No Bake Eggnog Pie Recipe

When it comes to holiday desserts, there’s something magical about eggnog, right? It’s creamy, rich, and packed with festive spices like nutmeg that instantly evoke warm memories of cozy family gatherings. If you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to sneak that seasonal flavor into just about anything – and that’s how I stumbled across this No-Bake Eggnog Pie recipe. It’s the perfect solution for when you want an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert without turning on the oven (because who needs more heat in the kitchen during the holidays?). Plus, this pie combines two of my favorite things: the nostalgic taste of eggnog and the convenience of no-bake desserts. Trust me, after trying this once, it’s going to be on your holiday rotation every year.

I first made this recipe one Christmas Eve when I was desperately trying to put together a last-minute dessert. I had forgotten that we were expecting a few extra guests (oops!), and needed something quick that didn’t require a ton of ingredients or time. I had eggnog in the fridge and a graham cracker crust I’d picked up for a different dessert, so I decided to wing it. After a few tweaks, this no-bake eggnog pie was born. The best part? My guests were convinced I’d spent hours in the kitchen – little did they know it only took 15 minutes of prep!

this RECIPE

🎄 What makes this no-bake eggnog pie a holiday winner?

There are a few reasons this pie is a must-try during the holiday season. First off, it’s no-bake – meaning you can free up your oven for all the other goodies you’ll be cooking, like roasted vegetables or a ham. And while traditional pies can feel a bit heavy, this one has a light, creamy texture that’s perfect after a hearty meal. It captures the classic eggnog flavor, enhanced with a touch of nutmeg, but without overwhelming your taste buds. This dessert is also super simple to whip together, making it ideal for those who might be new to baking or who just want a fuss-free treat. Plus, if you already love eggnog, this pie is just another delicious way to enjoy it during the holidays.

A brief history of eggnog (because why not?)

Eggnog has a surprisingly rich history. It dates back to early medieval times when European monks would drink a hot, spiced “posset” made from milk and wine (sounds pretty cozy, right?). Over time, it evolved, especially when it made its way to the American colonies, where people started adding rum (thank you, Founding Fathers!). Today, eggnog is a holiday staple in many households, but it’s not just for drinking. You’ll find eggnog-flavored everything during December, from cookies to cakes, and of course, pies like this one. The combination of milk, eggs, sugar, and spices just screams comfort and holiday cheer.

Let’s talk ingredients: eggnog, pudding, and whipped cream – oh my!

For such a simple pie, each ingredient plays an important role:

• Eggnog: This is the star of the show, bringing that unmistakable festive flavor. Look for a quality store-bought eggnog, or if you’re feeling extra, homemade works too. Can’t find eggnog or just not a fan? You can substitute it with a mix of half-and-half and a splash of rum extract for a similar flavor.
• Vanilla instant pudding mix: The pudding mix is what helps the pie set and gives it structure. You want the instant kind here, not the cook-and-serve variety. Vanilla adds just the right amount of sweetness and richness, but feel free to experiment with other flavors – white chocolate could be delicious, too!
• Whipped cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream gets folded into the eggnog-pudding mixture, giving the pie that signature airy texture. You can use store-bought whipped topping like Cool Whip, or if you have a bit more time, homemade whipped cream will take this to the next level. Just be sure it’s whipped to soft peaks, so it incorporates smoothly.
• Ground nutmeg: Nutmeg is the perfect spice to complement eggnog. It adds warmth and a subtle hint of earthiness that takes the flavor from “pretty good” to “wow, this tastes like the holidays!” Pro tip: if you can, freshly grate your nutmeg – it makes a world of difference.

The tools you’ll need (nothing fancy here)

You don’t need much to make this pie, which is part of the beauty of it. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:

• Hand mixer: For whipping up the eggnog and pudding mix until it’s smooth. You could technically whisk by hand, but why tire yourself out when a hand mixer does the job in seconds?
• Spatula: You’ll use this to fold in the whipped cream gently, and then to spread the mixture into the crust. Silicone spatulas are my go-to for tasks like this since they scrape down the bowl perfectly.
• Pie dish: While this recipe calls for a store-bought graham cracker crust, you can always make your own if you’re feeling ambitious. Either way, a pie dish to house that crust is key.

