There’s something about the cool, minty crunch paired with creamy sweetness that just sings winter cheer. This No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe is a holiday classic that’s not only simple to whip up but full of that nostalgic flavor that everyone remembers and loves. It’s perfect for a festive treat without any fuss in the kitchen!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This pie has become a go-to for me every holiday season because it’s effortlessly impressive and delivers that perfect peppermint punch. No baking means less stress, and chilling the pie gives you time to prep other dishes or just relax with a cup of cocoa!
- Quick and No Bake: You don’t have to turn on the oven, saving you time and keeping your kitchen cool.
- Festive Peppermint Flavor: The combination of peppermint extract and crushed candy makes every bite refreshing and just the right amount of minty.
- Creamy Yet Light Texture: The whipped cream mixed with cream cheese gives a silky texture that feels indulgent but not heavy.
- Gorgeous Presentation: With crushed peppermint sprinkled on top, it’s not only delicious but so pretty on the holiday table.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe plays its part perfectly. The Oreo crust brings that crunchy, chocolatey base, while the cream cheese and whipped cream combo create a fluffy filling that’s just sweet and minty enough. Let me break down some key components and share tips to get the best out of them.
- Oreo Pie Crust: Using a pre-made crust saves tons of time; its chocolate notes complement the peppermint in the filling beautifully.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a perfectly smooth filling without lumps.
- Powdered Sugar: It dissolves quickly, giving sweetness without grit, crucial for that creamy texture.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipping it to stiff peaks helps lighten the cream cheese mixture, so your pie isn't dense.
- Peppermint Extract: A little goes a long way—start with a teaspoon and adjust if you like it stronger.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm undertone that balances the mint without overpowering it.
- Crushed Peppermint Candy: Adds crunch and that classic holiday feel—plus a burst of peppermint throughout the filling and as a garnish.
- Red Food Coloring: Optional, but I love how it gives the filling a festive rosy tint.
- Whipped Topping (Cool Whip): Perfect for a light, fluffy topping that’s quick and easy to spread.
Make It Your Way
I like to tweak this No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe just a little depending on the occasion—and trust me, it’s flexible! You can make it more chocolatey or even a bit lighter depending on your taste or dietary needs.
- Chocolate Peppermint Twist: Sometimes I add a layer of chocolate ganache on top before the Cool Whip—it’s heavenly if you love extra chocolate.
- Lower Sugar Version: You can reduce powdered sugar and use a sugar-free peppermint extract to keep the flavor without extra sweetness.
- Vegan Adaptation: Swap cream cheese for a vegan alternative and use coconut cream for the whipped topping; it won’t be quite the same, but still delicious.
Step-by-Step: How I Make No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Heavy Cream to Perfection
First off, grab a large bowl and pour in your chilled heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, whip it on medium-high speed until you see stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk, the cream stands up firmly without drooping. It’s a small step but critical to give your pie that light, creamy texture. Be careful not to overwhip or it will start turning into butter!
Step 2: Create the Cream Cheese Peppermint Mixture
Now in a separate bowl, soften your cream cheese until it’s silky smooth—if you skip this, you’ll end up with lumps, and no one wants that. Add powdered sugar and beat them together until fluffy. Next, stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts along with the red food coloring until everything is evenly tinted and smelling festive. Fold in about half a cup of crushed peppermint candy—this adds the exciting crunch you’ll love!
Step 3: Combine and Blend Gently
Gently fold your cream cheese mixture into the whipped cream. Using a low mixer setting or a spatula, blend just until fully combined so you keep all that fluffy air in there. This step really makes the filling dreamy and not overly dense—if you mix too vigorously, you’ll lose that light texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie and Chill
Pour your combined filling into that Oreo crust and spread it evenly. Then top with a nice layer of Cool Whip and sprinkle more crushed peppermint candy on top for the perfect garnish. Pop it into the fridge to chill for at least an hour or two. This time helps everything set up so you get clean slices and a delightful texture.
Top Tip
From my many attempts (and a few tasty mishaps), these tips really make the difference between a good pie and a stand-out one.
