Vanilla Pudding Pie
This quick, no bake pudding pie is the perfect way to serve up an easy dessert! You're going to love this creamy, fluffy pie that is low-effort and always tasty.
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Pudding Pie Recipe
I love classic recipes. There's something that makes a dish just taste better when you know it's a recipe that has stood the test of time. This easy vanilla pudding pie is exactly that!
This classic no bake whipped cream pie will be the star of your next potluck or party. It's a quick dessert, but it lacks nothing in the flavor or comfort food department! Pudding pie is deliciously creamy, smooth and is such an easy recipe.
This pie is super easy to whip up with pantry staples and other simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. And the best part is that it literally takes about 10 minutes to prep!
My no-bake strawberry cream pie was actually the inspiration for this vanilla pudding pie recipe! Give it a whirl. It's perfect for any occasions - from the holiday season to easy summer treats. There's always an excuse to make a pie!
Why You'll Love this Recipe
As long as you've got a flaky pie crust and the other ingredients needed, you can make this easy no bake pie:
- What's not to love about a pie that literally takes 20 minutes to prep. All the goodness of luscious pies, without all the tedious time and effort - instant gratification!
- You can make this pie ahead of time. It has to set for at least an hour anyway, so it's great to throw together and then refrigerate for later.
- Anyone can make this homemade pudding pie. It really is that easy! You just mix together the pie filling and spread it in a pre-baked pie crust.
Ingredients
These ingredients are all you need to make a homemade pudding pie:
- baked pie crust
- whole milk
- granulated sugar
- egg yolks
- cornstarch
- butter
- vanilla extract
- whipped cream
Substitutions and Variations
Whipped cream options: Ideally, you will use homemade whipped cream in this recipe for its extra creamy texture and more of that homemade quality, but you can use Cool Whip if you'd like.
Other flavors to try: Feel free to change up the flavor of this pie by using a different instant pudding mix. Chocolate pudding would work and even butterscotch pudding! I also love it with lemon pudding and candied lemons on top.
Other toppings: The garnishes for this pie are totally optional but SO fun! You can mix things up based on the season. For the holidays, some sugared cranberries and rosemary would be pretty. In the summer, fresh berries or grilled peaches and little mint sprigs would be lovely. Of course you can always go with grated chocolate, chopped nuts or sprinkles or whatever sounds good to you!
Pie crust ideas: You can use a store-bought pie crust or a homemade pie crust. Or even change things up a bit and use a homemade graham cracker crust or an Oreo crust!
Mini pies: Make "mini" pies by using mini pie crusts! Or even bite-size phyllo shells. You'll just divide the filling between each of the crusts. Garnish the top of the pie with fresh berries, chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
How to Make Pudding Pie
Make a vanilla pudding pie in just a few quick steps. Here's how to do it:
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the whole milk, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch. Stir until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to keep whisking to prevent the custard from burning or clumping.
Once the pudding has thickened to a creamy consistency, remove it from the heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Pour the vanilla pudding into the baked pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, or until the pudding is fully set.
Once the pie has chilled and the pudding is firm, top the pie with whipped cream, spreading it in an even layer over the pudding.
How to Store Pudding Pie
Cover the pie dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the pie to an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the pudding may separate when thawed.
Tips for Success
Check out these few tips for the best results with your pudding pie:
- Make sure you give the pie enough time to fully chill and set. If you need it ready more quickly, then just place the pie in the freezer for 30 minutes instead of chilling in the refrigerator for an hour.
- You can use a pre-baked store or homemade pie crust, or opt for a graham cracker for added texture and flavor. If using a graham cracker crust, no baking is needed-just chill the crust before adding the filling.
- Use high-quality pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Alternatively, you can use vanilla bean paste or scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean for an even more intense vanilla flavor.
FAQ
When you are making the pudding mixture, add a thickener like cornstarch. The egg yolks will also help make the filling more stable.
It could be one of two things. Either you didn't add enough cornstarch into the mix or you haven't allowed it to cool in the fridge for long enough. If it has chilled in the fridge for a few hours and still isn't set, then something probably went awry with the cornstarch!
More Pie Recipes
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Vanilla Pudding Pie
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust baked
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups whipped cream homemade or store-bought
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the whole milk, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch. Stir until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to keep whisking to prevent the custard from burning or clumping.
- Once the pudding has thickened to a creamy consistency, remove it from the heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Pour the vanilla pudding into the baked pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, or until the pudding is fully set.
- Once the pie has chilled and the pudding is firm, top the pie with whipped cream, spreading it in an even layer over the pudding.
Notes
- Chocolate
- Butterscotch
- Lemon
- Lime
- Strawberry
- chopped nuts
- ground cinnamon
- fresh fruit
- fresh herbs
- sprinkles
- chocolate shavings
Nutrition
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Turned out to be a hit! And they are so simple to make. Mixed strawberries and blueberries, my new go to pie for summer time.
These sound delicious! I love no-bake desserts. They make hosting a party so much easier.
These look super simple and easy for a summer dessert recipe!