No-Bake Apple Pie

There are many occasions when a no-bake apple pie is the perfect dessert choice, like a hot summer day when turning on the oven is unbearable, or when you’re short on time and need a quick treat. This unique twist on classic apple pie has a flavorful apple filling made with pudding, Jell-O and chopped nuts. While optional, the no-bake pie tastes great (maybe even better) with whipped topping, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a big dollop of homemade whipped cream. No-bake desserts are great make-ahead options for potlucks and family get-togethers, so leave this one in the fridge and grab it when you’re ready to go.

No-Bake Apple Pie Ingredients

• Apples: Choose tart varieties of apples for apple pie to balance the sweetness of the other filling ingredients. Some great varieties include Cameo, Granny Smith, Northern Spy and Braeburn.
• Graham cracker crust: This sweet, crunchy crust is delicious when paired with soft, sweet filling. Buy a store-bought crust or make a homemade graham cracker crust.
• Lemon gelatin: Not what you’d expect in an apple pie, right? The lemon flavor is delectable with apples, and the gelatin firms up the filling for easy slicing.
• Vanilla pudding mix: Boxed pudding mix is sold in instant and cook-and-serve varieties, and it’s important to use the cook-and-serve vanilla pudding mix for this no-bake apple pie. Instant pudding will not set properly in the cooking step of this recipe.
• Chopped nuts: Nuts are folded into the pie filling for texture and flavor. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios or cashews taste great with apples. (Psst: The best ways to chop nuts are easier than you think!)
• Spices: Cinnamon and ground nutmeg are common in traditional apple pie and taste fantastic in this no-bake version, too.
• Whipped topping: It’s optional, but a crown of whipped topping is always welcome on any kind of apple pie. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream will take it to another level.

Directions

Step 1: Combine apples and gelatin

In a large saucepan, mix the lemon gelatin, cinnamon, nutmeg and 1-1/2 cups of water.

Add in the peeled, sliced apples and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pan and simmer the mixture until the apples are tender, about five minutes.

Step 2: Add the pudding mix

In a small bowl, combine the pudding mix and a 1/4 cup of water, then stir it into the apple mixture.

Cook the filling, stirring occasionally, for another minute until it’s thickened. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped nuts.

Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust.

Step 3: Chill and serve

Cover the pie and refrigerate it for at least two hours. Serve slices of the no-bake apple pie with dollops of optional whipped topping.

No-Bake Apple Pie Variations

• Use a cookie crust: Any crumb crust works here, so try one made with vanilla wafer cookies, gingersnaps or shortbread cookies.
• Try other gelatin flavors: The apple in the filling pairs well with other gelatin flavors like cherry, strawberry, apricot or peach. Remember that the gelatin flavor you use may change the color of your pie filling!

How to Store No-Bake Apple Pie

Store no-bake apple pie in the refrigerator to keep the filling stable and tasting its best. Cover the pie in storage wrap or place it in a sealed dessert carrier.

How long does a no-bake apple pie last?

When tightly covered and stored in the fridge, this no-bake apple pie will last up to five days.

No-Bake Apple Pie Tips

Can you serve no-bake apple pie warm?

Yes, you can serve no-oven apple pie slightly warmed, but only slightly. Place a slice of the pie in the microwave and heat it for a few seconds. Be careful not to overheat the pie because this could melt the filling.

What’s the best way to peel apples for no-bake apple pie?

You can easily peel apples for this no-bake apple pie with common kitchen tools. Use a small paring knife to slowly slice the peel away from the flesh. A vegetable peeler also works well and leaves more of the apple intact than a knife does. If you peel a lot of apples for apple recipes like sauces, pies and cake, a tabletop apple peeler may be a worthwhile investment for you.