Chocolate Pudding Pie
Chocolate pudding pie is an easy no bake dessert to make for any occasion!
This easy chocolate pie with pudding is thick and fluffy, and can be made with a graham cracker or oreo crust. Plus, it’s only 8 ingredients and takes 20 minutes to prep.
Why You’ll Love It
- 8 ingredients
- 20 minutes to prep
- no bake dessert
- thick and fluffy
- can be made with a graham cracker pie crust, store-bought crust or oreo pie crust
Pudding pie is an old fashion recipe that has been around for a while! There’s many different ways to make it, including from scratch, but I think the best way to make it is to use a box of instant pudding mix.
This easy chocolate pudding pie is a family favorite and gets rave reviews. This is an easy dessert to make for special occasions, you won’t be able to get enough of this chocolate cream pie recipe!
Many recipes use cold milk, however, I found that using heavy whipping cream created a pie that was thicker, stable, and more mousse like! It’s the perfect creamy chocolate pie for true chocolate addicts!
If you have a stand mixer, this is a great time to use it because when you beat the pudding mix and heavy cream together, the mixture will be very thick. Once you add in the cool whip, the mixture will become more creamy and fluffy.
You can use a hand mixer and large bowl as well to make the chocolate pudding filling.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down for the full ingredient list and instructions.
- instant chocolate pudding mix
- heavy cream
- cool whip
- graham cracker crumbs
- brown sugar
- butter
How to Make Chocolate Pie with Pudding
Graham cracker crust
In a blender or food processor, pulse the graham crackers into crumbs.
Combine with brown sugar and melted butter.
Press the mixture into the pie pan using the bottom of a measuring cup.
Chocolate pudding filling
Combine. Beat the pudding mix and heavy cream together. The mixture will be extremely thick. If you have a stand mixer, this is a great time to use it! Image 1 on the collage above.
Cool whip. Gently beat in the cool whip. Once you add in the cool whip, the mixture will become more creamy and fluffy. Image 2 on the collage above.
Top. Spread the filling over the buttery graham cracker crust or oreo cookie crust, if using.
Whipped cream topping
Prep. Before serving the pie – place a metal or glass mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 15 minutes.
Beat. Remove the bowl from the freezer. Add the heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat with an electric mixer for 4-5 minutes, or until stiff peaks form / it’s scoop-able with a spoon and holds its shape.
Assemble. Spoon onto the pie and top with chocolate shavings. I used a Hershey’s Chocolate Bar and a potato peeler to make chocolate shavings.
How to Store No Bake Pie
This pie needs to be refrigerated. It can also be frozen for a frozen dessert pie! Be sure to cover the pie with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
Peanut butter pie, oreo pudding pie, and peanut butter cup chocolate pie are all no bake recipes that you can serve with chocolate pudding pie!
Time Required
- 4 minutes to make the crust
- 5 minutes to make the chocolate filling
- 5 minutes to make whipped cream topping
- 4-8 hours to chill in the fridge
Gluten Free Chocolate Pie
It is really easy to make this chocolate pie with pudding gluten free by using gluten free oreos for the crust. All of the other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten free!
Swap the Graham Cracker Crust for Oreo Crust
If you prefer an oreo pie crust, here’s our recipe!
- 1 package oreos (14.3 oz)
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted melted butter
Blend the oreos until they are crumbs, combine with the butter and press into the pie pan.
Pro Tips
- The chocolate filling is VERY thick when mixing it. If you have a stand mixer, this is a great time to use it!
- Use a sharp, skinny knife to cut the pie into pieces.
- Be sure to use two 3.4 oz (or 3.9) boxes, not the large 5.1 or 5.9 boxes.
Can I substitute the cool whip?
If you don’t want to use cool whip, you can substitute 8 oz of homemade whipped cream, which is also equal to 3 cups.
