We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
One of the best things about no-bake pies is how quick and easy they are to make. There’s no need for the oven, no need for the technical baking skills you’d need for a baked pie, and unless you’re using gelatin, a no-bake pie is pretty hard to mess up. That said, it’s easy to make a good pie, but making an excellent pie requires more care.
The formula for a no-bake pie is essentially mix and fill, and how you mix will determine whether your pie is smooth as silk or studded with lumps. For the creamiest fillings, put down the whisk and reach for your stand mixer or hand mixer.
Whisks are an excellent tool for removing lumps in thinner mixes such as sauces and batters, but thick pie filling needs the power of an electrical appliance. Whisks are also designed to incorporate air, while the paddle or beater attachment of a mixer is designed to incorporate ingredients to create a smooth, consistent texture, which is exactly what your pie needs.
More tips for the best no-bake pie filling
With a mixer, you can confidently create all kinds of no-bake pies, from a fruity strawberry cheesecake to this decadent peanut butter pie, but there are always ways to make your life easier (and your pie even better). When you’re working with firm ingredients like cream cheese or goat’s cheese — as found in our delectable apricot goat cheese cheesecake – bring them to room temperature before mixing. Fresh from the fridge, you’ll find it more difficult to mix them smoothly with any softer ingredients.
Conversely, you’ll need to make sure that if your filling calls for whipped cream, it should be beaten to stiff peaks, which will help the pie filling to set into a sliceable consistency. Your electric mixer will also come in handy here, just be sure not to overdo it or you’ll end up with butter. Many no-bake pie recipes call for incorporating whipped cream into thicker ingredients, like this cannoli cream pie. To avoid knocking the air out of the cream, ensure that your other ingredients, like mascarpone, are completely mixed before adding the cream. Finally, when it comes to avoiding lumps, it should go without saying that any dry ingredients need to be sifted first, which includes everything from cocoa powder to confectioners’ sugar.
