Candy Cane Pie (No Bake Recipe)
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This No Bake Candy Cane Pie is a show stopping Christmas dessert. It’s easy to make, looks pretty on your holiday dessert table and the taste of the peppermint filling is refreshing (but not overpowering).
You’ve got the Christmas tree up and decorated, presents are on the way and now it’s time to make a few holiday treats. This peppermint pie has been in my recipe box for a long time and it remains a favorite because it’s so easy to prepare and it tastes fantastic!
We’re sharing tips to help you get the best results with this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and a printable recipe card.
Family and friends request this holiday dessert every year. And with it being so popular, I figured it was worthy enough to share.
Many people run at the thought of mint, because it can be overpowering and super rich. You won’t have that problem with this pie. I’ve perfected this no bake pie recipe so the peppermint is just enough. And the cookie crust adds a nice crunch and rich flavor to balance out the flavors and textures.
If you love no bake desserts as much as I do, be sure to check out chocolate covered cookie dough bites, haystack cookies, and peanut butter squares.
And if you’re looking for more Christmas fun we’ve got 10 Fun Family Christmas Party Ideas that you won’t want to miss!
Candy Cane Pie Ingredients
- Sandwich cookies – you’ll need Oreos or a similar chocolate sandwich cookie
- Butter – use real butter for best results
- Milk – I have only made this recipe with whole milk, but 2% should work well here. If you try a different milk I’d love to hear your results.
- White chocolate pudding mix – we’re using the instant kind here.
- Red food coloring – this is optional but it does give your pie a festive look. If you’re concerned about the dyes in standard food coloring, try these plant-based food dyes.
- Whipped topping – needs to be thawed (I usually thaw overnight in the refrigerator).
- Peppermint extract -where we get the minty flavor
- Candy canes – for decoration but also adds a crunchy texture
Get the complete ingredients & directions in the recipe card below.
How to Make the Candy Cane Pie Recipe
Chocolate Cookie Crust Directions
Use a blender or food processor to grind the sandwich cookies into fine crumbs. Add the melted butter to the cookie crumbs.
Transfer crumb mixture to a pie plate and press firmly to make the crust then chill in the refrigerator.
Creamy Peppermint Filling Directions
Combine the pudding mix and milk until there aren’t any lumps, then add the extract and food coloring.
Add half of the Cool Whip and gently fold until it’s fully incorporated.
Transfer the peppermint filling to the chocolate crust then chill until set. When you’re ready to serve, top with the remaining whipped topping and crushed candy canes.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Use chocolate pudding mix instead of white chocolate.
- Use graham crackers instead of Oreos for the cookie crust.
- Substitute spearmint for peppermint flavor.
- Garnish ideas: sprinkle mini chocolate chips, chocolate shavings or leftover Oreo cookie crumbs on top.
How to Store Leftover Candy Cane Pie
This pie tastes best the day you prepare it, but you can store Candy Cane Pie in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to wrap it loosely in plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Only if you bring us some 🙂 If you’re using homemade whipped cream you will need about 2 cups. Keep in mind the pie won’t keep as long if you’re using fresh whipped cream, so it’s best to prepare the pie the same day you’ll be serving it.
Can you make peppermint pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! We recommend making it no more than one day in advance and decorating it right before serving for best results.
Is it okay to use a store bought crust?
Yes! There’s a nice variety of pre-made crusts on the market so this is a great time-saving tip if you are in a pinch.
What’s the easiest way to crush peppermint candies?
Use a food processor or blender – you won’t get sticky and the smaller pieces are a nice garnish to the top of the pie. Or you can find crushed peppermint candies at some stores.
More Easy Holiday Dessert Recipes:
- Gingerbread Blondies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Grinch Cupcakes
- No Churn Gingerbread Ice Cream
- Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This recipe was originally published 12/3/20.
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Candy Cane Pie
Ingredients
Crust
- 24 chocolate sandwich cookies, (aka Oreos)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 2 cups cold whole milk
- 2 boxes instant white chocolate pudding mix, 3.3 ounces each
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 4-6 drops red food coloring, optional
- 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed, divided use
Decorations
- candy canes, optional
Instructions
Make the Crust
- Add the sandwich cookies to a food processor or blender and grind into fine crumbs.24 chocolate sandwich cookies
- Combine melted butter and cookie crumbs in a large bowl & stir until well combined.5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Firmly press crumb mixture into a pie plate.
- Chill the crust in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, beat or whisk together milk and pudding mix until smooth.2 cups cold whole milk, 2 boxes instant white chocolate pudding mix
- Stir in peppermint extract and food coloring (if using).½ teaspoon peppermint extract, 4-6 drops red food coloring
- Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping.8 ounces whipped topping
- Spoon filling into prepared crust.
- Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
- Top with remaining whipped topping and decorate as desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use a store-bought crust if you’re short on time.
- Homemade whipped cream can be substituted for the whipped topping, but the pie will only keep for a day.
- Loosely cover leftovers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Nutritional information does not include optional ingredients.
Nutritional Estimate
Nutritional information is provided as a reference, using an online calculator. We recommend verifying the information independently for accuracy.
