Easy Chocolate Pudding Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

Name: Easy Chocolate Pudding Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 255 min
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 8 tablespoons melted butter (1 stick); 1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark); 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional); 2/3 cup chocolate chips (bittersweet, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate); 2 boxes instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 ounce boxes (4 servings)); 2 cups milk (whole or 2%); 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark); 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 8 ounces Cool Whip (or Truwhip)

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Chocolate Pudding Pie with Graham Cracker Crust is an easy no bake dessert that will satisfy even the most serious chocolate cravings.

Simple ingredients transform instant chocolate pudding mix and Cool Whip into luscious layers of rich, decadent chocolate pudding pie filling in a homemade graham cracker pie crust.

side view of one piece of chocolate pudding pie.

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Why You're Going to Love This Recipe
Ingredients
Recipe variations
Step-by-step Instructions
Expert Tips
FAQs
More No Bake Desserts
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This delicious Chocolate Pudding Pie recipe is decadent and super chocolatey and comes together with three layers of creamy deliciousness in a buttery graham cracker crust.

It's an easy no bake recipe you can enjoy chilled or frozen (our favorite way!), and is sure to become a new family favorite.

Why You're Going to Love This Recipe

Easy no bake chocolate pudding pie recipe with instant pudding and Cool Whip
Rich and luscious triple layer chocolate dessert true chocolate addicts will devour
Simple no bake chocolate pie recipe with basic pantry ingredients
Perfect dessert for holiday gatherings -- it's always a huge hit!

Ingredients

Homemade graham cracker crust.

Graham cracker crumbs. You can buy store-bought graham cracker crumbs or make your own. Use any flavor of graham crackers you love -- honey, cinnamon, or chocolate.

Melted butter. Melted butter holds the graham cracker crust together.

Brown sugar. Brown sugar sweetens the crust and helps it keep its shape.

Cinnamon. A little bit of cinnamon is absolutely delicious with chocolate, but it's totally optional.

Easy Chocolate Pie Filling

easy chocolate pudding pie with graham cracker crust ingredients.

Instant chocolate pudding mix. Instant Jello pudding mix makes the easy chocolate cream pie filling come together in a snap. You can also use Jello instant chocolate fudge pudding mix.

Cold milk. Whole milk or 2% milk turn instant pudding into a thick and creamy pudding pie filling.

Brown sugar. Just a little bit of brown sugar adds rich flavor to the chocolate pudding.

Espresso powder. Espresso powder amps up the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee. As a substitute, dissolve up to twice the amount of instant coffee crystals in the milk. You can also omit it.

Chocolate chips. Melted chocolate chips take the pie filling to the next level of chocolatiness and creaminess. I like Ghirardelli 60% bittersweet chocolate chips because they melt smoothly and the bittersweet flavor doesn't make the pie filling too sweet. You can also use a chopped chocolate bar.

Cool Whip. If you're not into Cool Whip, I get it. You can also use Truwhip or whipped cream.

Chocolate shavings. Sprinkle the top with super easy to make chocolate shavings. Get the instructions to make them right here.

Recipe variations

Spices. Try a dash of your favorite warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, anise, or chai.

Flavor extracts. Instead of vanilla, try peppermint, almond, hazelnut, or coconut extract.

Cookie crust. Swap out graham crackers for chocolate wafer cookies, gingersnaps, or vanilla wafers. Or use a store-bought or homemade Oreo crust.

Toppings. Top the pie with mini chocolate chips, homemade chocolate curls, grated chocolate, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache.

Step-by-step Instructions

no no bake graham cracker crust mixture in clear bowlgraham cracker crust ingredients in clear bowl.

Step 1: Make the graham cracker crust. Grind the graham crackers into fine crumbs with a food processor or ziptop bag and rolling pin.

Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a medium bowl.

no bake graham cracker crust in glass pan.

Step 2: Use a glass or measuring cup with a flat bottom to press the mixture into the pie plate. Be careful not to press too hard or the crust can become hard or stick to the pan.

Chill the crust in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or the freezer for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 15-second increments, stirring in between. Set aside.

Stir pudding mix, brown sugar, espresso powder, and salt in large bowl. Add milk and vanilla. Beat with electric mixer on low until incorporated, then medium for 2 minutes until smooth. Add melted chocolate to the pudding mixture, beat for another minute.

hand with spatula spreading pie filling in graham cracker crust.

Step 4: Pour or spoon ½ of the pudding pie filling into the graham cracker crust.

Spread the filling evenly with an offset spatula or knife.

hand with spatula spreading creamy pudding layer over pie filling.

Step 5: Fold ½ of the Cool Whip into the remaining chocolate pudding with a sturdy spatula until completely combined.

Do not use the mixer or stir too vigorously or the mixture can become runny.

Evenly spread the chocolate Cool Whip mixture over the pudding layer.

assembled pie topped with chocolate shavings.

Step 6: Spread the rest of the Cool Whip on top. If desired, use a vegetable peeler to make chocolate shavings with a bar of chocolate and sprinkle on top of the pie.

Chill at least 4 hours up to overnight to allow the pudding filling to completely set.

You can also freeze the pie and enjoy it as a frozen dessert. We love it that way!

piece of chocolate pudding pie with one bite removed on a white plate with a fork.

Expert Tips

If the no bake graham cracker crust sticks to the pan, dip the pan in hot water for a few seconds, and it will easily release.
I prefer this pie recipe with a no-bake crust because it has a softer texture than a baked crust, which is nice with the creamy pudding filling. If you prefer a firmer crust, you can pre-bake the crust at 350 for 10 minutes and let it cool completely before adding the filling.
Fold in the Cool Whip until it is completely combined -- do not use the mixer or stir too vigorously, or the mixture can become runny.

FAQs

How long does chocolate pudding pie last in the fridge?

Store leftover pie wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To protect the topping, place toothpicks into the pie and tent the plastic wrap over them.

Can I freeze chocolate pie with graham cracker crust?

Yes. To freeze the pie, wrap it in a double layer of plastic and again with foil. You can enjoy the pie frozen, slightly frozen, or thaw it in the refrigerator.

How do you thicken instant pudding for a no bake chocolate cream pie recipe?

To thicken pudding mixes for a pudding pie filling, use less milk than you would for pudding. This easy chocolate pudding pie recipe uses half the amount of milk called for on the box.

Should you bake a graham cracker crust before filling?

It depends on the filling and your preference. For this no bake pie, the graham cracker crust doesn't need to be baked. But if you prefer a firmer, crunchier crust, you definitely can bake it for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Just be sure to let it cool completely before adding the filling.

How long does Cool Whip last on pie?

Cool Whip is more stable than fresh whipped cream and it also freezes well, so it will stay soft and fluffy on your pie whether you store it in the refrigerator or freezer.