Piggy Pie Dessert Recipe

I absolutely adore making this Piggy Pie Dessert Recipe whenever I want to wow friends and family with something that looks fancy but is incredibly easy to put together. It’s a luscious, layered dessert featuring a buttery pecan crust, creamy cream cheese middle, and silky chocolate and vanilla pudding layers, all topped with fluffy whipped topping and irresistible chocolate and heath chips. It’s one of my all-time favorite sweet treats that brings smiles to everyone’s face, no matter the occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Piggy Pie Dessert Recipe

From the very first bite, I’m always amazed by how the flavors and textures in this Piggy Pie Dessert Recipe come together so perfectly. The crunchy pecan crust adds such a satisfying contrast to the smooth layers of pudding and cream cheese filling. I love how the chocolate and vanilla puddings play off each other, offering a mix of rich cocoa flavor and mellow sweetness. It feels indulgent without being overwhelmingly rich, which is why I keep coming back to it.

What really makes this recipe shine in my book is how straightforward the preparation is. Despite its layered appearance, each element is simple to make, and the pudding sets quickly while the crust bakes. It’s ideal for both casual family dinners and festive gatherings because I can whip it up in under 40 minutes and have it ready to impress. The optional Heath chips add a delightful touch of toffee crunch that makes this dessert stand out from the usual pudding pies you see around.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A flat lay image shows various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a box of yellow cake mix on the upper left, three brown eggs in the center, and a small clear bowl of vegetable oil on the upper right. Below, from left to right, is a white bowl with bright yellow crushed pineapple, a container of vanilla pudding with a blue and white label, a can of mandarine oranges with a purple label, a round clear bowl with light yellow pineapple juice, and a white bowl filled with smooth whipped topping. The lighting is soft and natural, evenly lighting the colorful ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients for this Piggy Pie Dessert Recipe are easy to find, and each one plays a special role in creating the layered magic. From the buttery crust to the luscious pudding layers, getting these staples right ensures a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Butter, ½ cup (113 g) melted: This creates a rich, flavorful base for the crust that holds everything together.
All-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups (192 g): Gives structure and a tender crumb to the nutty crust.
Chopped pecans, 1 cup: Adds a delightful crunch and warm nutty flavor that complements the creamy layers.
Whipped topping, 1 container (16-ounce): Provides a light, fluffy finish to soften the boldness of the puddings.
Cream cheese, 1 package (8-ounce): Brings a tangy richness to the dessert’s middle layer.
Confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup (128 g): Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese filling perfectly.
Instant chocolate pudding mix, 1 box (3.9-ounce): Brings deep cocoa flavor and velvety texture.
Instant vanilla pudding mix, 1 box (3.9-ounce): Adds a creamy, mellow contrast to the chocolate layer.
Milk, 4 cups (whole milk preferred): Essential for setting the instant pudding mixes to the perfect consistency.
Heath chips, 1 cup (optional): For an extra toffee crunch and irresistible flavor boost.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is just right for baking the crust to a golden brown without overcooking.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, flour, and chopped pecans using a fork until the mixture looks evenly combined and crumbly. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan that’s been sprayed with baking spray or lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. You want a nice golden color but keep an eye on the edges so they don’t burn. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely before continuing—this step is crucial for the layers not to mix.

Step 4: While the crust cools, prepare the chocolate pudding. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and 2 cups of milk. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes to fully set and thicken.

Step 5: Similarly, prepare the vanilla pudding in a separate bowl by mixing the vanilla pudding mix with the other 2 cups of milk. Again, allow at least 5 minutes for it to set properly.

Step 6: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar together until smooth and creamy. Then gently fold in half of the whipped topping (about 8 ounces) so the texture stays light and fluffy. Carefully spread this mixture over the cooled pecan crust as the first creamy layer.

Step 7: Next, evenly spread the chocolate pudding layer over the cream cheese filling, smoothing it out to the edges.

Step 8: Follow this by spreading the vanilla pudding layer on top of the chocolate, creating the next beautiful creamy band.

Step 9: Finally, spread the remaining whipped topping over the vanilla pudding layer for a light, airy finish.