Our Favorite Recipes
Chocolate Pudding Pie
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, about 9 graham crackers
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted melted butter, 3/4 stick
Filling
- 2 boxes instant chocolate pudding mix, 3.4 oz (or 3.9) boxes, not the large 5.1 or 5.9 boxes
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 container cool whip, 8 oz thawed
Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
CRUST
- In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar and melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into a 9 or 10 inch pie pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to pack the crust down. Place the crust in the fridge to chill until ready to fill.
FILLING
- In a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, combine the pudding mix and heavy cream with an electric mixer until well blended. You will NOT prepare the pudding mix as directed on the box. If you have a stand mixer, this is a great time to use it because when you beat the pudding mix and heavy cream together, the mixture will be very thick.
- Add the cool whip and mix on low until combined. Spread this mixture over the crust. Once you add in the cool whip, the mixture will become more creamy and fluffy. Cover the pie pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-8 hours.
Topping
- Before serving the pie – place a metal or glass mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- Remove the bowl from the freezer. Add the heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat with an electric mixer for 4-5 minutes, or until stiff peaks form / it’s scoop-able with a spoon and holds its shape.
- Spoon onto the pie and top with chocolate shavings.
Hi! Would it work without the coolwhip? Not a fan of it.
You can make homemade whipped cream in place of the cool whip!
Can you use half and half or milk instead of heavy cream?
Hi Amanda! Heavy cream is required because you need to whip the mixture in order to achieve that light consistency. Milk and half and half will not produce the same results!
Could I make this just using a wisk?
I would not recommend using a whisk. You really need to beat the heavy cream into stiff peaks!
You can use a whisk, it will just take longer and require a lot more work on your part. You wrist and forearm may be a little sore afterward, lol! But I don’t have a mixer and used a whisk and it came out great.
How long will this be good stored in refrigerator?
Can pie be frozen?
Yes!
Trying this recipe tomorrow! Have you tested other Flavors of pudding mix?
Hi Sam! I haven’t tried it with other flavors – let me know if you do!
I made this yesterday, and I thought I had two boxes of chocolate pudding, I only had one. I improvised and used a caramel pudding mix and it was super delicious!!
Do we prepare the pudding per instructions then add the heavy cream, or do we just combine the cream and the mix?
Thanks!
Hi Heather! Do NOT prepare the pudding as directed on the box. The pudding mix is simply combined with the heavy cream.
Hi there! I am trying to pre make this a day ahead…should I wait to make the topping? Or will it keep? TIA
I would wait to add the whipping topping until closer to serving!
Would this recipe work with the cook and serve pudding mix?
I have not tried that kind.
That is what I used. Haven’t tasted it yet but it looks good!!!
Hi! I ended up with more pie filling than would fit in the crust, though probably not enough for a second pie. Is this usual?
What size pie pan were you using? I filled mine full!
A 9” pie pan
This pie is marvelous. Really easy and quick to make. A tip for everyone is if you forget to chop the chocolate in advance, just break it into small chunks. It melts almost instantly anyway. Yummy!
Can you serve without the topping and just put cool whip on the side should people want it.
Definitely!
I used a double box of chocolate jello, and a package of dream whip. However I only had one cup of heavy cream, so I had to use whole milk for the rest instead of cream. I also added a tablespoon of Ovaltine chocolate drink powder and a tablespoon of fine coffee grounds. Looks and tastes great going into the fridge!
Hi, I don’t have cool whip on hand but still really want to make this recipe. Are there any substitutions for cool whip?
You can make your own whipped cream with heavy cream and powdered sugar!
Hi! I am making this pudding pie tonight for tomorrow. Can I make the topping separately and keep it refrigerated, then place it on top of the pie when it is time to serve? I am bringing it to a place where I can’t use to kitchen before it is served. Thanks!
Hi Meredith! Homemade whipped cream doesn’t hold it’s shape well for long periods of time. I would suggest making the whipped cream topping before bringing it over instead of in advance.
