If you love the cozy, nostalgic flavors of the holidays, then you absolutely need to try this Gingerbread Cream Pie Recipe. It’s a no-bake marvel that brings together a crunchy gingersnap cookie crust with a luscious, spiced cream filling bursting with warm notes of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. This dessert perfectly captures the spirit of the season, offering a creamy, festive treat without the fuss of an oven. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a special celebration, this Gingerbread Cream Pie Recipe is guaranteed to become a cherished favorite on your holiday dessert table.

Gingerbread Cream Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients for this Gingerbread Cream Pie Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays such an important role. From the aromatic spices to the creamy filling and buttery crust, every element works together to create that memorable, rich flavor and irresistible texture.

12 oz ginger snap cookies: These crushed cookies form the crunchy, flavorful base that captures the essence of gingerbread perfectly.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and subtle molasses notes to the crust for extra depth.
8 tablespoons melted butter: Binds the cookie crumbs together, giving the crust a perfect firmness.
8 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy backbone of the filling, providing smoothness and tangy richness.
½ cup packed brown sugar: Sweetens the filling with a deep, caramel-like flavor.
¼ cup powdered sugar: Balances sweetness and helps achieve a silky texture in the filling.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aromatic sweetness to enhance the spices.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that classic holiday spice note, warm and inviting.
1 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives the filling its signature zesty kick, essential for that true gingerbread feel.
½ teaspoon cloves: Adds a hint of earthy spice that rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses: The heart of gingerbread flavor, providing richness and that dark, slightly sweet complexity.
8 oz whipped topping, thawed: Lightens the filling to make it fluffy and perfectly smooth.

How to Make Gingerbread Cream Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Gingersnap Cookie Crust

Start by crushing your ginger snap cookies into fine crumbs. You can put them in a zip-top bag and press down with a rolling pin or pop them in a food processor for a quick blitz. Combine these crumbs with brown sugar and melted butter until everything is evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish to create a solid crust. Pop it in the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes to set it firmly and make it ready for the filling.

Step 2: Make the Gingery Cream Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese with both sugars and vanilla extract until super smooth and creamy. Next, stir in cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and molasses. The spices and molasses bring that unmistakable gingerbread charm to the filling, transforming it into an aromatic delight. Finally, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping on a low mixer speed to keep the texture light and fluffy but fully combined.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill the Pie

Once your crust is nicely chilled, spoon the gingerbread cream filling over it. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly for a beautiful finish. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and chill it for at least four hours to allow the filling to fully set. This part is key to achieving that perfect creamy yet sliceable texture everyone adores.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

When you’re ready to serve, top your Gingerbread Cream Pie Recipe with a generous swirl of whipped cream and garnish with extra gingerbread cookies if you like. It’s these little touches that elevate the dessert from simply delicious to truly festive and unforgettable.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cream Pie Recipe

Garnishes

A swirl of fresh whipped cream is the classic choice to decorate your pie, but adding crushed ginger snaps or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top can give it that extra holiday pizzazz. Even a drizzle of molasses or a few whole cloves stuck gently into the cream adds a charming, rustic look.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced cider or hot chocolate, making for a cozy dessert experience. For something lighter, fresh seasonal fruits like spiced poached pears or orange slices can provide a bright contrast to the rich pie filling.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve individual slices in clear dessert bowls topped with mini gingerbread men or a dusting of powdered sugar that looks just like snow? For a party, creating mini gingerbread cream pie parfaits layered with cookie crumbles and whipped cream can be a fun and elegant alternative.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Gingerbread Cream Pie Recipe is best stored covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and creamy for up to five days, making it perfect for prepping ahead of your holiday festivities or enjoying as a treat in the days after.

Freezing

If you want to save the pie for later, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap the pie securely with plastic wrap and an extra layer of foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight — the texture holds up well, keeping that creamy filling intact.

Reheating

This pie is meant to be served chilled, so reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, just allow any frozen pie slices to thaw completely in the fridge before serving for the best taste and texture experience.

FAQs

Can I make the crust without a food processor?

Absolutely! Just place the ginger snaps in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or even the bottom of a heavy pan until you have fine crumbs. It’s a simple, no-fuss method that works perfectly.

What can I substitute for molasses?

If you don’t have molasses on hand, dark corn syrup or maple syrup can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be less intense. Try to use unsulphured molasses if you want that authentic gingerbread depth.

Can this pie be made dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free whipped topping to make this pie suitable for those avoiding dairy. The flavor will remain wonderfully spiced and creamy.

How long should I chill the pie?

Chilling the pie for at least four hours is essential for the filling to set properly. For the best slicing experience, overnight chilling is even better.

Is this gingerbread cream pie recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely! Kids love the sweet, creamy texture and festive spices without any heat or alcohol. Plus, they’ll have fun helping to crush cookies or decorate the top with gingerbread men.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Cream Pie Recipe is a no-bake treasure that brings warmth, sweetness, and festive cheer to any occasion. It’s surprisingly simple to make, yet delivers big on flavor and texture. Next time you want to impress your friends or family with a cozy holiday dessert, give this pie a try. I promise, it’ll become a beloved tradition in no time!

Gingerbread Cream Pie Recipe