Step 10: Sprinkle the top with about ½ cup mini chocolate chips and between ½ to 1 cup of Heath chips, depending on how much toffee crunch you want. Pop it in the fridge for at least an hour before serving so everything can chill nicely and set together.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 generous servings, perfect for sharing with a crowd or having plenty of leftovers for snacks. The prep time is about 15 minutes, mostly mixing and layering, with 15-20 minutes baking for the crust. Add at least 5 minutes twice for the pudding to set, plus 1 hour chilling after assembly for best results. Overall, you’re looking at roughly 35 minutes of active work and about 1 hour and 30 minutes total from start to finish if you account for cooling and chilling times.

How to Serve This Piggy Pie Dessert Recipe

A square piece of cake sits on a white plate with a black rim placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has three layers: the bottom layer is a light yellow sponge, the middle layer is creamy and pale yellow, and the top layer is thick white whipped cream. The top is sprinkled with small dark chocolate chips and light brown chopped nuts. A silver fork lies to the right of the plate on the surface, and some nuts are scattered nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Piggy Pie Dessert Recipe, I love to bring out its layers by cutting it into nice square portions so everyone can admire each creamy, nutty level. It tastes amazing chilled, as the pudding holds its structure well and the whipped topping is perfectly fluffy and cool. I usually plate it on simple white dishes to let the colors and textures shine.

To elevate the presentation, a light dusting of cocoa powder or a few fresh raspberries on top can add a pop of color and complement the chocolate and vanilla flavors beautifully. For occasions like family dinners or holiday parties, I sometimes serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Pairing this dessert with a cup of fresh coffee or a glass of dessert wine, like a sweet Riesling or Moscato, really takes the experience up a notch. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a splash of lemon or an iced mocha works wonderfully. This Piggy Pie is my go-to whenever I want to impress without stress, whether it’s a weeknight treat or a festive gathering.

Variations

I’ve often experimented with different tweaks to this Piggy Pie Dessert Recipe to keep it fun and fit various dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend works beautifully in the crust without sacrificing texture. You can also use crushed gluten-free nuts or seeds if you want to add variety.

If you’re aiming for a lighter or vegan-friendly option, using nondairy milk like almond or oat milk and replacing the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative keeps the integrity of the layers intact. There are also vegan instant pudding options that set just as nicely for this layered dessert.

For flavor twists, I sometimes mix in a few berries or use caramel pudding instead of vanilla for a richer, deeper sweetness. Baking the crust with cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth. If you want a quicker no-bake version, you can substitute a pre-made graham cracker crust and skip the oven entirely. Either way, this Piggy Pie adapts wonderfully to creative spins!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Piggy Pie Dessert in an airtight container or simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Keeping it refrigerated is essential since it has dairy and pudding layers. Stored this way, it lasts about 3 to 4 days, maintaining the textures and flavors well.

Freezing

This dessert freezes reasonably well, though some texture changes may occur in the whipped topping after freezing. To freeze, wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep for up to 2 months frozen. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve consistency.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled dessert, I recommend enjoying it cold or at room temperature. Reheating isn’t necessary and can cause the pudding layers to lose their structure and become watery. If you prefer it slightly less cold, just take it out of the fridge 10 to 15 minutes before serving to soften up nicely.

FAQs

Can I make this Piggy Pie Dessert Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I find it tastes even better after the flavors have melded for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.

What can I substitute for Heath chips if I can’t find them?

If Heath chips aren’t available, chopped toffee bars or even butterscotch chips are great alternatives that provide a similar sweet crunch to finish the pie.

Is there a way to make this dessert less sweet?

Yes, to tone down the sweetness, you can reduce the amount of confectioners’ sugar in the cream cheese layer or use a sugar-free whipped topping. Using skim or low-fat milk in puddings can also help if you prefer a lighter dessert.

Can I use fresh ingredients instead of instant pudding mixes?

You could try making homemade chocolate and vanilla pudding from scratch, but keep in mind it requires more time and cooking. Using instant pudding is a huge time-saver and ensures a perfect consistency every time for this recipe.

What if I don’t eat nuts? Can I omit the pecans?

You can definitely leave out the pecans or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds if you want a similar crunch without nuts. Just make sure to watch the baking time as it might differ slightly without nuts to brown.

Conclusion

I truly hope you feel inspired to try this Piggy Pie Dessert Recipe soon because it has become such a joyful staple in my dessert repertoire. It’s a perfect combination of ease, flavor, and that little extra wow-factor with its layers and textures. Whether for a special occasion or an everyday sweet treat, it never fails to bring smiles to the table and happy tummy hugs to all who try it.