No-bake chocolate cream pie is a decadent dessert that features a smooth, velvety chocolate filling set in a crumbly cookie crust, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. It’s a luxurious treat without the need to turn on the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert delivers all the richness of a baked pie with half the effort. It’s perfect for summer or when you want a quick, no-fuss dessert that looks and tastes indulgent. Plus, it’s great for making ahead.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chocolate cookie or graham cracker crust
- Semi-sweet chocolate
- Heavy cream
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings or chunks
Directions
- In a bowl, melt chocolate with cream until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until creamy.
- Combine with the melted chocolate and mix well.
- Pour into prepared crust and smooth the top.
- Chill for at least 4 hours.
- Top with whipped cream and chocolate pieces before serving.
Servings and timing
Serves 8.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Variations
- Add peanut butter to the filling for a twist.
- Use dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
- Top with berries for a refreshing contrast.
- Make mini pies using cupcake molds.
Storage/Reheating
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Not suitable for reheating. Freezing is possible but may affect texture.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate?
Yes, but the pie will be sweeter and less rich.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, it saves time and works perfectly.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free chocolate, coconut cream, and vegan cream cheese.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free cookie crust.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, up to 2 days ahead.
Can I use a hand mixer?
Yes, it works well for blending the filling.
What’s the best way to slice it?
Use a warm knife for clean slices.
How do I prevent a runny filling?
Chill thoroughly and use full-fat ingredients.
Can I add liqueur?
Yes, a splash of coffee or orange liqueur adds depth.
Conclusion
No-bake chocolate cream pie is the ideal dessert when time is short but the craving for something rich and chocolatey is strong. Simple to assemble yet utterly satisfying, it’s sure to impress.
Print
No-Bake Chocolate Cream
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
No-bake chocolate cream pie is a rich, luxurious dessert made with a smooth chocolate filling in a cookie crust, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings—no oven required.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made chocolate cookie or graham cracker crust
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whipped cream (plus extra for topping)
- Chocolate shavings or chunks for garnish
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the chocolate with heavy cream until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until light and creamy.
- Mix the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Fold in the whipped cream gently until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
- Before serving, top with additional whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings or chunks.
Notes
- Use dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
- Let the filling cool slightly before mixing with cream cheese to avoid curdling.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan substitutes for chocolate, cream, and cream cheese.
- Chill thoroughly for clean slices and firm texture.
- Add a splash of liqueur like coffee or orange for extra depth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
No-Bake Chocolate Cream
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pecan praline trifle is a festive, no-bake dessert featuring layers of crushed cookies, creamy filling, caramelized pecans, and candy-coated chocolates, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed cookies or graham crackers
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1 cup pecan halves, toasted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate candies (e.g., M&M’s)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar and pecans. Cook for 2–3 minutes until pecans are well coated and caramelized. Let cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- In a trifle dish or large bowl, layer crushed cookies, cream mixture, caramelized pecans, and mini chocolate candies.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a cream layer and a sprinkle of pecans and candies on top.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use pound cake cubes instead of cookie crumbs for a cake-like variation.
- Drizzle caramel sauce between layers for extra richness.
- Make individual trifles in cups for personal servings.
- Homemade whipped cream can be used in place of store-bought topping.
- Add fruit like banana or apple slices for a fresh twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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