There’s something undeniably magical about a peppermint dessert that feels like winter wrapped in a bite. The No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe is one of those treats that instantly brings that cozy holiday vibe, without needing an oven. It’s creamy, minty, and beautifully festive — perfect for sharing around the table.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I first tried this recipe last holiday season, and honestly, it became an instant favorite in my kitchen. It’s the kind of pie that feels fancy but comes together so easily, which is really a win in my book. Plus the peppermint flavor — that’s the star that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Quick and Easy: No need to fire up your oven, so it’s perfect when you want something festive but fuss-free.
- Festive Flavor: The peppermint and cream cheese combo gives it that refreshing holiday sparkle you don’t find everywhere.
- Versatile Presentation: Looks gorgeous topped with crushed peppermint—great for parties or just cheering up an ordinary day.
- Kid-Friendly Baking: This one’s super doable with kids—or even for a quick dessert fix when friends drop by.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe is built on a few simple ingredients that blend seamlessly for that creamy, minty magic. Each element plays its part, making sure you get the right textures and flavors without any baking stress.
- Oreo pie crust: Crunchy and chocolatey, it sets the perfect base without extra baking.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese gives you that smooth, rich filling that’s not too dense.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens gently and dissolves easily to keep the filling silky.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, it lightens the filling and adds that fluffy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth balancing the peppermint’s brightness.
- Peppermint extract: The star minty flavor, so use good quality or adjust to your taste.
- Red food color: Just a few drops to give it that pretty holiday blush.
- Crushed peppermint candy: Adds a festive crunch and extra mint bursts right inside and on top.
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): For a creamy, light finish that’s quick and easy to spread.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about the No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I usually stick close to the classic, but sometimes I like to switch up toppings or add a splash more peppermint extract if I’m feeling extra festive. You can make it your own, too!
- Variation: Try folding in mini chocolate chips for a little surprise crunch that pairs beautifully with the mint.
- Dairy-free option: Swap cream cheese and heavy cream for plant-based alternatives to keep it vegan-friendly.
- Color twists: Use green food coloring instead of red for a classic candy cane look.
Step-by-Step: How I Make No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Cream to Perfection
Start by whipping the heavy cream in a large bowl until you see stiff peaks form — that means it holds its shape when you lift the beaters. This step’s key because it gives the pie that light, airy texture. Don’t rush it! If the cream isn’t cold, it won’t whip properly. I usually chill my bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes beforehand—it makes a difference.
Step 2: Create the Cream Cheese Mixture
Next, in a separate bowl, beat together your softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and lump-free. Then add the vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and red food coloring. I like to start with 10 drops of food coloring and adjust if I want a deeper tone—remember, a little goes a long way! Finally, gently fold in half a cup of crushed peppermint candy for pops of minty crunch.
Step 3: Combine with Whipped Cream
Carefully add the cream cheese mixture to your whipped cream bowl. Use your mixer on low speed or fold gently with a spatula to blend everything without losing that fluffy texture. This stage is where the magic happens—the filling becomes silky, light, and perfect for spooning into your crust.
Step 4: Fill the Oreo Crust Smoothly
Pour your creamy filling into the Oreo crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula or back of a spoon, taking care not to press too hard, so the airy texture stays intact. At this point, it’s already looking like a dream!
Step 5: Garnish and Chill to Set
Top the pie with a smooth layer of thawed Cool Whip—or any whipped topping you like—and sprinkle more crushed peppermint candies over the top. Pop it in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours to let everything firm up and marry those flavors. The wait is totally worth it!
Top Tip
From my experience making this No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe several times, a few key tips helped make sure my pie came out perfectly every time. These little tricks really save you from common slip-ups and keep the pie fresh and pretty!
- Chill Your Ingredients: Softened cream cheese is essential, but keeping the cream cold ensures it whips up stiff without becoming buttery.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the whipped cream and cream cheese mixture, fold gently to keep your filling light and fluffy.
