Get ready for a dessert that will steal the show at your next holiday gathering! This No Bake Grinch Pie is the ultimate festive treat—it’s incredibly easy, delightfully creamy, and has that iconic Grinchy-green charm. If you need a simple yet show-stopping Christmas dessert, this vibrant pie with its chocolatey Oreo crust is the perfect solution. You don’t even have to turn on your oven!
This recipe is designed for enthusiastic home cooks who want to create holiday magic without the stress. It’s a fun, family-friendly activity that results in a delicious dessert that will have everyone’s heart growing three sizes. Let’s whip up some holiday cheer!
Why You’ll Love This No Bake Grinch Pie Recipe
- Completely No-Bake: Free up your oven for other dishes! This entire recipe comes together in the fridge.
- Festive and Fun: The bright green color and single red heart make it an instant hit for Christmas parties and Grinch movie nights.
- Incredibly Easy: With simple ingredients like pudding mix and a pre-made crust, anyone can make this impressive dessert.
- Creamy and Delicious: The combination of creamy cheesecake filling and a crunchy chocolate crust is simply irresistible.
What is Grinch Pie?
A Grinch Pie is a festive no-bake dessert inspired by the classic Dr. Seuss character. It typically features a vibrant green, creamy filling, often made with a pudding or cheesecake base, set inside a dark chocolate or Oreo cookie crust to represent the Grinch’s iconic look. The pie is famously topped with a single red heart sprinkle, symbolizing the moment the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes. It’s a playful and delicious way to celebrate the holiday season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a spectacular holiday dessert.
- Oreo Pie Crust: A 9-inch pre-made chocolate cookie crust is the fastest option, but you can also make your own.
- Cream Cheese: Use a full-fat block, softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: One 3.4 oz box provides the flavor and structure. Make sure it’s “instant,” not “cook & serve.”
- Milk: Whole milk will yield the richest, creamiest result.
- Green Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides the most vibrant green with just a few drops.
- Whipped Topping: An 8 oz container of thawed Cool Whip or a similar product adds lightness and stability.
- Large Red Heart Sprinkle: The essential finishing touch to make it a true Grinch pie!
How to Make the Perfect No Bake Grinch Pie
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping dessert that’s ready to chill in just 15 minutes.
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Place your pre-made Oreo pie crust on a flat surface, ready for the filling. If you’re making a homemade crust, ensure it’s pressed firmly into the pan and chilled beforehand.
Step 2: Make the Grinch Green Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and the milk. Mix on low speed for about two minutes, until the mixture starts to thicken. Add several drops of green food coloring and continue mixing until you achieve a vibrant, uniform Grinch-green color.
Step 3: Fold and Fill
Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the green pudding mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the filling light and airy. Spoon the finished filling into the prepared Oreo pie crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Step 4: Chill and Decorate
Cover the pie with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is firm. For best results, let it chill overnight. Just before serving, place the large red heart sprinkle directly in the center of the pie. For a little extra flair, you can pipe a border of whipped cream around the edge.
Tips for the Best Grinch Pie
- Use Softened Cream Cheese: To avoid a lumpy filling, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature.
- Gel Food Coloring is Key: For that iconic bright green color without altering the consistency of the filling, gel food coloring is far superior to liquid.
- Chill Thoroughly: Don’t rush the chilling process! The pie needs at least 4 hours to set properly for clean, beautiful slices.
- Make It Ahead: This is the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it a day or two in advance, making holiday prep much easier. Just wait to add the sprinkle until you’re ready to serve. For another great make-ahead option, try these No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake bars.
Fun Grinch Pie Variations
While the classic is fantastic, feel free to get creative!
- Different Crust: Try a graham cracker crust or a crust made from shortbread cookies.
- Pudding Flavors: While vanilla is classic, cheesecake or white chocolate instant pudding also work wonderfully.
- DIY Whipped Cream: If you prefer, you can make your own sweetened whipped cream to fold into the filling.
Looking for another festive bar recipe? These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are always a crowd-pleaser.
Storing Your Grinch Pie
Your No Bake Grinch Pie should be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days. I do not recommend freezing this pie, as the texture of the filling can become watery upon thawing.
If you’re a fan of easy holiday treats, you’ll also love this Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions About No Bake Grinch Pie
Absolutely! This is a perfect make-ahead recipe. You can prepare it up to two days in advance. Keep it covered and refrigerated, and add the red heart sprinkle just before serving for the best look.
The classic decoration is a single large red heart sprinkle placed in the center. For extra flair, you can also pipe a decorative border of whipped cream around the edge of the pie before serving.
For the best and brightest green, we recommend using gel food coloring. It’s more concentrated than liquid coloring, so you only need a few drops to achieve a vibrant hue without affecting the pie’s consistency.
Grinch pie is a no-bake dessert made with a creamy green filling and a chocolate cookie crust. The filling typically consists of cream cheese, instant vanilla pudding, milk, whipped topping, and green food coloring.
A pre-made Oreo or chocolate cookie crust is the easiest and provides a great color contrast. However, a homemade Oreo crust or even a graham cracker crust would also be delicious.
More Festive Recipes You’ll Love
No Bake Grinch Pie (The Easiest Holiday Treat!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Beat on low speed for 2 minutes until it begins to thicken. Add the green food coloring and mix until the color is uniform.
- Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the green filling into the Oreo pie crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the filling is firm.
- Just before serving, place the large red heart sprinkle in the center of the pie. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Gel food coloring provides the most vibrant green color without thinning the filling.
This pie can be made up to two days in advance; just cover and store in the refrigerator.
Share Your Grinchy Creation!
I can’t wait to see your festive No Bake Grinch Pie! If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest. Your creations are the highlight of the holiday season!
