a fork and serving utensil

    Cover loosely with a sheet of plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

    For all measurements and a more detailed guide, check out the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

    Frequently Asked Questions 

    What can you use for a crust other than a graham cracker crust?

    You could use an oreo cookie crust, a chocolate chip cookie crust or regular pie crust.  Really anything that pairs well with chocolate pudding works in this no bake pudding pie. If you like making your own pie crust, try making one out of crushed golden oreos and melted butter or a mix of chocolate and regular graham crackers and melted butter...the option are endless!

    Can you make this pie gluten free?

    Yes, absolutely.  To make gluten free pudding pie, you’ll just need to use a gluten free pie crust.  Either make your own with crushed gluten free cookies and a bit of melted butter pressed into the pie pan, or purchase one at your local grocery.

    What’s the best topping for a no bake pie with a vanilla pudding pie filling?

    In our house, we are purists.  Crush up some cookies (any of your choosing) and sprinkle over the top.  If you are really looking to impress your friends at the next potluck go all out with either berries and whipped cream OR drizzled with caramel and chocolate sauce with chocolate shavings. There is really no wrong way to top this pie.

    Make this easy pie in advance

    To make this favorite dessert in advance, make the vanilla pudding pie filling recipe all the way through, but don't put it into the pie crust. Instead, scoop it into an airtight container, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the filling and seal with the lid. Store this in the fridge.

    When you are ready to serve, all you'll need to do is, scoop and smooth the filling into the pie crust and decorate. The vanilla pie filling can be made up to 3 days in advance.

    piece of pudding pie on a plate with whip cream

    The best way to store leftovers from a no-bake pie

    Leave it in its original pie pan, cover loosely with cling film and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.  There is no way it’s going to last that long!  I do not recommend freezing these leftovers.

    One more simple tip

    This vanilla pudding pie recipe can be made with any flavor pudding you like. Follow the same directions, but choose your own flavor adventure!

    • Looking for something like a banana cream pie? Use banana pudding and top with sliced bananas.
    • More into chocolate? Check out this recipe for a chocolate pudding pie.
    • Are you a peanut butter lover? Use chocolate pudding, but spread a layer of peanut butter on the crust before adding pudding...top with crushed peanuts and viola, peanut butter pie!

    Looking for more simple dessert recipes?  Try these:

    • No Bake Chocolate Pudding Pie
    • No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream
    • Chai Spiced Monkey Bread

    When you try this recipe and love it 😍 let me know by leaving a comment below or 5 ⭐ rating!

    📖 Recipe

    vanilla pudding pie with graham cracker crumbs on top, with a fork and serving utensil

    Easy Vanilla Pudding Pie

    Marni Katz
    This simple no bake pie recipe is made with just a few ingredients and is ready to eat in just minutes.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 626 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 package instant vanilla pudding (3.4-3.9 oz package)
    • 4 cups heavy whipping cream
    • 1 premade graham cracker crust
    • ½ cup crushed graham crackers (optional for topping)

    Instructions
     

    • Pour the instant vanilla pudding mix in a medium sized mixing bowl.  To that, add the heavy whipping cream.
    • With a hand mixer, start mixing slowly at first (so you don’t get pudding mix powder everywhere) and then once the two ingredients are combined, beat until you get a light and fluffy pudding mixture.
    • Put the vanilla pudding mixture into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top and the top with crushed graham crackers, vanilla wafers, whipped cream, chocolate shavings or anything else you can dream of.

    Notes

    Be sure you check to see what size box of pudding mix you’ve bought.  Any size will work, but it will affect the amount of heavy cream you’ll need to mix with it to make a stable pudding with a mousse-like consistency for the pie filling.
    You can play with the flavors of pudding in this recipe.  Oreo pudding mix would be a fun substitute to try.  Also, play with the toppings and mix-ins.  The combinations for a simple pudding pie are endless.
    The pie filling here is a great one it's own.  Make it following this vanilla mousse recipe.
    If you aren’t enjoying it the pudding pie right away, store in the fridge until you are ready to eat.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 626kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 5gFat: 49gSaturated Fat: 29gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 134mgSodium: 322mgPotassium: 152mgFiber: 1gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 1750IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword pudding pie, vanilla mousse, vanilla pudding
    Tried this recipe?Let me know what you think!

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    About Marni Katz

    Marni Katz is the recipe developer, photographer and writer behind Simple Gray T-Shirt. She wants to help people keep things simple in the kitchen. With simple recipes, easy menu ideas and plenty of tips and tricks along the way, she wants getting a meal on the table to be as simple as putting on your favorite gray tee!
    "I want to inspire you to get back in the kitchen and do this, because you can!"

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