If you’re looking for a dessert that’s simple to make, requires no baking, and is sure to impress, then Easy Marshmallow Pie is the answer! This sweet, creamy pie is made with fluffy marshmallows, a buttery graham cracker crust, and a light, whipped topping that melts in your mouth. It’s a perfect dessert for summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, or even a cozy night at home when you want something indulgent but easy to prepare.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a classic Easy Marshmallow Pie step by step. We’ll also explore a few variations and tips to help you customize this treat to your liking.
Ingredients for Easy Marshmallow Pie
This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients, most of which you might already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full crackers)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the Marshmallow Filling:
- 25 large marshmallows (or about 3 cups mini marshmallows)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (whipped to stiff peaks)
Optional Toppings and Add-Ins:
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Crushed graham crackers
- Fresh fruit or berries
- Toasted coconut flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Easy Marshmallow Pie
Step 1: Making the Graham Cracker Crust
The graham cracker crust provides a crunchy, buttery base for your marshmallow pie. It’s quick to make and complements the sweetness of the filling perfectly.
a. Preheat Your Oven (Optional)
While this is technically a no-bake pie, you can bake the graham cracker crust for a firmer texture if you prefer. If you’d like to do this, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
b. Crush the Graham Crackers
To make graham cracker crumbs, you can either use a food processor or place the graham crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they become fine crumbs. You’ll need about 1 ½ cups of crumbs for this recipe.
c. Combine the Crust Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
d. Press the Crust into the Pie Dish
Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to pack it down tightly. Make sure the crust is even and covers the sides of the dish.
e. Optional: Bake the Crust
If you prefer a crunchier crust, bake it in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until golden and set. Let it cool completely before adding the filling. If you prefer a no-bake version, you can skip this step and simply chill the crust in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Making the Marshmallow Filling
The marshmallow filling is the star of the pie—light, fluffy, and sweet, with a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the graham cracker crust.
a. Melt the Marshmallows
In a medium saucepan, heat the marshmallows and milk over low heat, stirring constantly, until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Be patient and use low heat to avoid burning the marshmallows. Once melted, remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
b. Cool the Marshmallow Mixture
Allow the marshmallow mixture to cool to room temperature. This is important because if the mixture is too warm, it can deflate the whipped cream you’ll be folding in later.
c. Whip the Cream
While the marshmallow mixture is cooling, whip the heavy cream in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer. Beat the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. The cream should hold its shape and not collapse when the beaters are lifted.
d. Fold the Whipped Cream into the Marshmallow Mixture
Once the marshmallow mixture has cooled, gently fold in the whipped cream. Use a spatula to fold the two together, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream. The result should be a light, fluffy filling with a smooth consistency.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
a. Add the Marshmallow Filling to the Crust
Pour the marshmallow filling into the cooled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
b. Chill the Pie
Place the pie in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or until the filling has set. You can also leave it to chill overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Variations on Easy Marshmallow Pie
One of the best things about Easy Marshmallow Pie is how versatile it is. Here are a few fun variations and flavor combinations you can try to make this dessert your own:
1. Chocolate Marshmallow Pie
For a chocolatey twist, melt ½ cup of chocolate chips and mix it into the marshmallow filling before folding in the whipped cream. You can also top the pie with chocolate shavings or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a decadent finish.
2. Peanut Butter Marshmallow Pie
Add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the melted marshmallow mixture for a rich, nutty flavor. Peanut butter pairs beautifully with the graham cracker crust, and you can top the pie with chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
3. Fruit-Filled Marshmallow Pie
Fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or peaches into the marshmallow mixture before adding it to the crust. The fresh fruit adds a burst of flavor and complements the sweetness of the marshmallow filling.
4. Coconut Marshmallow Pie
For a tropical variation, stir in ½ cup of toasted coconut flakes into the marshmallow filling. You can also sprinkle additional toasted coconut on top for extra texture and flavor.
5. S’mores Marshmallow Pie
Turn your marshmallow pie into a s’mores-inspired treat by adding a layer of melted chocolate or chocolate ganache on top of the graham cracker crust before adding the marshmallow filling. Garnish with mini marshmallows and toast them under a broiler for a campfire effect.
Tips for Perfect Marshmallow Pie
- Chill Time: Don’t rush the chilling process. The pie needs at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to set properly. If you have the time, it’s best to chill it overnight.
- Even Slices: To get clean slices, run your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between cuts. This will help prevent the marshmallow filling from sticking to the knife.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese (if using in variations) and marshmallows are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth texture without lumps.
- Avoid Deflating the Whipped Cream: When folding whipped cream into the marshmallow mixture, use gentle motions to maintain the light and airy texture.
Serving and Storing Easy Marshmallow Pie
Serving Suggestions
Once your Easy Marshmallow Pie is chilled and set, slice it and serve with your favorite toppings. Here are a few ideas to elevate your pie presentation:
- Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce: A rich chocolate drizzle complements the sweetness of the marshmallow filling.
- Top with Fresh Fruit: Add sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries on top for a refreshing contrast to the creamy pie.
- Garnish with Crushed Graham Crackers: Sprinkle some crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs over the top for a little extra crunch.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The pie will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. However, keep in mind that the graham cracker crust may soften slightly over time.
Freezing Marshmallow Pie
You can freeze Marshmallow Pie for up to 1 month. To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Conclusion
Easy Marshmallow Pie is a delightful dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. With its creamy marshmallow filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and endless possibilities for customization, this pie is perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations like chocolate or peanut butter, you’re sure to have a hit on your hands.
This light and fluffy pie is also a great make-ahead dessert for parties or gatherings, as it needs to chill in the refrigerator for several hours before serving. So go ahead, whip up this marshmallow masterpiece, and enjoy a slice of sweet, cloud-like perfection!