No-Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe

Once December hits, it's all about classic holiday flavors. And around here that means peppermint. There's just something so perfect about enjoying a peppermint candy cane when the snow starts to fall. Plus, the flavor of peppermint can be added to so many different sweet treats to enhance their flavor.

Peppermint is the ideal addition to a big mug of hot chocolate, festive holiday brownies, and, of course, it can be utilized to make delicious peppermint bark to enjoy or give as gifts for the season. Peppermint pairs well with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and anything in between, which is why we chose to pair chocolate and peppermint together for this festive recipe. 

This no-bake peppermint pie takes candy canes to a whole new level. With a chocolate cookie crust and a fluffy, minty filling, this quick and easy dessert is ready to party for the holidays in no time. And the best part? You don't even have to turn on your oven to pull it off.

Is there anything more wonderful than being able to put together an impressive dessert in a matter of minutes, without turning on the oven? Yes, it's made even better when the recipe only calls for a few simple ingredients. Each ingredient utilized in this no-bake peppermint pie recipe is easy-to-find in any store.

To make a no-bake peppermint pie, you'll need one 8-ounce brick of cream cheese. Be sure to let the cream cheese sit out on the counter before using it so it's softened. You'll also need sugar, peppermint extract, peppermint candy canes, and whipped cream. For the whipped cream, you can choose to make your own homemade whipped cream by using heavy whipping cream, or you can use a store-bought whipped topping option.

To make your own homemade chocolate cookie crust for this pie, you'll need Oreo cookies and melted unsalted butter.

This recipe utilizes a chocolate cookie crust made out of Oreo cookies. The combination of the deep chocolate flavor and the refreshing peppermint is delicious. However, you could certainly swap out the crust flavor if chocolate isn't your thing.

A homemade crust can be made for this no-bake peppermint pie by using Nilla Wafers instead of Oreo cookies for a vanilla crust. A crust can be made out of crushed graham crackers as well for a more classic flavor. For die-hard peppermint lovers, peppermint extract could be added to the Oreo cookie crust for an even stronger mint flavor if desired.

Making your own homemade crust for this recipe is simple, but if you'd rather skip that step, feel free. You can purchase a pre-made graham cracker or chocolate cookie crust at most grocery stores in the baking aisle.

One of the key parts to the delicious flavor of this no-bake peppermint pie is the chocolate crust. Chocolate and mint are the perfect flavor combination, and this captures that beautifully.

To make your Oreo cookie crust, start by crushing up the Oreo cookies. Put the cookies in a food processor and pulse until they break apart into fine crumbs. If you don't have a food processor, you can put the Oreo cookies in a plastic storage bag with a zipper and use a rolling pin to crush the cookies.

Melt the butter for your crust and allow it to cool slightly. Once the Oreo cookie crumbs and butter are ready, mix them together in a large bowl. Use a fork to mix and continue mixing until the melted butter is fully incorporated and clumps begin to form. Once your mixture is ready, press it into a pie plate, and then put your crust in the freezer to set while you make the filling.

To be sure your no-bake peppermint pie is full of minty flavor, you'll want to crush up your peppermint candy canes before adding them into the pie. Crushing them into fine pieces will bring out the peppermint flavor ever more.

Put the candy canes in a food processor and pulse the candy until they break up into fine pieces. If you don't have a food processor, you can use a similar method as crushing the Oreo cookies for the crust. Put the candy canes in a plastic storage bag with a zipper and use a rolling pin to crush the peppermint. Be sure to really crush the candy canes into fine pieces so you're not adding large, crunchy pieces to your pie. 

If you don't have candy canes on hand, you can opt for another type of peppermint candy. Using round peppermint candies will work just as well for this peppermint pie recipe.

Making homemade whipped cream is as easy as can be. Plus, it adds such a nice, creamy texture to this no-bake peppermint pie.

To make homemade whipped cream, pour heavy whipping cream in the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the whisk attachment. Turn the mixer to medium and whip the cream. Allow the cream to whip in the mixer for five to seven minutes until peaks begin to form. Once peaks begin to form, you'll know your whipped cream is ready and you can turn off your mixer. 

If you don't have access to a stand mixer, you can certainly use a hand mixer to make homemade whipped cream. If you're feeling really ambitious, you can use a whisk and a bowl to make homemade whipped cream. Or, you can skip all of that and choose to just purchase whipped cream or a store-bought whipped topping option to use as a substitute in this recipe.

Once your candy canes are crushed, and your whipped cream is ready, it's time to put your filling together for your pie. In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, add the softened cream cheese. Turn your mixer on medium and begin to whip the cream cheese. Add in the sugar and mix well. Then, add in the peppermint extract and crushed peppermint candy canes and mix well.

If you don't have a stand mixer, you can still make this recipe using a large bowl and wooden spoon or spatula. If your cream cheese is soft enough and has been sitting at room temperature, it will be easy enough to mix with the sugar and crushed candy canes.

Lastly, mix in the whipped cream gently. Mix on low and turn your mixer off when the whipped cream is just incorporated into the filling.

Once your crust is set and your filling is prepared, it's time to assemble your no-bake peppermint pie. Use a measuring spoon or another type of scoop to put the filling into the crust. Use a flat spatula to smooth the top of your pie. Once your pie is assembled, place it in the fridge, uncovered, to set for two to three hours.

This is definitely the hard part as you have to wait a few hours before you can enjoy your peppermint pie. But trust us, it's worth the wait!

Once your pie is chilled and set, remove it from the fridge. You can decorate the top with additional whipped cream, or you can sprinkle the top with extra crushed Oreo cookies or peppermint candy canes. When you're ready to dig in, slice your pie with a sharp knife. Wipe or rinse the knife between slices for easier cutting.