Delight your taste buds with the easiest dessert you’ll make all season: the No-Bake Pumpkin Butterscotch Pie. This incredibly simple, yet utterly delicious pie is designed for ultimate convenience without compromising on flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or whenever a craving for a sweet, comforting treat strikes, this recipe combines the classic warmth of pumpkin with the rich, buttery notes of butterscotch in a heavenly, smooth filling nestled within a crunchy graham cracker crust.
Easy No-Bake Pumpkin Butterscotch Pie: Your Go-To Fall Dessert
As the leaves change color and a crisp coolness fills the air, there’s an undeniable call for all things pumpkin. While traditional pumpkin pies often require lengthy baking times and precise oven temperatures, our no-bake version streamlines the process, bringing you an irresistible dessert with minimal effort. Imagine a velvety, spiced pumpkin filling infused with the sweet, caramel-like essence of butterscotch, all chilling to perfection in your refrigerator. This pie offers the quintessential flavors of autumn in a refreshing, fuss-free format, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
This particular recipe holds a special place in our hearts because of its sheer simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal. We’ve brought it to numerous events, from casual potlucks to festive holiday dinners, and it always disappears quickly! One of its greatest advantages is its portability and make-ahead convenience. You can whip it up in the morning, let it chill, and have it ready to go when you head out the door. Just a little tip from personal experience: if you’re traveling, it’s best to add the whipped cream topping just before serving to avoid any unfortunate melting incidents, especially on warmer days. We learned that the hard way during a particularly warm Spokane afternoon!
Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Pie
- Effortless Preparation: No oven required! This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a quick and easy dessert solution.
- Quick Assembly: The hands-on prep time is incredibly short, allowing you to create a stunning dessert in minutes.
- Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of pumpkin and butterscotch creates a unique, harmonious blend that’s both familiar and exciting.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From a simple family dinner to a grand holiday feast, this pie fits right in.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it hours or even a day in advance, freeing up your time on the day of your event.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The smooth texture and delightful taste appeal to almost everyone.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Butterscotch Masterpiece
Creating this delicious no-bake pie requires just a handful of readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture:
- Cool Whip (Whipped Topping): This provides the airy, creamy base for our pie filling. Its light texture ensures the pie isn’t too heavy and sets beautifully. For those who prefer a homemade touch, freshly whipped heavy cream can be used, though it might result in a slightly denser filling.
- Pumpkin Puree: The star of our pie! Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sweeteners. Pure pumpkin allows you to control the exact flavor profile of your dessert.
- Butterscotch Instant Pudding Mix: This is the secret ingredient that gives our pie its distinct butterscotch flavor and helps thicken the filling without any cooking. Opt for an instant pudding mix for the quickest preparation.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-rich sweetness that complements both the pumpkin and butterscotch beautifully. It also enhances the overall caramel notes of the pie.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, this spice mix is essential for that classic autumn flavor. You can adjust the amount to your personal preference or even make your own blend from individual spices.
- Cooled Coffee: A surprising but impactful ingredient! A small amount of cooled coffee deepens the flavor of both the pumpkin and butterscotch, adding a subtle complexity that elevates the entire pie. Don’t worry, the pie won’t taste like coffee, but it will taste richer and more nuanced.
- Graham Cracker Crust: The perfect foundation for our no-bake wonder. A store-bought graham cracker crust saves time, or you can easily make your own with crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and a touch of sugar for a custom touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Create Your Pie
Making this No-Bake Pumpkin Butterscotch Pie is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a flawless dessert:
No Bake Pumpkin Butterscotch Pie Recipe
Print Recipe
15 minutes
2 hours
2 hours 15 minutes
8
125 kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 8 oz cool whip
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree/Canned Pumpkin
- 3.4 oz Butterscotch instant pudding mix
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 2 Tablespoons Coffee cooled
- 9-inch graham cracker crust
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the Cool Whip, pumpkin puree, and butterscotch instant pudding mix. Use a hand mixer on low speed or a whisk to ensure everything is well incorporated without overmixing.
- Next, add the brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cooled coffee to the mixture. The coffee helps to enhance the deep flavors of the pumpkin and butterscotch.
- Continue to stir for approximately 2 minutes until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and lump-free. The consistency should be thick and creamy.
- Carefully spoon the prepared pumpkin butterscotch filling into your graham cracker crust. Spread it evenly to create a uniform layer. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or until the pie is completely set. For best results and optimal firmness, chilling for 4 hours or overnight is recommended.
Kitchen Tools
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Hand Mixer (or Whisk)
- Spatula
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 18
Tips for Success and Delicious Variations
Even though this pie is incredibly simple, a few tips can ensure your no-bake pumpkin butterscotch pie is perfect every time:
- Chill Time is Key: Do not skimp on the refrigeration time. A minimum of 2 hours is essential for the pie to set properly, but 4 hours or overnight will yield the best, firmest results. This prevents a runny pie and ensures clean slices.
- Gentle Mixing: When combining the ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can sometimes deflate the Cool Whip, leading to a less airy filling.
- Quality Ingredients: Using good quality pumpkin puree and butterscotch pudding mix will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor.
- Homemade Crust: While store-bought crusts are convenient, a homemade graham cracker crust can elevate the pie. Mix 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs with ¼ cup granulated sugar and 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter. Press firmly into a 9-inch pie plate and chill for 15 minutes before adding the filling.
Flavor Enhancements and Customization
Feel free to get creative with your pie! Here are some ideas:
- Add Spices: If you love a bolder spice profile, consider adding an extra pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a tiny dash of ground cloves to the filling.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top of the pie before chilling, or toast them lightly for extra flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate over the finished pie adds an elegant touch and another layer of flavor.
- Caramel Swirl: Swirl in some caramel sauce into the filling before chilling, or drizzle it over the top for an extra buttery-sweet kick.
- Crust Variations: Experiment with a chocolate cookie crust or even a gingersnap crust for different flavor pairings.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Once your No-Bake Pumpkin Butterscotch Pie is perfectly chilled and set, it’s ready to be the star of your dessert table!
- Topping it Off: While the pie is delicious on its own, a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream or extra Cool Whip is highly recommended. You can also sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice or a pinch of cinnamon on top for a beautiful garnish.
- Slicing: For clean slices, use a sharp knife that has been run under hot water and wiped dry between each cut.
- Storage: Store any leftover pie tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This pie can also be frozen! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Note that the texture of the whipped topping might change slightly after freezing and thawing.
More Delicious Pumpkin Recipes to Explore
If you’re a pumpkin aficionado, the autumn season is a treasure trove of delightful treats. After enjoying this no-bake pie, be sure to explore more of our favorite pumpkin-infused recipes:
- Pumpkin Beer Bread: A surprisingly simple and incredibly moist bread that’s perfect for fall breakfasts or a cozy snack.
- Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter: A rich, spiced spread that’s fantastic on toast, pancakes, or mixed into yogurt.
- Pumpkin Pecan Pie: A classic combination that brings together the best of two beloved holiday pies.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip: An easy and creamy dip, perfect for entertaining, served with graham crackers or fruit.
- Pumpkin Nutella Bars: A decadent treat that marries the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor of Nutella.
Looking for even more recipe inspiration? Don’t miss our wider collection of copycat recipes, delectable dessert recipes, and our convenient Crock Pot Recipes for everyday meals and special occasions.
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