How to Make a Cool + Easy No-Bake Vanilla Cream Pie

Craving a creamy, dreamy dessert that’s easy to whip up? Look no further than this no-bake vanilla cream pie. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious vanilla filling, it’s cool and delicious.

This simple recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a potluck or just want a sweet treat to enjoy at home. The secret to success? Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature so your filling is perfectly smooth.

One of the best classic pie recipes for summer.

slice of creamy pie with graham cracker crust on pie server

Vanilla Sugar Cream Pie

A no-bake dessert that's rich and creamy, this pie is easy to make and perfect for any time of year.

Prep Time 20

Chilling time 4

Total Time 4 20

Serving Size slices

Equipment

9-inch pie plate
Electric Mixer

Ingredients

Crust

10 graham crackers
6 tablespoons butter melted
⅓ cup sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon

Filling

1 cup heavy whipping cream
⅓ cup powdered sugar
16 ounces cream cheese softened, at room temperature
½ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup light corn syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla
¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Make the crust. In a food processor (or using a bag and rolling pin), crush the graham crackers into crumbs. Mix with the melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press into a pie plate. Bake at 375° for 7 minutes. Let cool before making the filling.
Make the filling. Beat the cream cheese, brown sugar, salt, vanilla, and corn syrup until smooth and creamy. There should be no lumps. In a separate small bowl, beat the whipping cream and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
Assemble. Spread mixture into cooled pie crust. Smooth out gently with a spatula.
Chill. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill until firm, at least 4 hours. Serve cold, with whipped cream along the edges if you'd like.

Notes

Make sure the crust is totally cool before adding the filling. It will melt if you pour it into a hot dish.

Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a lump-free filling.

The creamy filling is just the right amount of sweet, and the buttery graham cracker crust adds the perfect crunch. Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made this pie for potlucks, birthdays, and even just because I was craving something sweet. It’s a real crowd-pleaser, and I know you’ll love it too!

slice missing, close up of side of vanilla cream pie.

Tips for the Best No-Bake Pie

Chilling. While the recipe calls for 4 hours of chilling, that’s really the bare minimum. I recommend chilling it for at least 6 hours, or even overnight. This will ensure the filling is perfectly set and the pie slices beautifully.
Room Temp Cream Cheese: Don’t rush this step! Let your cream cheese sit out at room temperature for a good hour or two before starting. This will make it much easier to beat smooth and prevent lumps in your filling.
Crust Control: When pressing the crust into the pie plate, make sure to get it nice and compact, especially on the bottom and sides. This will prevent the crust from crumbling when you slice the pie.
Top It Off: While the recipe doesn’t call for any toppings, feel free to get creative! Fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can take this pie to the next level.

What You’ll Need for The Graham Cracker Crust + Vanilla Filling

Let’s take a closer look at a few key ingredients that make this pie shine:

Graham Crackers: These humble cookies provide the perfect base for our no-bake crust. You’ll find them in the cookie aisle, and they’re easy to crush by hand or in a food processor.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is the secret to the pie’s light and airy texture. It’s important to use heavy cream (also labeled as heavy whipping cream) rather than milk or half-and-half for the right consistency.
Light Corn Syrup: This ingredient might not be a pantry staple for everyone, but it adds a subtle sweetness and helps prevent the filling from becoming grainy. If you don’t have it on hand, honey or golden syrup can work as a substitute.

If you don’t have whipping cream or corn syrup on hand, you can make a slightly different and sweeter vanilla cream filling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a dollop of lemon curd.

FAQs

Can I add other flavors?

Yes! It’s delicious with a bit of coconut or almond extract. Or, try adding some chocolate chips or crumbled cookies to the filling.

Can I use a different crust?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of graham crackers, you could use a shortbread cookie or even an Oreo crust.

What if I don’t have light corn syrup?

You could substitute honey, agave nectar, or even maple syrup. Just use the same amount.

How to Store Homemade Cream Pie

Refrigerate:

Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Freezing:

This pie does not freeze well due to the whipped cream in the filling. It’s best enjoyed fresh!

With its simple steps and accessible ingredients, you’ll be whipping up this creamy delight in no time. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this pie is the perfect choice. So grab your pie plate and get ready to indulge in a slice of homemade goodness.

How to Make a Cool + Easy No-Bake Vanilla Cream Pie