In case anyone is still wondering, you can stabalize whipped cream in advance of serving with gelatin. It is amazing. I have been successful with it many times.
Do I cook the chocolate pudding before I put it in crust
Hi Pat! No! Please use instant pudding mix, not cook and serve.
Hi. Made this & had it in the fridge over night… filling hasn’t hardened very much….. what did I do wrong
Hi Lily! The filling shouldn’t “harden” – it will have a more mousse like texture and be thick. Did you use an electric mixer to make the filling?
Hi! I’m about to try this but wondering, can I only use one box of pudding instead of 2?
Hi Liz! The recipe has only been tested with 2 boxes of pudding, so that’s what I recommend!
Is heavy cream the same as whipping cream?
Yes, heavy cream is the same as heavy whipping cream!
Can you make this as mini pies?
Hi Pam! Yes, that would definitely be possible! I don’t have a specific recipe for that. But using the mini store bought graham cracker crusts could work great!
Sprinkle a little cinnamon on top , DELISH
I don’t have any kind of mixer so I used my drill with a beater. Worked like a charm!
LOL that is awesome!!!
This looks so delicious! What size boxes of pudding mix did you use?
Use two 3.4 oz (or 3.9) boxes, not the large 5.1 or 5.9 boxes. It seems like every brand is a little different on the oz!
I made this pudding pie for thanksgiving yesterday and it was a big hit, everyone loved it. It was also quite easy to make. I will definitely make this dessert again.
This is amazing! Made for thanksgiving dessert & everyone loved it! My daughter is allergic to dairy so I improvised a bit. Used cocowhip instead of whipped cream & then canned coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream. Consistency was still mousse like & seriously delicious. I already have requests for it to be made for birthdays that are months away! Thank you!
Very interested in this. We have Someone in the family that cannot have dairy
I’m planning on making ahead and freezing.From other questions and comments I’m wondering if I can make whole pie and freeze . Purpose would be to save time on Christmas. It sounds like my brother in laws would be fighting over this!
Hi Kathleen! I haven’t personally frozen this pie so I can’t accurately say how it would taste after defrosting. If you try it out, let me know!
This is delicious! Reminds me of Wendy’s Frostys in pie form! I doubled the recipe to make 2 pies, and i easily have enough filling for 3-4 pies!
We’re eating the extra filling with graham crackers…..and maybe just with a spoon…… it’s seriously sooooo good!
Could I do in a 9 x 13 patcake pan?
Hi Pat! I don’t recommend using a 9×13 inch pan. The recipe is made for a 9-10 inch pie pan.
My husband has been asking for a Andes mint chocolate pie. Pretty much a chocolate pie with Andes mints put in it. I have been following Beth on Instagram for a bit and wanted to try her recipe. She was NOT KIDDING when she says this pie filling gets THICK. I got my hand mixer to push through and I am glad I did. The base filling was delicious! Then I added some hopped Andes mints to the filling, but it in the pie crust and then skipped the whipped cream topping and added more chopped Andes mints. It was good, not overly minty but Beth’s chocolate pie base really made this pie shine. I just added a little “extra” to it to make my husband’s idea come to life. We will definitely use this recipe again, for plain chocolate pie! Sooo good!
LOVE your recipe using heavy cream! The consistency of the filling is velvety! I’ve also used banana pudding and cheesecake flavor pudding with your recipe and the consistency is just as devine.
I double the recipe, making 24 to 30 individual “mini pies” in cupcake liners and CoolWhip in a piping bag to top them – the whipped topping doesn’t melt like dairy whipped cream. Yes, I put the metal muffin tins in the freezer to set the pies, otherwise the paper liners “bloom” into droopy “plates”.
Chocolate cream with graham cracker crust is the most requested by my grandkids.
Do not use dream whip , 1 cup heavy cream and 2 cups of whole milk and then add cool whip.i did and it tastes like sweet glue.next time I’ll go to the store first and not improvise ingredients.
