No-Bake Boston Cream Pie Bars

A tray of No-Bake Boston Cream Pie Bars featuring thick vanilla custard, swirled chocolate topping, and graham cracker crust on white marble. — No-Bake Boston Cream Pie Bars – creamy vanilla pudding, rich ganache, and graham cracker layers make this a perfect chilled dessert. Get the full recipe at FoodForYourGood.com

If you’re craving something decadent yet effortless, these No-Bake Boston Cream Pie Bars are calling your name. They deliver the nostalgic flavors of the classic dessert—creamy vanilla pudding, soft cake-like layers, and glossy chocolate ganache—but skip the oven entirely. It’s the perfect chilled dessert to make ahead for summer gatherings, potlucks, or just because.

What makes this recipe shine is its simplicity. Layers of graham crackers soften beautifully beneath a cloud of whipped vanilla pudding, while a smooth chocolate ganache sets like a rich frosting. Even better? These bars only take about 15 minutes to assemble and chill into a sliceable, crowd-pleasing treat.

Interestingly, the original Boston Cream Pie isn’t a pie at all—it’s a cake! First created in the 1850s at the Parker House Hotel in Boston, this classic American dessert got its quirky name during a time when cakes were often baked in pie tins.

Now, you can enjoy all its traditional flavor—no baking required. Let’s chill and indulge!

Recipe Yield: 9 bars

INGREDIENTS

1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
1½ cups cold whole milk
1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping, thawed
1 box (14.4 oz) graham crackers (about 15–18 full sheets)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make the creamy filling:
In a large bowl, whisk the pudding mix and cold milk together for 2 minutes until thickened. Let sit for 5 minutes, then fold in the whipped topping until smooth and fully combined.

2. Assemble the layers:
Line the bottom of an 8×8-inch square baking dish with a single layer of graham crackers, trimming to fit. Spread half of the vanilla pudding mixture evenly over the crackers. Add another layer of graham crackers, followed by the remaining pudding mixture. Finish with a final layer of graham crackers on top.

3. Prepare the ganache topping:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth (about 1 minute total). Let cool for 5 minutes, then pour and spread evenly over the top graham cracker layer.

4. Chill until set:
Cover the dish loosely with foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, until the graham crackers have softened and the dessert is set.

5. Slice and serve:
Use a sharp knife to slice into bars. Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, classic Boston Cream Pie flavor—no oven required!

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Use Cold Milk for Pudding:
Cold whole milk thickens the instant pudding quickly, giving the bars a firm yet creamy texture.
Chill Overnight for Best Texture:
Although 4 hours will work, overnight chilling ensures the graham crackers fully soften into a cake-like layer.
Slice Cleanly with a Hot Knife:
Dip a sharp knife in hot water, then wipe dry between cuts for neat, bakery-style bars.

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