Step-by-step: making this no-bake eggnog pie (spoiler alert: it’s super easy)

Let’s dive into the process. You’ll be surprised how quickly this comes together.

1. Mix the eggnog and pudding: In a medium bowl, combine your eggnog and instant pudding mix. Using your hand mixer, beat it on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. This should take about 2 minutes. The pudding will do most of the work here, so don’t stress if it seems a little loose at first.
2. Fold in the whipped cream: Once your pudding mixture is smooth, add in the whipped cream and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Gently fold these in using your spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the texture light and airy. (This is where I’ve gone wrong before – trust me, you don’t want to end up with a dense pie!)
3. Fill the crust: Pour the creamy filling into your graham cracker crust, using your spatula to spread it evenly. Take a moment to appreciate how simple this is – you’re already almost done!
4. Sprinkle with nutmeg: To finish, sprinkle the top with the remaining nutmeg. It adds that extra touch of holiday flair.
5. Chill and serve: Now for the hard part – waiting! Pop the pie in the fridge for at least 5 hours, or overnight if you can. This gives it time to set up properly, ensuring those clean, beautiful slices when you serve it.

Fun variations to try

There’s plenty of room to get creative with this pie! Here are a few ideas:

• Make it boozy: If you’re serving adults, stir a tablespoon or two of rum or bourbon into the eggnog for a grown-up twist.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free graham cracker crust or simply make your own with gluten-free cookies.
• Chocolate twist: Add a layer of melted chocolate over the crust before adding the filling, or sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the mixture for a delightful surprise.
• Pumpkin spice version: Swap out the eggnog for pumpkin-flavored creamer and add a dash of cinnamon along with the nutmeg for a fall-inspired variation.

How to serve (and make it look extra festive)

When it’s time to serve, cut generous slices and garnish with an extra dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or even a cinnamon stick for some flair. Pairing this pie with warm drinks like hot chocolate or mulled wine will make for a cozy holiday dessert table.

Drink pairings to complete the experience

Speaking of drinks, this pie pairs beautifully with warm beverages like coffee, chai, or a glass of spiced rum punch. If you’re looking to keep it classic, a glass of chilled eggnog on the side wouldn’t be a bad idea either. For a non-alcoholic option, apple cider or a cozy tea will balance the creamy sweetness.

Storing leftovers (if there are any)

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining pie in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. If you’re making it ahead of time, it holds up well in the refrigerator for about 24 hours before serving, though it’s best to wait to add the whipped cream topping until just before serving.

Adjusting the recipe for more (or fewer) servings

If you need more pie, simply double the recipe and divide the filling between two pie crusts. For a smaller crowd, you can halve the recipe and use mini graham cracker crusts for individual servings – perfect for a more intimate gathering.

Let’s troubleshoot!

If your pie isn’t setting up, it’s likely that it just needs more chilling time. Instant pudding works its magic in the fridge, so give it the full 5 hours or, better yet, overnight. Also, make sure you’re using instant pudding, not the cook-and-serve kind.

Give this recipe a try!

This no-bake eggnog pie is the ultimate holiday treat – creamy, rich, and perfectly spiced with that cozy eggnog flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, it’s simple enough for anyone to tackle. Plus, the make-ahead nature means you can prep it in advance and free yourself up for the festivities. So why not give it a try this holiday season? Your family and friends will thank you – and you might just start a new tradition!

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely! Just whip it to soft peaks so it folds into the pudding mixture easily.

2. How long does the pie need to chill?
At least 5 hours, but overnight is even better for a firm set.

3. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Just wait to add any garnishes until you’re ready to serve.

4. What can I use instead of eggnog?
If you’re not a fan of eggnog, substitute with half-and-half and a splash of rum extract for a similar flavor.

5. Does this pie freeze well?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this pie. The texture of the whipped cream can change, and it won’t be as smooth once thawed.

Print