No Bake Eggnog Pie Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing holiday dessert that’s creamy, dreamy, and totally fuss-free, you’re going to love this No Bake Eggnog Pie Recipe. It’s one of those magical treats that feels fancy but takes barely any effort. I stumbled upon it last season when I wanted a festive pie that didn’t mean turning on the oven, and let me tell you, it quickly became a go-to in my kitchen. Keep reading because I’m about to share why this pie is so special, how to nail it every time, and a few little secrets I’ve picked up along the way.
Why This Recipe Works
- No oven required: This pie comes together quickly without heating up your kitchen, perfect for busy holidays or warm climates.
- Simple ingredients: Using instant pudding, eggnog, and whipped cream keeps things approachable yet flavorful.
- Classic holiday flavors: The nutmeg and eggnog combo instantly feel festive and comforting.
- Make-ahead friendly: Chill it overnight and it slices beautifully, giving you more time to enjoy the party.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The balance of creamy, spiced, and slightly sweet ingredients in this No Bake Eggnog Pie Recipe really hit the holiday spot. Each one has a purpose and a story—so let me walk you through what to pick and why it’s so crucial to the final pie.

- Graham cracker crust: I love the mild honey flavor here which pairs perfectly with eggnog—it adds that buttery crunch without overpowering.
- Vanilla instant pudding mix: This is our thickening hero! It sets the pie without baking and adds a smooth vanilla undertone.
- Eggnog: Obviously the star! Use your favorite brand or homemade eggnog for the creamiest, richest flavor.
- Cool whip or whipped cream: Adds a light, airy texture that balances the denser pudding for a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- Ground nutmeg: Don’t skip it—it brightens up the pie and gives that iconic eggnog kick.
Tweak to Your Taste
I’m all about making recipes your own, and this No Bake Eggnog Pie Recipe is no exception. Over time, I’ve learned a few tweaks that tailor it to different tastes and occasions. Feel free to experiment with spices or the crust to keep things fresh and fun!
- Spiced Up: Once, I threw in a pinch of cinnamon and ground cloves for a deeper holiday spice profile—and it was a hit at my family gathering!
- Alcohol Boost: If you want a boozier version, a splash of rum or bourbon mixed in with the eggnog before folding in the whipped topping really kicks things up.
- Crust Variations: Swap the graham cracker crust for a gingersnap crust for an extra zing that complements the nutmeg perfectly.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free pudding and coconut whipped cream to make it vegan-friendly without sacrificing creaminess.
Step-by-Step: How I Make No Bake Eggnog Pie Recipe
Step 1: Mix Eggnog and Pudding Mix to Perfection
Start by pouring your eggnog and vanilla instant pudding mix into a medium bowl. Grab a hand mixer and beat them together until you get a silky smooth texture. This step is crucial because you want to dissolve all the pudding powder—no lumps here! I usually take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed to get it just right.
Step 2: Fold in the Whipped Cream and Nutmeg
Gently fold in the Cool Whip (or your whipped cream) with about ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Folding, not stirring, keeps the mixture light and fluffy—think of it like giving your pie a gentle hug. Be patient here; the airiness is what makes this pie so dreamy.
Step 3: Fill the Crust and Add Final Touches
Pour the mixture into your prepared graham cracker crust, then use a spatula to smooth it out evenly. The last step is sprinkling the remaining ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg over the top for that beautiful holiday aroma. It’s such a small touch but makes a big impression.
Step 4: Chill Thoroughly Before Serving
Pop it in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 5 hours, though overnight is best if you can wait. I learned the hard way that cutting into it too soon results in a runny mess. Patience really pays off with this pie; it needs that chill time to set and develop flavor.
Pro Tips for Making No Bake Eggnog Pie Recipe
- Beat Smoothly: Make sure to fully dissolve the pudding powder into the eggnog with no lumps for the best texture.
- Gentle Folding: Fold the whipped cream in carefully to avoid deflating your airy filling.
