Jolly Holiday Candy Cane Pie Recipe: A Sweet Frosty Treat

Sweet holiday desserts often spark joy, and this candy cane pie recipe delivers delightful winter magic straight to your table.

Swirling with festive candy cane flavor, the pie becomes an instant crowd-pleaser at seasonal gatherings.

Rich creamy layers blend smooth chocolate and refreshing peppermint into a decadent treat.

Delicate chocolate cookie crust provides the perfect foundation for this elegant dessert.

Cold and silky, each slice promises a delectable journey through classic holiday flavors.

The combination of smooth textures and cool peppermint creates a memorable winter indulgence.

Prepare to wow everyone with this simple yet stunning dessert that celebrates the spirit of the season.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

You can substitute chocolate cookie crumbs with graham crackers or oreo cookies for a similar texture and flavor profile.

• How do I crush candy canes without making a mess?

Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them using a rolling pin or the back of a spoon to prevent scattering.

• Is it possible to make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie up to 2-3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve, which makes it perfect for holiday gatherings.

• What if I don't have peppermint extract?

You can substitute with mint extract or use the natural flavor from crushed candy canes, though the mint intensity will be slightly less pronounced.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 8

Candy Cane Pie Ingredient List

• Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: Provide a rich, chocolatey base with deep flavor and crumbly texture, choose dark chocolate cookies for intense taste.
• Melted Butter: Binds the crust together, creates a smooth and cohesive foundation, use unsalted butter for better control of sweetness.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy foundation for the pie, select full-fat cream cheese for richest consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the filling, ensures silky texture without graininess.
• Peppermint Extract: Delivers bold, refreshing mint flavor, choose pure extract for most authentic taste.

• Candy Canes: Adds festive crunch and classic holiday peppermint flavor, crush into fine and chunky pieces for varied texture.
• Whipped Topping: Provides light, airy layer and creamy finish, can substitute with homemade whipped cream for fresher taste.

Tools for Whipping Up This No-Bake Holiday Dessert

• Mixing Bowl (medium): Perfect for combining cookie crumbs and butter for the crust.
• 9-inch Pie Pan: Ideal for creating and setting the chocolate cookie crust.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for blending cream cheese, sugar, and filling ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: Helps beat cream cheese and create smooth, creamy texture.
• Spatula: Crucial for spreading filling evenly and smoothing the top of the pie.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Knife or Food Processor: Helpful for crushing candy canes into small pieces.
• Piping Bag (optional): Great for decorating the pie with whipped topping.

Chill a Minty Pie With Creamy Texture

• Crush Cookie Foundation

Smash chocolate cookies into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter. Press mixture firmly into pie pan, creating a solid base that hugs the edges. Pop into refrigerator to firm up quickly.

• Whip Creamy Filling

Blend cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Fold in zesty peppermint extract and sprinkle crushed candy canes throughout. Gently mix in fluffy whipped topping until perfectly combined.

• Create Delicious Layer

Pour creamy mixture into chilled crust, spreading evenly with smooth, gentle strokes.

• Festive Decoration

Top pie with swirls of whipped cream. Scatter crushed candy cane pieces across surface for a playful, holiday-inspired look.

• Chill and Enjoy

Refrigerate pie for at least two hours until filling sets completely. Slice and serve cold, delighting friends and family with this minty sweet treat.

Tips to Keep the Crust from Getting Soft

• Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to ensure the filling sets completely and develops a rich, creamy texture that's easy to slice.
• Crush candy canes by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and gently crushing with a rolling pin for uniform, fine pieces that distribute evenly.
• Swap chocolate cookie crumbs with gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs or ground gluten-free graham crackers to make the entire dessert celiac-friendly.
• Adjust peppermint extract to taste – start with less and add gradually to prevent overwhelming the delicate cream cheese base. For a milder mint flavor, use half the recommended amount.
• This pie can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, making it perfect for holiday entertaining. Keep covered in the refrigerator and add fresh candy cane topping just before serving for maximum crunch and visual appeal.

Serve With Extra Candy Crumble on Top

• Festive Dessert Companion: Pair this no-bake candy cane pie with a warm mug of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows for a cozy winter treat.
• Holiday Party Centerpiece: Showcase the pie on a decorative holiday platter surrounded by fresh mint leaves and extra candy cane pieces for a stunning dessert presentation.
• Elegant Flavor Boost: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over each slice or add a dollop of whipped cream with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint for an extra indulgent touch.
• Seasonal Serving Style: Cut into small bite-sized squares for a holiday party dessert tray, making it easy for guests to enjoy without utensils.

Store in the Fridge for a Chilled Slice

• Refrigerate pie immediately after assembling to help filling firm up and maintain perfect texture. Best results require minimum 2-3 hours of cooling time.
• Can be frozen whole or in slices for up to 3 weeks. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and maintain fresh flavor.
• Cut pie into clean slices before freezing individual portions. Place separated slices on parchment paper inside sealed container for easy grab-and-go dessert options.
• Enjoy refrigerated pie within 5-7 days for optimal taste and quality. Store covered with plastic wrap or in airtight container to prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.

Festive Candy Cane Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Classic no-bake candy cane pie delights winter dessert enthusiasts with creamy peppermint goodness. Crushed candy canes and silky filling create a festive treat you’ll savor during holiday celebrations.

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Ingredients

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• 1 (8 oz / 226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreo, finely crushed)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup whipped topping (additional, for garnish)
• Crushed candy canes or peppermint pieces

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize chocolate cookies and meld with melted butter, creating a cohesive mixture that will form the pie’s foundation.
2. Crust Molding: Press the crumb mixture into a 9-inch pie pan, ensuring complete coverage along bottom and sides with consistent pressure, then refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to stabilize.
3. Cream Cheese Blend: Whip cream cheese and powdered sugar until achieving a velvety smooth texture, then introduce peppermint extract for a vibrant, refreshing essence.
4. Filling Assembly: Fold in whipped topping and crushed candy canes, gently incorporating ingredients to maintain an airy, light consistency without deflating the mixture.
5. Pie Construction: Carefully spread the peppermint-infused filling into the chilled chocolate cookie crust, creating an even, elegant surface.
6. Decoration and Chilling: Adorn the pie with additional whipped topping and a lavish sprinkle of crushed candy canes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to harmonize and filling to set completely.
7. Serving: Present the chilled pie, revealing a decadent no-bake dessert that captures the festive spirit of the holiday season.

Notes

Prevent Crumbly Crust: Press cookie crumbs firmly and evenly into the pan, using the back of a spoon or measuring cup to create a compact, stable base that holds together when sliced.

Manage Candy Cane Texture: Crush candy canes into fine, consistent pieces to prevent large, hard chunks disrupting the smooth pie filling and ensure even flavor distribution.

Control Peppermint Intensity: Add peppermint extract gradually, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance without overwhelming the delicate cream cheese base.

Achieve Optimal Chilling: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight for the most stable set and deepest flavor melding, ensuring a firm yet creamy texture that slices cleanly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg