Chocolate Pudding Pie

As a child, my grandmother would make this exact chocolate pudding pie for our Sunday family gatherings. The moment she’d pull it from the refrigerator, all of us kids would gather around, waiting for that first heavenly bite of creamy chocolate goodness. Years later, this simple, no-bake dessert continues to be my go-to recipe when I need something delicious but don’t have time for complicated baking. The best part? It only requires four ingredients and about 15 minutes of your time!

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Why Make This Amazing No-Bake Chocolate Cream Pie

First, everyone loves a good chocolate pie with Cool Whip. Honestly, those are two of my favorite things! 

You can make this dessert recipe in no time! It is super simple to make, and you don’t have to watch the oven.

I have brought this chocolate pudding pie to many events, get-togethers, and potlucks, and it is always a hit. You will get rave reviews for this easy chocolate pie. I’ve even considered bringing two chocolate pies since one goes so fast. 

So, make sure to make this no-bake chocolate pie with cookie crust for your next party! People will ask for your recipe before the party is over. It is the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers.

Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Chocolate Cream Pie

• Chocolate Lover’s Dream – Rich, creamy texture with intense chocolate flavor
• Quick and Easy – No baking required and minimal preparation time
• Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight desserts
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Actually tastes better when made a day in advance

Does chocolate pie need to be refrigerated?

Since this is a cream pie, it must always be stored in the fridge; otherwise, it will go bad very quickly. 

The chocolate pudding Cool Whip dessert can stay in its pie pan; cover it with foil or plastic wrap before putting it in the fridge. To avoid losing some cool whip sticking to the foil, pop in some toothpicks to levitate the foil slightly. 

Chill the pie before serving it, but keeping it at room temperature for an hour or so will be fine; make sure to put it back in the fridge.  

How Long Will Chocolate Pudding Pie Last?

After making the chocolate pudding pie, it will be stored in the fridge while not being served. The pie will hold up for 4-5 days in the fridge. After that, the pie crust might be a bit mushy, and the cool whip will deflate. 

This pie is best eaten within the first 2-3 days, so feel free to make it up a day before your next event. It will still taste delicious!

How to freeze this creamy chocolate pie

To freeze the pie, wrap it tightly with several layers of freezer or plastic wrap and press the wrap onto the surface of the pie. This will prevent ice crystals from forming on top of the pie.

You can keep this pie in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Please remove the pie from the freezer the day before serving it and place it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight.

Equipment Needed

• Pie server
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or wire whisk
• Rubber spatula

Ingredients and Their Purpose

• Whole milk – Creates the base for the pudding and provides richness while activating the pudding mix
• Instant chocolate pudding mix – Provides chocolate flavor and thickening power without cooking.
• Cool Whip – Adds light, creamy texture and helps stabilize the filling
• Store-bought chocolate cookie crumb pie crust – Provides a chocolatey base that complements the filling without requiring additional preparation

How to Make Chocolate Pudding Pie

1. Pour the milk into a large bowl.
2. Add instant pudding mix.
3. Beat the pie filling with a wire whisk or an electric mixer until smooth.

4. Stir in the Cool Whip.

5. Spoon the chocolate pudding filling into the crust and spread it out evenly.
6. Refrigerate for 4 hours or until set.

Crust Variations

While the Oreo cookie crust provides the ultimate chocolate experience, you can customize your pie with these alternatives:

• Traditional flaky pie crust (pre-baked and cooled completely)
• Graham cracker crust for a more neutral, sweet base
• Shortbread crust for a buttery complement to the chocolate

Topping Ideas

Elevate your chocolate pie with these delicious toppings:

• Fresh homemade whipped cream with a touch of vanilla extract
• Chocolate curls or shavings (use a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar)
• Crushed Oreo cookies or chocolate chips
• Drizzles of caramel or chocolate sauce
• Fresh berries for a fruity contrast

How to store your chocolate pudding pie

Store your chocolate pudding pie in the refrigerator. Loosely cover the pie with plastic wrap. It will last for up to three days in the refrigerator.

Love Homemade Pies? Try these recipes!

• Coconut Custard Pie
• Fruit of the Forest Pie
• German Chocolate Pie
• Homemade Key Lime Pie
• Old Fashioned Apple Pie
• Sour Cream Raisin Pie
• Toll House Pie

Favorite Chocolate Desserts and Treats

• Chocolate Pizza
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
• Chocolate Pudding Cake
• Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
• Coca Cola Chocolate Cake
• Hersheys Brownies

Check out more of my easy pie recipes and the best family dessert recipes here on CopyKat!

The recipe is from Ethel Eynard. Jefferson City, MO. 1998.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting Tips

Does Cool Whip Really Thicken Pudding?

Yes! Cool Whip contains stabilizers that help thicken the pudding mixture beyond what milk alone would do. The combination creates a perfect pie filling consistency that’s firm enough to slice but still creamy when you take a bite.

My Pie Isn’t Setting Properly – What Went Wrong?

If your pie filling seems too soft after the recommended chill time, check these common issues:

• Using warm milk instead of cold
• Not beating the pudding mix long enough
• Using diet or low-fat products
• Not allowing enough refrigeration time

Can I Make This Pie Without Dairy?

While this traditional recipe calls for dairy products, you can experiment with non-dairy alternatives:

• Replace whole milk with almond or coconut milk (though the filling may be slightly less firm)
• Look for dairy-free whipped topping alternatives
• Choose a dairy-free cookie crust option