The filling was good, but the topping doesn’t turn out at all. I mixed the topping for 20 minutes and it still was not forming at all. I ended up having to add more powdered sugar to even get any type of form and even then it didn’t form like the recipe states. I mixed for a total of an hour before giving up and trying to put it on the pie and it just made a huge mess.
Did you use an electric mixer to whip the whipped cream? Cold bowl and beaters?
This Pie looks Awesome I am “Wnntabee” foodie. That said I dont have or desire cool whip.
I do however have plenty of Heavy Cream (Whole milk plus butter to make it)
my question is how many cups of Heavy cream to make the ‘cool whip’ topping.
Hi Mark! You would need 8 oz of homemade whipped cream (about 3 cups whipped cream) to replace the cool whip, which is 8 oz.
I want to cry! I used exact measurements and ingredients and it was so thick and ruined the pie crust when I tried to put it in. Now it looks like a dirt pie 😭 what did I do wrong?
Hi Ashley! The filling is very thick! The filling will pick up some of the crust crumbs while you spread the filling into the pan, but it’s only on the bottom, where the filling meets the crust.
Would it work with fat free whipping cream and sugar free pudding to make the low calorie ?
I haven’t tested this recipe with either of those ingredients, so I can’t offer an accurate answer – Sorry Tammy!
I just made this can I put the topping on now we will have it tomorrow for thanksgiving? Just trying to get a head start I have a lot of cooking to do .
You can add the topping today, be sure to keep it refrigerated!
I just made this and mixed the heavy whipping cream & chocolate pudding mix together but mine was not thick like your picture. I used my kitchen aid but it was very soupy. I’m not sure what I did wrong 😭 I am hoping that putting it in the ridge overnight will thicken it up.
Hi Hailey! The mixture should be very thick! What kind of pudding did you use? It should be instant pudding, not cook and serve. Not sugar free.
Hi there, I do not have a stand mixer so I used a hand mixer to mix the pudding recipe using the instant pudding mix, heavy cream and coolwhip. I am unclear why it turned out very gritty.
How did it taste after you refrigerated it? The mixture does look gritty after mixing, but magic happens in the fridge and it comes out smooth and delicious!
If you are looking for something special – this is not it. It is perfectly ‘fine’ but when it comes down to it – it’s coolwhip and chocolate pudding. I’m not sure why I thought that would make into something uncommon. I did add almond extract to the chocolate pudding base and a few chocolate chips to add more flavor. It’s not exciting but a good way to make an emergency dessert if you have the ingredients on hand
For the filling, do you purchase 8 oz (1 cup) heavy whipping cream to make 3 cups when whipped ?? Not 24 oz of whipping cream?
Hi Shirley! For the filling you combine the pudding mix plus 3 cups of heavy whipping cream (not whipped) into a bowl and whip those together. Then you add the cool whip.
Omg, this was so easy and tasted amazing! I was surprised at how the pie held together while serving a slice. Had several family gatherings around Easter and it was a hit with everyone.
Can you bake the crust?
Hi Chris! This recipe is specifically made with a no bake crust.
I’ve been making this for the past 20+ years and my family always requests this for holidays. I have always used 3 small boxes of instant pudding, 2 cups whole milk and a large can reddi whip (extra creamy). Use a second can of whipped cream for topping when you serve each slice.
It has always came out perfectly and I love playing around with different variations of pudding mix. My favorite so far is substitute one pudding for a box of Godiva chocolate caramel and use chocolate fudge for the other 2 boxes. Soooo good!
Same recipe as the “Dream Pie” from YEARS AGO! Difference in these recipes is if you use Dream Whip, the pie is not as fluffy and has a more “chocolatey” flavor. Either way you make it, it’s always a hit!
Made this pie and followed recipe to the letter and used my stand up mixer. Filling is not thick very soupy. Pie in fridge overnight. Have pie in freezer hopefully it works. If there are any other suggestions please let me know.