No-Bake Pumpkin Pie in a Cup Recipe: A Fun Fall Treat for Kids
Pumpkin pie just got a kid-friendly makeover. With no hot ovens for baking, no sharp knives for slicing, just sweet, scoopable fun in a cup, this could be the new #1 fall treat for kids. This no-bake pumpkin pie in a cup recipe has all the cozy, spiced deliciousness of a traditional pumpkin pie, minus the baking, fuss, and dishes. Whether planning a Thanksgiving dessert for kids, hosting a Thanksgiving classroom party, or simply looking for a sweet afternoon activity, this no-bake recipe is as easy as it is adorable.
Kids can layer, scoop, and sprinkle their way through this treat, and the clear cup lets everyone admire the “mini pie” masterpiece from the outside. Think of it as pumpkin pie meets parfait, with a fun twist and zero oven time.
Ingredients for This No-Bake Thanksgiving Dessert Recipe
Before the fun begins, gather everything that’s needed. One of the best things about this Thanksgiving recipe is that it’s super flexible. It’s easy enough for preschoolers to help with, and just customizable enough for older kids to get creative.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Graham crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- Vanilla instant pudding mix (3.4 oz box)
- Milk (per pudding mix instructions, usually 2 cups)
- Canned pumpkin (⅓ of a 15 oz can)
- Pumpkin pie spice (½ to 1 teaspoon)
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Clear plastic cups (small or medium size)
- Optional: mini spoons and fall-themed sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions for No-Bake Pumpkin Pie in a Cup
Let’s break it down into easy steps that even little hands can handle.
1. Crush the Graham Crackers for the Crust
Place graham crackers into a zip-top bag and let kids crush them using their hands, a rolling pin, or even a toy hammer. It just takes small crumbs, so some chunkiness is fine. This crushed layer becomes the “pie crust.”
Scoop 2–3 spoonfuls into the bottom of each clear cup. Gently press it down with the back of the spoon.
2. Make the Pumpkin Pudding
Prepare the vanilla pudding according to the instructions on the box (usually mixing it with 2 cups of cold milk and whisking for a couple of minutes). In a separate bowl, combine the prepared pudding with about ⅓ of a can of pumpkin and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
Mix it well until the pudding turns a light orange and smells like autumn in a bowl. Taste-testers are welcome.
3. Layer the Pumpkin Filling
Scoop the pumpkin pie pudding mixture into each cup on top of the graham cracker crust. Fill each cup about halfway or just over. This is the pumpkin pie layer.
4. Add the Whipped Topping
Spoon a fluffy cloud of whipped topping on top of the pumpkin layer. It’s not finished without the whipped cream on the mini pie. Or for a fancy swirl, use a piping bag or even a sandwich bag with the corner snipped off.
5. Sprinkle with Pumpkin Spice
Finish it off with a tiny pinch of pumpkin pie spice, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or some fall sprinkles for an extra-festive touch.
A Fun Fall Treat for Kids That Doubles as a Thanksgiving Activity for Kids
This treat is delicious as well as an interactive Thanksgiving dessert for kids. Each step encourages hands-on participation, from crushing and scooping to layering and decorating. The recipe can even be done assembly-line style for classroom parties or family gatherings, letting each child “build” their own pumpkin pie cup.
Plus, because it’s a no-bake Thanksgiving dessert recipe, it’s ideal for busy parents and teachers who want something festive but fuss-free. No oven means no waiting, no burns, and no stress.
Classroom Party or Holiday Table? This Dessert Fits Anywhere
Hosting a Thanksgiving classroom party? This Thanksgiving activity for kids is just the thing. They’re easy to prep ahead of time or assemble on-site with minimal mess. Serve them with mini spoons and napkins for an instant crowd-pleaser.
Planning the Thanksgiving menu at home? Let the kids help prep dessert with this Thanksgiving recipe while the grown-ups handle the turkey. It’s a great way to make them feel included and keeps little hands busy while you cook.
Easy Pumpkin Pie Variations
Want to mix things up? Try these easy swaps:
- Use crushed gingersnaps or Biscoff cookies instead of graham crackers for a spicier crust.
- Swap vanilla pudding for butterscotch or cheesecake flavor for a twist.
- Add a layer of marshmallow fluff or caramel drizzle between the pudding and whipped topping.
- Top with a mini pumpkin candy for a festive finishing touch.
- Total pumpkin spice fiend? Increase the pie filling to half a can. Just want a subtle hint of pumpkin flavor? Don’t add the pumpkin pie spice on top of the pie filling.
A New Fall Tradition Worth Savoring
The best traditions often start with the simplest moments. Things like scooping pudding into a plastic cup while giggling over who crushed the graham crackers best, or stirring pudding and pie filling together until it’s just perfect. This no-bake pumpkin pie in a cup recipe captures the heart of fall: cozy, sweet, and perfect to share with loved ones.
So next time the craving for some pumpkin-spiced magic arises, grab these ingredients and let the layering begin. It just might become a new favorite Thanksgiving dessert for kids, and one to return to year after year.