- Softened Cream Cheese is Key: I always take it out of the fridge an hour before starting or zap it in short bursts in the microwave to avoid lumps.
- Don’t Overwhip the Cream: Stiff peaks mean stop! I learned the hard way that going too far makes the filling grainy.
- Crush Peppermint Carefully: I use the bottom of a glass to gently crush candy canes into small bits rather than powder—this keeps wonderful texture in every bite.
- Chill Long Enough: At least 1 hour is a must, but overnight is best for flavors to marry and the pie to hold together nicely.
How to Serve No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I keep it simple and elegant by topping the pie with a smooth layer of Cool Whip and sprinkling crushed peppermint candy on top. Sometimes I throw on a few mini chocolate chips for a little surprise—or even drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate for a classy finish. A sprig of fresh mint for color always gets compliments too!
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with coffee or peppermint tea to keep the mint theme going. I also like serving it alongside simple sugar cookies or a fruit plate to balance richness with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I love setting slices of the pie on decorative plates dusted with cocoa powder or placing peppermint sticks next to each serving. Another fun idea is making mini versions in small mason jars for individual servings—so cute and perfect for sharing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pie should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It holds up beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors seem to intensify a bit after resting overnight.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this pie once or twice. Wrap it well with foil and freezer-safe wrap to prevent freezer burn, and it keeps well for up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving to maintain the perfect texture.
Reheating
This pie is best enjoyed cold, so reheating isn't necessary. Just let frozen slices thaw in the fridge until soft enough to enjoy. If your crust feels a little soggy after thawing, letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes can help.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can substitute a graham cracker crust or even a chocolate cookie crust if you prefer. Just make sure it's sturdy enough to hold the creamy filling.
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened and your heavy cream is whipped to stiff peaks. Also, don’t overmix the final filling, as that can cause it to break down and get watery. Chilling the pie properly helps too!
Yes! This pie actually tastes better when made a few hours or even a day ahead because the flavors have time to meld together. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Placing candy canes or peppermint candies in a zip-top bag and gently hitting them with the bottom of a glass works great. This method creates small, crunchy bits without turning into dust.
Final Thoughts
This No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe combines ease, festive flavors, and beautiful presentation into one dreamy dessert that’s become a holiday staple in my home. Whether you’re hosting a big party or just looking for a simple treat to keep on hand, it’s sure to impress without the hassle of baking. Go ahead, make a pie that feels like a warm hug in every bite—you won’t regret it!
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No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No Bake Christmas Peppermint Pie is a festive and creamy dessert featuring a rich cream cheese and peppermint filling nestled in a crunchy Oreo crust. Perfect for holiday celebrations, it combines refreshing peppermint flavor with smooth textures and a touch of holiday color, all without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 Oreo pie crust
For the filling:
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 (8 oz) pkgs cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candy
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint flavoring
- 10 drops red food color
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the topping and garnish:
- 1 tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- Crushed peppermint candy for garnish
Instructions
- Whip the Heavy Cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Once done, set the bowl aside to be used later in the recipe.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, cream together the powdered sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Then, add the red food coloring, vanilla extract, and peppermint flavoring to the mixture. Mix until the color is uniform and well combined. Finally, fold in ½ cup of crushed peppermint candy bits.
- Combine the Mixtures: Gently add the cream cheese mixture to the bowl of whipped heavy cream. Using a low speed on your mixer, blend the two mixtures together until thoroughly combined and smooth in consistency.
- Fill the Oreo Crust: Pour the combined filling into the Oreo pie crust, spreading it out evenly to create the base of your pie.
- Garnish and Chill: Top the pie with a layer of whipped topping, then sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candy over the top for added texture and flavor. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours or until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Use pure peppermint flavoring for a more authentic peppermint taste.
- Red food coloring can be adjusted or omitted if you prefer a natural look.
- Chilling the pie for at least 1 hour helps it set properly for easy slicing.
- Substitute the Oreo crust with a graham cracker crust for a different texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ pie)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
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