I still remember the first time I made this Easy No-Bake Watermelon Pie. It was one of those blazing hot July afternoons when even thinking about turning on the oven felt like a punishment. I had a perfectly ripe watermelon chilling in the fridge, a tub of whipped topping in the freezer, and an extra graham cracker crust I had forgotten about. That’s when it hit me—why not turn these into something refreshing, simple, and sweet without any baking? And just like that, this Easy No-Bake Watermelon Pie became my summer favorite.
What makes it special is how effortless it is. You don’t need fancy tools, a long list of ingredients, or even much time. Just a few pantry staples and fresh watermelon turn into something that tastes like sunshine in a slice. Whether I’m bringing it to a cookout or just craving a cool bite, this Easy No-Bake Watermelon Pie never disappoints. It’s a little slice of summer happiness.
Easy No-Bake Watermelon Pie
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- rubber spatula
- sharp knife
- measuring cups
- 9-inch pie dish or prepared crust
- plastic wrap or foil
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced seedless watermelon, drained
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice)
- 1 optional block (8 oz) softened cream cheese
- 1 optional tbsp instant vanilla pudding mix (for firmness)
- 1 prepared graham cracker pie crust
- 1 tsp lime zest, for garnish (optional)
- 1/2 cup extra diced watermelon, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Dice and drain the watermelon on paper towels. Chill in fridge for 1 hour for best texture.
- In a large bowl, mix the whipped topping, sweetened condensed milk, and lime juice. Add cream cheese and pudding mix if using. Blend until smooth.
- Gently fold in the chilled, diced watermelon into the creamy mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
- Before serving, garnish with extra watermelon cubes and lime zest if desired. Slice with a sharp knife and serve cold.
Notes
Nutrition
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Gather the Right Ingredients for a Perfect Pie
Pick the Juiciest Watermelon You Can Find
The heart of this Easy No-Bake Watermelon Pie is, of course, the watermelon. The riper and sweeter your fruit, the better your pie will taste. I always go for seedless varieties and dice the flesh into small cubes, then drain them on paper towels. Watermelon holds a lot of water, and if you skip draining, your filling might turn runny. A simple trick from YeyFood is to refrigerate the diced melon for an hour before folding it into the filling—it stays firmer and blends better.
For extra sweetness, use a watermelon that’s deep red and heavy for its size. You’ll only need about two cups of diced melon, so you can snack on the rest while you prep—win-win!
Creamy Ingredients that Hold Everything Together
The creamy filling is where the magic happens. Most Easy No-Bake Watermelon Pie recipes call for a mix of whipped topping (like Cool Whip), sweetened condensed milk, and a splash of citrus—usually lime or lemon juice. This combo adds both creaminess and tang, balancing the natural sweetness of the melon. Some versions, like this one on AllRecipes, fold in softened cream cheese for a thicker texture.
This blend sets up beautifully in the fridge and offers a cool, luscious bite every time. If you want to keep it light, skip the cream cheese—just be sure to chill the pie thoroughly. For a slightly firmer result, add a spoonful of instant vanilla pudding mix to help the filling hold its shape even better.

Assemble Your Easy No-Bake Watermelon Pie Like a Pro
Step-by-Step Assembly You Can’t Mess Up
Once you’ve got your filling prepped, making this Easy No-Bake Watermelon Pie is truly a breeze. Start by spooning the creamy mixture into your prepared graham cracker crust—whether it’s store-bought or homemade. Use a spatula to smooth the top gently, being careful not to press down too hard so the watermelon chunks stay intact.
At this point, it’s tempting to dive in, but patience pays off. Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This gives the filling time to set and the flavors to blend. I like to sprinkle a few extra watermelon cubes and lime zest on top before serving for a little color and zing, much like we do with this key lime pie parfait.
Fun Variations to Keep Things Interesting
Once you’ve nailed the classic version, it’s fun to put your own twist on this Easy No-Bake Watermelon Pie. Try folding in a handful of mini marshmallows or shredded coconut for a tropical feel. If you’re feeling a little more indulgent, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top before serving.
You can even experiment with the crust. While graham cracker is the go-to, a crust made from vanilla wafers, crushed shortbread cookies, or even a cinnamon-spiced crust like we use in this cinnamon roll apple bake adds a fun flavor contrast. Kids love a crushed Oreo version too, especially when you top the pie with whipped cream rosettes and chocolate chips.
These small variations let you adapt the pie to different occasions or personal preferences without complicating the process. It’s still the same easy, no-bake watermelon pie—just with a fun twist!
Storage Tips, Serving Ideas & Make-Ahead Advice
How to Store Your Easy No-Bake Watermelon Pie
The beauty of this Easy No-Bake Watermelon Pie is how well it holds up—at least for a couple of days. Once your pie has set in the fridge, keep it chilled and covered until serving. It’s best eaten within 2–3 days. After that, the watermelon tends to release too much liquid, softening the crust and making the filling a bit soggy.
If you’re making it ahead for a party, you can prepare the filling and crust separately a day or two before. Just combine and chill the night before serving. For longer storage, avoid freezing—the fresh watermelon changes texture and gets grainy once thawed.
This pie also pairs beautifully with other chilled summer recipes, like our fruity no-bake strawberry delight or a creamy banana pudding trifle, making it a standout on any dessert table.
Serve It Up the Right Way
When you’re ready to slice, use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts for the cleanest presentation. Serve cold, straight from the fridge, and add a dollop of whipped topping or a mint leaf if you’re feeling fancy.
If you’re hosting a barbecue or potluck, serve this pie in individual cups or jars—it’s easy to scoop and perfectly portable. I’ve even piped the filling into mini tart shells for a cute bite-sized version that disappears fast.
This Easy No-Bake Watermelon Pie isn’t just a dessert—it’s a conversation starter. Everyone asks for the recipe, and no one can believe how easy it is to make.

FAQs About Easy No-Bake Watermelon Pie & Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen watermelon?
Fresh watermelon is best for this recipe. Frozen watermelon tends to release too much moisture once thawed, which can make your filling watery and affect the pie’s texture.
Does the pie need chilling before serving?
Yes! This Easy No-Bake Watermelon Pie must chill for at least 4 hours, though overnight is ideal. This helps the filling firm up and makes slicing much easier.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
You can store the pie in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the watermelon may start to release liquid, which can make the crust soggy and the filling too soft.
Can I use a different crust?
Absolutely. Graham cracker crust is classic, but you can also use vanilla wafers, Oreo cookie crumbs, shortbread, or even a coconut cookie crust. Just make sure it’s well packed and chilled before adding the filling.
Conclusion: A Slice of Summer You’ll Make Again and Again
There’s something so satisfying about creating a dessert that feels both special and incredibly simple. This Easy No-Bake Watermelon Pie hits every note—sweet, creamy, light, and just a little tangy. Whether you’re planning a summer potluck, need a last-minute dessert, or just want to enjoy watermelon in a whole new way, this recipe is your new go-to.
Every time I make it, I’m reminded how the best dishes are often the ones that require the least fuss. With just a few ingredients and a little fridge time, you’ve got something truly memorable. Try it once and I promise—it’ll be part of your summer traditions in no time.