Easy No Bake Grinch Pie

This No Bake Grinch Pie is a creamy, dreamy holiday dessert that comes together in minutes and chills to festive perfection. With a buttery graham cracker crust, fluffy vanilla pudding cream cheese filling, and that iconic “Grinch green” color topped with tiny red hearts, it’s fun, kid-friendly, and perfect for Christmas parties or movie nights.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
• 6 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 1/4 cups cold milk
• 3–5 drops green food coloring (or as needed)
• Red heart sprinkles, for topping
• Optional: extra whipped cream, for decorating

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
2. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to compact the crust. Chill for 15 minutes to set.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
4. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat again until light, smooth, and well combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk for about 2 minutes, or until thickened and smooth with no lumps.
6. Fold the thickened pudding into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula until fully combined and silky.
7. Add 3–5 drops of green food coloring to the filling, stirring gently and adding more if needed until you reach your desired “Grinch green” shade.
8. In another clean, chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream with a mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form and it’s light and fluffy. Do not overwhip.
9. Gently fold the whipped cream into the green cream cheese–pudding mixture in two or three additions, being careful not to deflate the mixture. Continue folding just until no white streaks remain.
10. Spoon the fluffy green filling into the chilled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula.
11. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set and sliceable.
12. Right before serving, top with swirls or dollops of whipped cream and decorate generously with red heart sprinkles for the full Grinch look. Slice and serve chilled.

Variation

1. Use a chocolate cookie crust instead of graham crackers for a richer, cookies-and-cream–style Grinch pie.
2. Swap the vanilla pudding for white chocolate or cheesecake-flavored pudding to give the filling a fun twist while keeping the green color.
3. Fold in a handful of mini marshmallows or festive holiday sprinkles into the filling for extra texture and a playful surprise in each slice.

Cooking Notes

1. Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature; cold cream cheese will create lumps that are hard to smooth out.
2. Whip the heavy cream just to soft peaks so it folds easily into the filling; stiff cream can deflate the mixture or create a grainy texture.
3. If your crust feels too crumbly, add 1–2 more tablespoons of melted butter until it holds together when pressed.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve slices extra cold with a side of hot cocoa or peppermint mocha for a cozy movie night.
2. Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on each slice for an indulgent touch that kids and adults both love.
3. Pair with other Grinch-themed treats—like green cookies or marshmallow pops—for a whimsical holiday dessert table.

Tips

SEE NEXT