Get ready to wow your family and friends this Halloween with this Layered Candy Corn Pie. Bursting with festive colors and creamy textures, this pie is both visually stunning and decadently delicious. With its smooth layers of vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and the playful orange, yellow, and white “candy corn” theme, it’s the ultimate holiday dessert for parties, potlucks, or a simple seasonal treat at home.
This easy Halloween dessert is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Using a pre-made graham cracker crust and instant pudding mix, you can create a vibrant, layered pie in under an hour. Whether you’re looking for fun dessert ideas, budget-friendly sweets, or simple family recipes that wow, this candy corn-inspired pie delivers flavor and presentation in one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: No-bake layers make this dessert simple for beginners.
- Festive Presentation: Bright orange, yellow, and white layers make it perfect for Halloween.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: A sweet treat that kids can help assemble.
- Customizable Ingredients: Swap colors or toppings for personal flair.
- Make-Ahead Dessert: Chill for 2–4 hours, making it ideal for parties.
- Family-Approved: Creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures appeal to everyone.
Ingredient Breakdown
Graham Cracker Crust: Provides a crunchy, buttery base for the pie. You can buy pre-made or make your own with 1½ cups graham crumbs and 6 tablespoons melted butter. Baking the crust 7 minutes at 375°F ensures it holds the layers perfectly.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Forms the creamy, smooth foundation of the pie. Using instant pudding keeps preparation quick and foolproof.
Cold Milk: Essential to properly whisk the pudding to the right consistency.
Whipped Topping: Adds lightness to the pudding layers and makes the top creamy and airy.
Food Coloring (Yellow & Orange): Gives the pie its iconic candy corn colors. Use gel food coloring for vivid tones or natural alternatives like turmeric and carrot juice.
Candy Corn and Sprinkles: Optional garnish that adds crunch and completes the Halloween theme.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pie
- Chill Between Layers: A quick 10-minute chill after the yellow layer keeps the layers distinct.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel provides vibrant hues without thinning the pudding.
- Natural Colors: Turmeric or carrot juice works for a healthier, dye-free version.
- Clean Spatula: Wipe the spatula when spreading layers for crisp separation.
- Prep Ahead: Make the pie the night before to save time for parties.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Crust Options: Use chocolate cookie crumbs or graham cracker crumbs for different flavors.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk or almond milk pudding and dairy-free whipped topping.
- Flavor Twists: Add pumpkin puree to the orange layer for a fall flavor.
- Mini Pies: Make individual servings in mason jars or cupcake liners.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped nuts or candy pieces between layers for texture.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the pie into wedges and serve with whipped cream or ice cream for a festive treat. Pair it with pumpkin bread, chocolate cupcakes, or caramel apples for a complete Halloween dessert spread. This pie also works well for potlucks or classroom parties because it’s colorful, fun, and easy to transport.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Keep the pie chilled until ready to serve; it lasts 3–4 days in the fridge.
- Freeze: Not recommended for whipped topping layers, as texture may change.
- Prep Ahead: Assemble layers a few hours before serving. Garnish just before presentation for the best look.
- Leftovers: Slice into small portions and cover tightly to preserve freshness.
Cultural Notes
Candy corn is an iconic American treat dating back to the late 1800s, making this pie a fun homage to classic Halloween candies. Its bright layers mimic the nostalgic snack, combining modern dessert techniques with festive holiday traditions. The Layered Candy Corn Pie is a playful, kid-friendly spin on traditional no-bake pies, keeping the spirit of Halloween alive in every creamy, colorful bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the layers a few hours before serving and chill. Add garnish last to maintain a fresh look.
Can I use frozen blueberries or fruit for toppings?
Yes, fresh or frozen fruit works as long as it’s thawed and patted dry.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The bright colors and creamy layers make it a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute coconut or almond milk for the pudding and use a dairy-free whipped topping.
How long does it keep?
Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days. Avoid freezing, as whipped layers may separate.
Layered Candy Corn Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, whisk pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thick. Let rest 3–5 minutes.
- Fold in ½ cup whipped topping to lighten the pudding. Divide mixture evenly into 2 bowls.
- Tint one bowl yellow and the other orange using gel food coloring or natural alternatives. Stir until smooth and streak-free.
- Spread yellow pudding evenly in the crust to form the first layer. Chill for 10 minutes to set slightly.
- Gently spread orange pudding over the yellow layer, smoothing the top evenly.
- Top with whipped topping, spreading to create the white layer. Add peaks if desired.
- Decorate with candy corn, sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Chill for 2–4 hours before slicing and serving.