- Chill Time Is Key: Don’t skimp on refrigeration—it’s what turns your pie from a soft mousse into a firm, sliceable dessert.
- Nutmeg Balance: Sprinkle nutmeg on top just before serving to keep its bright flavor and aroma.
How to Serve No Bake Eggnog Pie Recipe

Garnishes
I love topping this pie with a little extra whipped cream and a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg right before serving. Sometimes I add a cinnamon stick for decor or a few cranberries for a pop of color. These little touches make this simple pie look extra special when it hits the dessert table.
Side Dishes
This pie is rich, so I like to serve it after lighter mains like a roasted turkey or glazed ham. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a warm spiced cider—a sweet finish to a festive meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve served this pie in individual clear glass jars with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick as a stirrer—it’s a fun, portable twist that guests loved. If you’re hosting a winter brunch, try it with miniature graham cracker tart shells for bite-sized treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover pie tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps wonderfully for 3 to 4 days, maintaining that luscious texture and flavor. Just remember to cover it well so it doesn’t pick up any fridge odors.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this pie a couple of times when I needed desserts ready for the season. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving—just be gentle while slicing, as it can soften faster once thawed.
Reheating
This pie is best served chilled and doesn’t really need reheating. If it gets too firm in the fridge, just let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before slicing to soften it slightly for the best texture.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade eggnog for this No Bake Eggnog Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade eggnog adds a lovely personal touch and often has a richer, fresher flavor than store-bought. Just make sure it’s chilled before mixing to keep your pie filling cold and smooth.
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Is this pie safe to make without cooking because of the eggnog?
Most store-bought eggnogs are pasteurized and safe to use as is. If you’re using a homemade version with raw eggs, be sure it’s made with pasteurized eggs or cooked properly to avoid any risk.
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Can I substitute the graham cracker crust with something else?
Yes! Gingersnap or chocolate cookie crusts work great and bring their own twist to the pie. Just pick a crust that complements the eggnog’s spices for best results.
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How do I prevent the pie from being too runny?
Make sure to fully mix the pudding mix into the eggnog and give the pie enough chill time—at least 5 hours or overnight. Folding the whipped topping gently without overmixing also helps maintain the perfect texture.
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Can I make this pie ahead for a holiday party?
Definitely! In fact, preparing it the day before makes it even better as the flavors meld. Just keep it covered in the fridge and add your garnishes right before serving.
Final Thoughts
This No Bake Eggnog Pie Recipe has become a holiday staple for me—not only because it’s quick and easy, but because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that tastes like a festive hug on a plate. I hope you give it a try and find it as rewarding (and tasty) as I do. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be planning when to make it again. Happy baking—or should I say, happy chilling!
Print
No Bake Eggnog Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No Bake Eggnog Pie is a creamy, festive dessert perfect for the holiday season. Made with a graham cracker crust, vanilla instant pudding, eggnog, and whipped cream, it’s a simple yet indulgent treat flavored with ground nutmeg and ready to chill in just over five hours.
Ingredients
Pie Base
- 1 graham cracker crust
Pie Filling
- 1 box (153 g) vanilla instant pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups eggnog
- 2 cups cool whip or whipped cream
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Mix pudding and eggnog: In a medium bowl, combine the eggnog and vanilla instant pudding mix. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and well combined, with no lumps remaining.
- Fold in whipped cream and nutmeg: Add the cool whip and 1/4 teaspoon of the ground nutmeg to the pudding mixture. Gently fold together using a spatula until thoroughly combined without deflating the whipped cream.
- Pour into crust: Pour the creamy filling into the prepared graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the crust for a smooth top layer.
- Sprinkle nutmeg: Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg over the pie for added flavor and a decorative touch.
- Chill the pie: Refrigerate the pie until it firms up, which will take at least 5 hours or preferably overnight for best results.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and texture.
- This pie can be made ahead and frozen for up to 4 months; thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- For a stronger eggnog flavor, you can substitute a portion of the eggnog with spiced rum or bourbon if desired.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, use dairy-free whipped topping and pudding mix alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg


