There’s nothing quite like the crisp, refreshing taste of mint waving hello to sweet, creamy goodness — and that’s exactly what makes this No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe a holiday hero. It’s creamy, minty, and super simple to put together without ever turning on your oven!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe has been my quick go-to whenever I want a festive dessert that's fuss-free but still packs that cool peppermint punch. I love sharing it with friends during the holidays — it always earns compliments and (more importantly) eager seconds.
- Effortless preparation: No baking means less waiting and no oven stress, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
- Festive peppermint flavor: The combination of peppermint extract and crushed candy makes every bite feel like a winter wonderland.
- Rich, creamy texture: The cream cheese and whipped cream blend light but indulgent, creating a smooth filling that melts on your tongue.
- Pretty and customizable: Whether you sprinkle crushed peppermint on top or swirl in some red food coloring (like I do), it’s a joy to both make and serve.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe plays its part to create that signature cool bite and creamy texture. Plus, shopping for these components is straightforward — just make sure your cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps!
- Oreo pie crust: Adds chocolatey crunch and a sturdy base without the hassle of making your own crust.
- Cream cheese: Brings richness and tang to balance the sweetness, but make sure it’s softened so it blends smoothly.
- Powdered sugar: Gives sweetness without grittiness, perfect for silky filling.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, it lightens the filling and adds luxurious texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor.
- Peppermint extract: The star of the show — use a good-quality extract for true mint flavor.
- Crushed peppermint candy: Adds bursts of crunch and festive flair inside the filling and on top.
- Red food coloring: Optional, but it gives your pie that charming holiday hue that makes it pop.
- Whipped topping (Cool Whip): Used as a light, fluffy garnish, it finishes the pie beautifully.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. You can dial up the peppermint for an extra cooling sensation or try different crusts — even graham cracker if Oreo isn’t your thing.
- Variation: I once swapped out the peppermint extract for chocolate mint, which gave the pie a softer mint profile. It was a hit with guests who like subtlety over the boldness of straight peppermint!
- Diet-friendly tweak: Use a sugar-free whipped topping and powdered sugar substitute to lighten it up without losing charm.
- Seasonal change: Around Valentine’s Day, I mix in some crushed candy canes with dried raspberries on top to add that hint of tartness and pink fun.
Step-by-Step: How I Make No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Heavy Cream to Perfection
Starting with your heavy cream, make sure it’s cold — it whips up faster and with better volume. Beat it in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift your whisk, the cream holds sharp peaks without falling over. Don’t rush this step; properly whipped cream is the key to a light, fluffy pie filling.
Step 2: Smooth the Cream Cheese Mixture
Next, soften your cream cheese perfectly — I usually leave mine out for about an hour before mixing. Beat it together with the powdered sugar until silky smooth, then stir in the vanilla, peppermint flavoring, and red food coloring until the color is even. Finally, fold in the crushed peppermint candy for that delightful crunch surprise.
Step 3: Combine and Blend Gently
Carefully fold the cream cheese mixture into your whipped cream on low speed to keep the fluffiness. Overmixing here can deflate your cream, leading to a denser pie. Aim for a smooth, airy, and evenly mixed filling that will sit perfectly atop the crust.
Step 4: Fill the Oreo Crust
Pour your combined filling into the Oreo crust, gently spreading it out with a spatula. This crust saves so much time while adding a wonderful chocolate undertone that perfectly offsets the peppermint. Smooth the top to prepare for the final garnish step.
Step 5: Top, Chill, and Serve
Slather the top with your whipped topping — I love using Cool Whip because it holds up well and tastes deliciously light. Sprinkle a generous handful of crushed peppermint candies on top for texture and that extra festive feel. Chill the pie for at least 1-2 hours to let it set up nicely before slicing.
Top Tip
From my experience making this No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe multiple times, paying attention to texture makes all the difference. Here are some tips I learned that always deliver great results:
- Softened Cream Cheese: Never skip this step — cold cream cheese creates lumps. Set it out at least an hour before mixing for the smoothest filling.
- Whip the Cream Properly: Beat the heavy cream just until stiff peaks, or your filling won’t be as light and airy.
- Gentle Folding: Use a mixer on low or fold by hand gently to combine mixtures so you don't lose volume.
- Chill Time: Don’t rush chilling — 1-2 hours helps the pie set and intensifies flavor.
How to Serve No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I always go for extra crushed peppermint candies on top — it looks gorgeous and adds that satisfying crunch. Sometimes I’ll toss on a few mini chocolate chips for a surprise texture. Fresh mint leaves can add an elegant touch if you want to get a bit fancy!
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or a classic hot chocolate. If you’re turning it into a full holiday dessert spread, I like serving it alongside simple sugar cookies or a mini fruit salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve served this No Bake Peppermint Pie in individual clear glasses for a fancy layered effect — just crush some Oreos for the bottom, add filling, and top with whipped cream and peppermint garnish. It’s fun, portable, and looks like dessert magic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or a pie dome in the fridge — this pie holds up well for 3-4 days. The peppermint flavor actually seems to mellow and deepen nicely after a day, so sometimes it tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
While I haven’t frozen the entire pie, I’ve frozen individual slices wrapped tightly in foil and placed in freezer bags. When thawed overnight in the fridge, they keep the great flavor though the texture can be a bit softer. It’s a great option to extend your peppermint pie enjoyment.
Reheating
This pie is best enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t really necessary. Just let frozen slices thaw in the refrigerator and enjoy them chilled or at room temperature for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! If peppermint isn’t your favorite, you can substitute with vanilla extract or even almond extract for a different but delicious twist. Just remember the crushed peppermint candies add some mint flavor and texture, so you might want to omit them or replace with finely chopped nuts instead.
No worries! You can make your own by crushing Oreos and mixing with melted butter, pressing it firmly into a pie pan. Alternatively, graham cracker or chocolate cookie crusts work well too and bring their own pleasant flavors.
You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and coconut-based whipped topping alternatives, plus a suitable non-dairy heavy cream substitute like coconut cream. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, so it’s good to try a small test batch first.
Stored properly covered, this pie will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. After that, the crust might start to soften, and the filling can lose its texture, so enjoying it within this timeframe is best.
Final Thoughts
This No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe holds a special place for me — it’s an easy, cheerful dessert that’s saved me during holiday rushes more times than I can count. I’m confident once you try it, you’ll keep it as a staple too. Go ahead, whip one up and watch how this refreshing, creamy delight becomes your new seasonal favorite!
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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
Description
A festive no-bake Christmas Peppermint Pie featuring a creamy peppermint-flavored filling in a crunchy Oreo crust, topped with whipped topping and crushed peppermint candy for a refreshing holiday dessert.
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 food coloring, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the cream cheese and powdered sugar mixture. Mix until the color is uniform and well combined. Finally, fold in ½ cup of 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 they are thoroughly combined, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Fill the Oreo Crust: Pour the combined mixture into the Oreo crust, spreading it out evenly. This will serve as the base of your pie.
- Garnish and Chill: Top the pie with a layer of Cool Whip, then sprinkle crushed peppermint over the top for added texture and flavor. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or until ready to serve.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- You can substitute the Oreos with a homemade chocolate cookie crust if preferred.
- Use a hand or stand mixer for best whipping results to get stiff peaks in the heavy cream.
- For a more vibrant red color, add up to a few more drops of food coloring as needed.
- This pie is best served chilled and consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ pie)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
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