If you’re after a luscious, impressive dessert that barely breaks a sweat in the kitchen, this No Bake Pistachio Cream Pie will completely win you over. Picture a silky, pistachio-flavored filling—rich but not too heavy—set in a buttery graham cracker crust, all topped off with clouds of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crunchy nuts. The best part? It’s a total breeze to make ahead, and you won’t need to fire up the oven. Whether you’re a lifelong pistachio fan or just discovering its creamy, nutty charm, this pie guarantees dessert happiness for any occasion.

No Bake Pistachio Cream Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With this gorgeous pie, simplicity truly shines. Each ingredient plays its own delicious role, coming together for a dreamy flavor contrast and that signature pale green color. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a quick note on why each one matters.

Prepared graham cracker crust: The perfect crunchy, buttery base that holds up well with the no-bake filling—store-bought or homemade, both work!
Pistachio instant pudding mix (3.4 oz): Brings that classic pistachio flavor and that pretty pastel green hue to the pie.
Cold milk (1 cup): Activates the pudding mix and contributes to the creaminess—use whole milk for extra richness.
Cream cheese (3 oz, softened): Adds tang, depth, and a wonderfully smooth texture.
Butter (1/4 cup, softened): Helps the filling set up nicely and gives a velvetiness you’ll love.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Blends in easily to keep the filling perfectly sweet without any grittiness.
Whipped topping (8 oz, such as Cool Whip): Makes the filling impossibly light and fluffy, and also works wonderfully for garnishing.

How to Make No Bake Pistachio Cream Pie

Step 1: Mix the Pistachio Pudding

Start by pouring the pistachio instant pudding mix and cold milk into a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer on low speed to whisk them together for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture just begins to thicken. You’re looking for a smooth, pale green base that sets the stage for all the flavors to come together. Don’t worry if it’s still a bit soft—it will continue thickening as you move on to the next steps.

Step 2: Whip the Cream Cheese, Butter, and Sugar

In a separate small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them on medium speed until the mixture reaches a thick, creamy, frosting-like consistency without lumps. This decadent mixture gives your No Bake Pistachio Cream Pie an irresistibly rich, velvety texture.

Step 3: Blend Cream Cheese Mixture into the Pudding

Add the cream cheese mixture right into your bowl of slightly thickened pistachio pudding. Beat everything together on medium-high speed until the filling is completely smooth and uniform. You should have a beautifully glossy, pale green mixture—no streaks left behind!

Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Now it’s time to add the whipped topping. With a spatula or the mixer on low, gently fold (or mix) it into the pudding mixture until everything is nicely combined and lightened up. The result is an airy, mousse-like filling that’s the epitome of creamy luxury.

Step 5: Fill the Crust and Chill

Spoon or pour the filling into your prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. To get those picture-worthy slices, cover the pie and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This lets it set to perfection and develop an even silkier texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy!

When you’re ready to serve, dress up your No Bake Pistachio Cream Pie with piped whipped topping around the edges and a sprinkling of chopped pistachios. This simple step adds both elegance and a welcome crunch.

How to Serve No Bake Pistachio Cream Pie

Garnishes

For an irresistibly pretty presentation, pipe extra whipped topping around the edge of the pie and toss a handful of roughly chopped pistachios on top. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a few edible flowers or curls of white chocolate create a stunning finish that’ll wow your guests.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with a fresh cup of coffee or strong tea, which balances the pie’s sweetness and creaminess. You might also consider serving it alongside a bright fruit salad of berries or citrus—the tartness brings out the best in those pistachio notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-fun touch, try assembling the No Bake Pistachio Cream Pie as cute individual parfaits in glasses. Or, use a cookie cutter to shape mini pies for a party spread! A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of dried raspberries makes every serving feel extra special and personal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover No Bake Pistachio Cream Pie tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its luscious texture or flavor. The crust may soften slightly over time, but the taste remains divine.

Freezing

If you want to stretch the enjoyment, this pie freezes surprisingly well. Just wrap the entire pie (or individual slices) in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will last in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and garnish fresh before serving for the perfect make-ahead dessert.

Reheating

Thankfully, there’s no need to reheat—this pie is meant to be served cold and creamy right from the fridge. If you’ve frozen it, just let it thaw in the refrigerator, and it’ll be ready to slice and enjoy. The whipped topping and filling hold their shape beautifully!

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, you can substitute homemade whipped cream for the whipped topping. Just make sure to whip it to soft peaks and use about 3 cups. Keep in mind, homemade cream is a bit more delicate, so the filling may be softer and should be enjoyed within a day or two.

What if I can’t find pistachio pudding mix?

If pistachio instant pudding is unavailable, try using vanilla pudding as a base and add a teaspoon of pistachio extract and a few drops of green food coloring to mimic the taste and color of classic No Bake Pistachio Cream Pie.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely—just pick up a gluten-free graham cracker crust and double-check that the pudding and whipped topping you’re using are certified gluten-free. The result will be just as delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive friends and family.

How far in advance can I make the pie?

This pie is perfect for preparation ahead of time. You can assemble the whole dessert up to 24 hours in advance. Hold off on garnishing until just before serving to keep everything at its freshest and most beautiful.

Is there a way to make the pie less sweet?

If you’re aiming for a pie that’s a little less sweet, try reducing the powdered sugar to 1/3 cup. You can also opt for an unsweetened whipped topping or homemade whipped cream with minimal sugar. The pistachio flavor will still be the star!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about sharing a chilled, creamy slice of No Bake Pistachio Cream Pie with people you enjoy. Whether you’ve got a summer potluck or a quiet night ahead, this crowd-pleasing dessert brings smiles every single time. Try it for yourself—you’ll see just how easy (and irresistible) it is!

No Bake Pistachio Cream Pie Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 1 pie (8 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the deliciousness of this No Bake Pistachio Cream Pie. A luscious, creamy dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust:

1 prepared graham cracker crust

Pistachio Cream Filling:

1 (3.4-oz) package pistachio instant pudding mix
1 cup cold milk
3 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
8-oz whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

Instructions

Mix Pudding: In a large bowl, blend pudding mix and milk on low speed for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In another bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until creamy.
Combine Mixtures: Add cream cheese mix to pudding and beat until smooth.
Add Whipped Topping: Gently fold in whipped topping until well combined.
Fill Crust: Pour filling into crust.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Garnish (Optional): Decorate with whipped cream and chopped pistachios.