First things first — thank you for being here. Whether you’re planning a festive dessert table, need a make-ahead treat for Christmas dinner, or just craving something pepperminty and creamy, I’m so excited to share this holiday gem with you. ❄️
This No-Bake Candy Cane Pie is everything you love about the season: cool mint, a hint of crunch, and that dreamy no-bake texture that melts in your mouth. It’s festive, it’s fun, and best of all — it’s easy.
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What Is No-Bake Candy Cane Pie?
This holiday dessert in a crust is a luscious mix of cream cheese, whipped cream, peppermint extract, and crushed candy canes — all nestled in a buttery cookie crust. It’s chilled, fluffy, and perfect for peppermint lovers!
You don’t need an oven or complicated steps — just a few ingredients and a little chill time. It’s Christmas magic in every slice. 🎅
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ No-bake and stress-free
- ✅ Light, creamy, and refreshingly minty
- ✅ Perfect make-ahead dessert
- ✅ Looks festive with crushed candy cane sparkle
- ✅ Easy to make with simple ingredients
What It Tastes Like
This pie is a holiday dream come true — light and fluffy like a peppermint cloud, with a gentle tang from the cream cheese and a cool minty burst from crushed candy canes. The base is buttery and crumbly, and every bite gives you just the right amount of creamy crunch.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Great for holiday parties, potlucks, or family dinners
- Kid-friendly (they love helping crush the candy canes!)
- Can be made with or without food coloring
- Easily customizable with different crusts or toppings
- Holds beautifully in the fridge overnight
Ingredients You’ll Need
🥧 For the Crust:
- 1 ready-made graham cracker crust
OR - 1.5 cups crushed biscuits or graham crackers
- 5 tbsp melted butter
🍥 For the Filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups cold whipped cream (or 1 packet whipped topping + 1 cup cold milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 4–5 crushed candy canes
- A few drops red food coloring (optional, for a pink tint)
🍬 For Topping:
- Extra whipped cream
- More crushed candy canes for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Tart pan or pie dish
- Spoon or offset spatula for smoothing
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Swap graham crackers with chocolate wafers, Oreos, or gingersnap cookies
- Use white chocolate chips in the filling for extra richness
- Don’t want food coloring? Leave it out for a clean, white peppermint pie
- Want a boozy twist? Add a splash of peppermint schnapps to the filling
How to Make No-Bake Candy Cane Pie
1. Prepare the Crust
If you’re using a store-bought crust, skip ahead. Otherwise:
- Crush cookies into fine crumbs (a food processor makes this quick!)
- Mix with melted butter until the texture is like wet sand
- Press evenly into a tart or pie pan
- Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes
2. Make the Creamy Peppermint Filling
In a bowl:
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and peppermint extract — mix well
- In another bowl, whip your cold cream (or prep the topping mix with milk)
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture
- Stir in crushed candy canes and red food coloring if using
3. Assemble the Pie
- Pour the peppermint filling into your prepared crust
- Smooth the top with a spatula
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results
4. Decorate & Serve
- Just before serving, pipe or spoon whipped cream on top
- Sprinkle with more crushed candy canes
- Slice and serve cold — and prepare for rave reviews!
What to Serve with Candy Cane Pie
- A mug of hot cocoa or peppermint mocha
- Coffee with whipped cream and a candy cane stir stick
- Add to a holiday dessert board with cookies, truffles, and fudge
- Serve with chocolate-dipped pretzels for that sweet-salty combo
Tips for Success
- Soften your cream cheese fully for the smoothest filling
- Don’t overmix once you add whipped cream — fold gently to keep it airy
- Use clear peppermint extract if you want to avoid discoloration
- Want extra texture? Add some mini chocolate chips to the filling!
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze uncovered until solid, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge overnight before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream?
Yes! Cool Whip works perfectly for this recipe and holds up well in the fridge.
Is peppermint extract the same as mint extract?
Not quite — peppermint extract has a sharper, candy-cane flavor. Mint extract may contain spearmint and taste more herbal.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely. It actually tastes better after chilling overnight, so it’s perfect to make the day before your holiday event.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives, though the texture may vary slightly.
In Conclusion
No-Bake Candy Cane Pie is everything you want in a holiday dessert — simple, stunning, and so pepperminty and creamy you’ll want to eat it straight from the pan. ❄️
It’s the perfect way to bring a little sparkle to your dessert table — no oven required. Whether you’re serving it at Christmas dinner or enjoying it in your pajamas with a holiday movie, it’s pure peppermint joy in every bite.
Share the Holiday Cheer! 🎅
Have you made this pie? I’d LOVE to see it!
📸 Snap a pic and share it on Pinterest
💬 Leave a review and let me know how it turned out
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Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice – based on 8 slices)
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 30g
- Sugar: 24g
- Protein: 3g
(Values may vary depending on exact ingredients and crust used)
Wishing you a season filled with sweetness, sparkle, and second slices. 🍬❤️
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