Chocolate Cream Cheese Pie

You will be pleasantly surprised that this delightful little pie comes together using just seven ingredients. It also takes just 25 minutes to prepare the pie, though you will have to be patient for a while as it cools and sets.

The trick here is the fact that you’ll be using an instant pudding mix and a premade graham cracker crust. Don’t worry, you still get all the credit for making this chocolate pie with cream cheese from scratch. If you’ve been looking for a delicious no bake chocolate cream cheese pie, you have found it. Let’s get to work.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Pie Ingredients

• Cream cheese: This recipe calls for 3 ounces of cream cheese that have been softened (which can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on the temperature in your kitchen).
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons of sugar add a welcome sweetness to this tasty pie.
• Milk: You will use 1-3/4 cups of milk in total, but note that it is to be kept divided as you use it in different steps of the recipe.
• Whipped topping: Whipped topping is largely made of oils and sweeteners with some cream added in. It is not heavy on dairy.
• Graham cracker crust: Using a premade 9-inch graham cracker crust is the secret that makes this pie so quick and easy. You can make a crust from scratch if you prefer.
• Instant chocolate pudding mix: The use of instant chocolate pudding mix is the other hack that makes this pie so easy.
• Miniature semisweet chocolate chips: The miniature semi sweet chocolate chips are an optional topping, but we sure do recommend them.

Directions

Step 1: Beat the filling

In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and 1 tablespoon milk. Work it until the mixture is smooth. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping and then spread this blend evenly over the crust.

Step 2: Prepare pudding, add to pie and chill

In a small bowl, whisk the pudding mix and the remaining milk for two minutes. Let the pudding stand for two minutes or until soft-set. Then pour it evenly over the cream cheese mixture. Chill the pie until it has set.

Step 3: Add desired toppings and serve

Just before serving the pie, garnish it with the remaining whipped topping and the chocolate chips if desired.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Pie Variations

• Try a different pudding: This pie will be delicious with banana pudding, vanilla pudding and many other choices as well.
• Use white chocolate chips: To take the sweetness up a notch, garnish the pie with white chocolate chips as opposed to the regular mini chocolate bits.
• Use a traditional crust: You do not have to use a graham cracker crust to make this pie. Regular pie crust will work just fine.

How to Store Chocolate Cream Cheese Pie

Leftovers of this pie will keep well covered in the refrigerator for about four days.

Can you freeze this pie?

Yes, this no-bake chocolate cream cheese pie can be frozen. For the best texture, allow leftovers to re-set in the refrigerator for about five hours before putting them in the freezer.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Pie Tips

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can even make it a day before you plan to serve it. Just keep it covered in the fridge.

What should I serve with chocolate cream cheese pie?

Fresh fruit, hot coffee and hot chocolate are all great ideas to accompany this pie. It is also plenty tasty enough to be enjoyed on its own.

Can I use whipped cream instead of the whipped topping?

No, they are quite different in texture, in fact. Whipped cream will not set as firmly as you need for this recipe.