- Peppermint Candy Timing: Add crushed candy in two stages—half into the filling, half on top—for a consistent crunch experience.
- Use a Good Oreos Crust: Store-bought Oreo pie crusts save time and add just the right chocolatey crunch with minimal effort.
How to Serve No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this pie with extra crushed peppermint on top—it adds that gorgeous sparkle and crunch. Sometimes I add a few whole candy canes around the plate for festive flair, or a light dusting of cocoa powder to bring a hint of contrast that balances the mint. A sprig of fresh mint leaves never hurts either, especially when guests are around!
Side Dishes
For a full holiday dessert lineup, I like to serve this peppermint pie alongside simple treats like gingerbread cookies or a warm cup of hot cocoa. A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully, too — it cools down the peppermint bite and adds an extra layer of creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I sometimes serve individual portions in small clear jars or glasses, layering peppermint crumbs, pie filling, then topping with whipped cream. It’s a fun twist that makes this pie feel even more special and handy for guests to grab and enjoy without a fork.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pie keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors or drying out. The flavor actually seems to deepen overnight, so leftovers can be just as delightful as fresh.
Freezing
Freezing peppermint pie works in a pinch if you want to save it longer, but I recommend freezing before adding the Cool Whip topping. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil, and thaw in the fridge overnight when ready. The texture might soften slightly, but it’ll still taste delicious.
Reheating
No need to reheat this pie—it's best enjoyed chilled. If it’s been frozen, just let it thaw completely in the fridge for the best creamy texture before serving. Trust me, that cold, minty chill is part of what makes it so perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions:
If you don’t have an Oreo pie crust on hand, you can make your own by crushing chocolate cookies and mixing them with melted butter, then pressing the mixture into a pie pan. Alternatively, a graham cracker crust works well, though the chocolate flavor really complements the peppermint best.
Absolutely! This pie keeps well when made a day ahead — just cover it tightly and refrigerate. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier by the next day.
This recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract, which gives a noticeable but balanced mint flavor. If you love a stronger peppermint taste, feel free to add a bit more in small increments. Just be cautious—too much can be overpowering.
Yes! Use vegan cream cheese and coconut whipped cream alternatives, and make sure your crust is free of dairy (some Oreo crusts are accidentally vegan, but double-check ingredients). You can also swap powdered sugar for organic to avoid bone char processing.
Final Thoughts
Making this No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe has become a little holiday tradition for me—and honestly, it’s a joy just waiting to happen. It’s simple, festive, and hits all the right notes of flavor and texture, whether you’re serving family, friends, or even just treating yourself. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough—you’ll find it easier and more rewarding than you think, and that minty, creamy goodness is worth every bite.
Print
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 smooth peppermint cream cheese filling in an Oreo crust. Topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candy, it's a perfect holiday treat that comes together quickly without any baking.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 Oreo pie crust
For the filling:
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract (McCormick pure vanilla extract recommended)
- 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 for later use in the recipe.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, cream together the powdered sugar and softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the red food coloring, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until the color is uniform and the mixture is well combined. Fold in ½ cup of crushed peppermint candy bits gently.
- Combine the Mixtures: Gently add the cream cheese mixture to the whipped heavy cream bowl. Using a mixer on low speed, blend the two mixtures thoroughly until smooth and fully combined.
- Fill the Oreo Crust: Pour the combined peppermint cream cheese mixture into the Oreo pie crust, spreading evenly to cover the base.
- Garnish and Chill: Top the pie with a layer of thawed whipped topping, then sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top for added texture and flavor. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours until set and ready to serve.
Notes
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother filling.
- Use pure peppermint extract and crushed peppermint candy for authentic peppermint flavor.
- Allow the pie to chill long enough so it sets properly before serving.
- For extra festive color, adjust the amount of red food coloring as desired.
- If you prefer, use homemade whipped cream instead of canned whipped topping for garnish.
- This pie needs no baking, making it ideal for quick holiday desserts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ of pie)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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