Dreamy No-Bake Eggnog Pie Recipe

Light No-Bake Eggnog Pie Recipe for Holiday Ease

Creamy holiday desserts have a special place at our festive gatherings, and this no-bake eggnog pie recipe brings pure magic to the table.

Rich, velvety eggnog blends perfectly with a buttery graham cracker crust to create an irresistible treat.

The silky smooth filling captures the quintessential flavors of the season in every single bite.

Cold and dreamy, this pie requires zero oven time, making it a stress-free dessert for busy cooks.

Whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg add the perfect finishing touch to this decadent holiday classic.

Chilled and ready in just minutes, this pie promises to become your new favorite Christmas dessert.

Dive into a slice of pure holiday bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 7

What You Need For No-Bake Eggnog Pie

For Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a sweet, crunchy base that complements the creamy filling and adds delightful texture.
  • Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
  • Butter: Melts and acts as a crucial binding agent, creating a cohesive and rich crust.
For Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers a luxurious, tangy richness and helps create a smooth, dense filling.
  • Sugar: Balances flavors and adds necessary sweetness to the pie.
  • Eggnog: Infuses the classic holiday flavor and provides the signature festive taste.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth, elevating the overall flavor profile.
  • Nutmeg, Cinnamon: Introduce warm, aromatic spices that capture the quintessential holiday essence.
  • Gelatin: Ensures the pie sets perfectly and maintains a stable, creamy consistency.
  • Cold Water: Helps bloom and dissolve the gelatin for proper setting.
For Topping:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a light, airy texture and adds an extra layer of richness.
  • Nutmeg, Cinnamon: Provide a beautiful garnish and enhance the holiday spirit.

Basic Tools For No-Bake Eggnog Pie

  • 9-inch pie pan: essential for creating the perfect pie shape and size.
  • Medium bowl: perfect for mixing graham cracker crust ingredients.
  • Large mixing bowl: ideal for combining cream cheese and other filling components.
  • Small saucepan: necessary for blooming and dissolving gelatin.
  • Electric mixer or whisk: crucial for beating cream cheese and whipping heavy cream smoothly.
  • Spatula: great for spreading filling evenly and folding whipped cream.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: helps ensure accurate ingredient proportions.

Simple Steps To No-Bake Eggnog Pie

  • Crust Creation

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter. Press the mixture into a pie pan, creating a smooth, even base. Chill in the refrigerator to set the foundation for your delightful dessert.

  • Creamy Filling Magic

Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, then blend with festive eggnog and warm spices. The mixture should become light and dreamy, capturing the essence of holiday cheer.

  • Gelatin Transformation

Sprinkle gelatin over cool water, allowing it to bloom and become magical. Gently warm until completely dissolved, creating a secret ingredient that helps the pie set perfectly.

  • Whipped Cloud Topping

Whip heavy cream until it forms beautiful, soft peaks. Carefully fold the cream into the eggnog mixture, creating a cloud-like texture that melts in your mouth.

  • Pie Assembly

Pour the luscious filling into the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a gentle touch. Refrigerate until the pie becomes firm and irresistible.

  • Festive Finishing

Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a dollop of whipped cream. Serve chilled and watch your guests’ eyes light up with holiday delight.

No-Bake Eggnog Pie Tips To Try

  • Perfect Crust Technique: Compress graham cracker mixture tightly against pan edges to create a sturdy, even base that won't crumble when slicing the pie.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this pie up to 2 days in advance, keeping it refrigerated, which allows flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile.
  • Dairy-Free Transformation: Swap traditional cream cheese and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cream cheese to create a lactose-free version that maintains the original's creamy texture.
  • Spice Level Flexibility: Adjust nutmeg and cinnamon quantities to personal preference – reduce for a subtler flavor or increase for a more intense holiday spice experience.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts like almonds to create a celiac-friendly crust that's equally delicious and crisp.

Easy Ways To Serve No-Bake Eggnog Pie

  • Holiday Dessert Companion: Pair this creamy no-bake eggnog pie with a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea for a delightful after-dinner treat.
  • Festive Garnish Delight: Garnish with crushed gingersnap cookies, candied pecans, or a light dusting of cocoa powder to add extra texture and seasonal flair.
  • Elegant Presentation Trick: Serve chilled slices on festive holiday plates, and drizzle a thin line of caramel sauce or chocolate syrup for an impressive visual appeal that elevates the dessert's sophistication.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pie a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and save time during busy holiday gatherings, ensuring a stress-free and delicious dessert option.

Keeping No-Bake Eggnog Pie Fresh

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store this no-bake eggnog pie covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for maximum freshness. Keep it chilled for up to 3-4 days without compromising taste or texture.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap the entire pie securely in aluminum foil and freeze for convenient make-ahead dessert planning. Frozen pie remains delicious for approximately 2 weeks when properly sealed.
  • Slice Separation Technique: Place wax paper between individual slices when storing multiple servings to prevent sticking and maintain pie's pristine appearance. This method ensures clean, beautiful servings every time.
  • Temperature Guardian: Always maintain refrigeration below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth and maintain the pie's creamy consistency. Remove from refrigerator only moments before serving to preserve its delicate structure and optimal flavor profile.
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Dreamy No-Bake Eggnog Pie Recipe

Dreamy No-Bake Eggnog Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Creamy no-bake eggnog pie delivers holiday cheer with minimal effort. Rich custard filling and graham cracker crust provide a delightful seasonal dessert you can easily enjoy at festive gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (360 mL / 12 fl oz) eggnog
  • 1 cup (240 mL / 8 fl oz) heavy whipping cream
  • 1 package (8 oz / 226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups (180 g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tbsps (85 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 envelope (about 2 ½ tsps / 7 g) unflavored gelatin
  • 3 tbsps (45 mL) cold water
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsps (25 g) granulated sugar
  • whipped cream for garnish
  • ground nutmeg or cinnamon for garnish

Instructions

  1. Crust Creation: Pulverize graham crackers with melted butter and sugar until mixture resembles damp sand, then press firmly into pie dish, covering bottom and sides evenly. Refrigerate to solidify.
  2. Cream Cheese Preparation: Blend cream cheese and sugar using electric mixer until silky smooth, then incorporate eggnog, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Whisk until ingredients fully combine.
  3. Gelatin Activation: Sprinkle gelatin over cool water, allowing it to bloom for several minutes. Gently warm and stir until completely dissolved, then seamlessly integrate into eggnog base.
  4. Cream Incorporation: Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks, then delicately fold into eggnog mixture, creating a light, airy filling with uniform consistency.
  5. Pie Assembly: Pour creamy filling into chilled crust, smoothing surface to eliminate air pockets. Refrigerate for minimum four hours until filling sets completely.
  6. Final Touches: Prior to serving, crown pie with generous whipped cream layer and dust with warming spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Stabilize Gelatin Properly: Ensure gelatin blooms correctly by sprinkling it evenly over cool water, avoiding clumps that can create lumpy texture in the pie filling.
  • Whip Cream Precision: Achieve perfect whipped cream by chilling the mixing bowl and whisk beforehand, stopping when soft peaks form to prevent over-beating and separation.
  • Temperature Control Matters: Keep ingredients slightly cool when mixing to prevent cream cheese from becoming runny and maintain the pie’s structural integrity during preparation.
  • Spice Customization Option: Adjust nutmeg and cinnamon quantities to personal taste, or experiment with alternative warming spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Drinks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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