Celebrate the festive spirit of the holidays with a creamy, peppermint-flavored Candy Cane Pie. This no-bake dessert layers rich chocolate pudding, a fluffy cream cheese mixture, and a light whipped topping on an Oreo pie crust, creating a perfect holiday treat that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye.
Ingredients
- Base:
- 1 Oreo pie crust
- Pudding Layer:
- 3.9 oz (110 g) instant chocolate pudding
- 2 cups (473 ml) milk
- Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¼ cups (150 g) powdered sugar
- ½ tsp clear vanilla extract
- 8 oz (227 g) whipped topping
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- ¾ cup (135 g) chocolate chips
- Gelatin Mixture:
- 4 tsp cold water
- 1 tsp unflavored gelatin
- Whipped Topping:
- 1 cup (237 ml) heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp clear vanilla extract
- Decoration:
- Crushed peppermints or candy cane pieces
Directions
- Pudding Layer: Whisk together chocolate pudding mix and milk. Chill in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to set.
- First Assembly: Spread the set pudding evenly over the Oreo crust. Freeze for 2 hours to firm up.
- Cream Cheese Layer: Blend cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla, and peppermint extracts until smooth. Fold in whipped topping and chocolate chips. Spread this mixture over the chilled pudding layer. Freeze for 1 hour.
- Prepare Gelatin Mixture: Combine cold water and gelatin. Let sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
- Whipped Topping: Heat the gelatin mixture slightly until dissolved. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form, then add the gelatin to stabilize. Pipe or spread onto the pie.
- Decoration: Garnish with crushed peppermint or candy cane pieces.
Tips
- Consider using crushed Andes mints for a chocolate-mint flavor twist.
- Ensure each layer is fully set before proceeding to the next to maintain distinct layers.
- Whip the cream to soft peaks—firm enough to hold shape but still soft.
FAQs
- Can I make this pie in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the pie a day ahead and keep it frozen. Just add the whipped topping and decorations before serving.
- How should I store leftovers?
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
- Is there a substitute for the Oreo crust?
- Yes, you can use a graham cracker crust or any other cookie crust if preferred.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Chill Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Total Time: About 3 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 8-10
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Conclusion
The Candy Cane Pie is the quintessential holiday dessert, combining the classic flavors of peppermint and chocolate in a delightful, easy-to-make pie. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner, this pie promises to bring holiday cheer to your table. Enjoy the process of creating this beautiful dessert and the joy it brings to those who taste it.
