3 Easy No-Crust Pie Recipes to Try Tonight

The allure of a no-crust pie lies in its simplicity and the opportunity to dive straight into the delicious filling. If you're looking for a dessert that saves time but doesn't skimp on flavor, these three easy no-crust pie recipes are perfect for your evening's indulgence. Let's explore how to make them:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

There's something about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter that just works. This no-crust pie recipe takes this classic combo to new heights:

Ingredients

• 1 cup of chocolate chips
• 1 cup of creamy peanut butter
• ¹⁄₂ cup of powdered sugar
• 1 package (8 oz) of cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ¹⁄₂ cup of heavy cream
• Optional: Chocolate shavings or Reese’s Pieces for topping

Instructions

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Peanut Butter Mix: In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and cream cheese together until smooth. Add the vanilla extract.
3. Incorporate the Chocolate: Slowly fold in the melted chocolate until well combined.
4. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold this into the peanut butter and chocolate mixture.
5. Assemble: Pour the mixture into a greased 9-inch pie dish or individual ramekins.
6. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the pie sets. Garnish with chocolate shavings or Reese’s Pieces before serving.

🍰 Note: For a lighter texture, fold in whipped cream rather than mixing it in. This helps maintain the pie's structure while keeping it fluffy.

Lemon Curd Pie

When life gives you lemons, make a lemon curd pie. Here's how you can enjoy the tartness of lemons without the hassle of a crust:

Ingredients

• ³⁄₄ cup of fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
• 1 cup of sugar
• 4 large eggs
• ¹⁄₂ cup of unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 tablespoon of lemon zest

Instructions

1. Make the Lemon Curd: In a saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, sugar, and eggs over low heat. Add the butter and lemon zest, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Do not let it boil.
2. Strain and Cool: Once thickened, strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any cooked egg bits. Let it cool to room temperature.
3. Pour into Dish: Pour the lemon curd into a pie dish or individual serving cups.
4. Chill: Refrigerate for several hours until it sets. The lemon curd will firm up, giving you a delightful, tart filling.

🍋 Note: To enhance the lemon flavor, use fresh lemon zest in the curd. This gives a more vibrant and zesty taste.

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Pie

The no-bake strawberry cheesecake pie combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the refreshing taste of fresh strawberries. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients

• 1 cup of finely crushed graham crackers (for base)
• ¹⁄₄ cup of melted butter (for base)
• 16 oz of cream cheese, softened
• ¹⁄₂ cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ¹⁄₂ cup of sour cream
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups of heavy cream
• 1 pint of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam, heated until runny

Instructions

1. Make the Base: Mix the crushed graham crackers with melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a pie dish.
2. Prepare the Filling: Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until well combined.
3. Whip the Cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold this into the cream cheese mixture.
4. Assemble: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker base.
5. Add the Strawberries: Arrange sliced strawberries on top and drizzle with the heated strawberry jam.
6. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set the cheesecake pie.

In wrapping up, these no-crust pie recipes are a testament to the fact that you don’t need a crust to make an outstanding dessert. Each recipe offers a unique taste experience, from the rich decadence of chocolate and peanut butter, the tart freshness of lemon, to the creamy delight of a strawberry cheesecake. They are not only easy to prepare but also allow you to indulge in the flavors without the extra step of making pastry dough.

Whether you’re catering to your sweet tooth or hosting a dinner party, these pies provide an effortless way to impress without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. Remember, the key to success with these recipes lies in the quality of ingredients and the care taken to ensure proper setting and chilling. So, next time you’re craving dessert, consider these no-crust options for a delicious and satisfying treat.

How long will these pies last in the refrigerator?

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These no-crust pies can last in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days if stored properly in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap.

Can these pies be frozen?

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Yes, you can freeze these pies. Ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for best texture and flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have a pie dish?

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If you don’t have a pie dish, you can use a springform pan, a deep cake pan, or even individual ramekins for a more personalized dessert experience.