There’s something so magical about a creamy, minty dessert, especially when it’s fast and fuss-free. This No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe perfectly balances cool peppermint flavor with a luscious texture—making it a standout for any holiday or winter gathering.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this pie a dozen times around the holidays, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The best part? You don’t need to turn on your oven, which makes it super simple—and it still feels so festive and indulgent.
- Effortless Prep: You just whip, fold, and chill—no baking required, saving you time and heat in the kitchen.
- Minty Fresh Flavor: The combination of crushed peppermint candy and peppermint extract gives this pie a refreshing punch that’s totally addictive.
- Perfect Texture: Creamy, fluffy filling paired with a crunchy Oreo crust—my go-to combo that hits all the right spots.
- Customizable Garnish: You can dress it up easily with extra crushed peppermint or whipped cream to suit your vibe.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient here pulls its weight, creating a pie that's creamy, minty, and just sweet enough without being overwhelming. Plus, the Oreo crust adds that perfect chocolate hint in the background.
- Oreo Pie Crust: The chocolatey, slightly salty base complements the mint beautifully and saves you from baking a crust.
- Cream Cheese: Brings richness and helps the filling set up nicely without being runny.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and adds smooth texture to the cream cheese mixture.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm hint that balances the peppermint.
- Peppermint Extract: Packs in the intense peppermint flavor that makes this pie stand out.
- Crushed Peppermint Candy: Adds festive crunch and bursts of mint throughout the filling and garnish.
- Red Food Coloring: Just a splash for that cheerful holiday tint—totally optional if you prefer natural colors.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it lightens the filling, making it fluffy and dreamy.
- Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip): Provides a light, sweet blanket on top, plus a nice canvas for extra peppermint garnish.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this pie depending on the occasion. Sometimes I go heavy on the peppermint candies for extra crunch, or swap the Oreo crust for a graham cracker crust if I want a milder chocolate note. Feel free to make it your own!
- Variation: For a lighter twist, you can substitute half the cream cheese with mascarpone cheese—I tried it once, and it made the filling silkier and less tangy, which my guests really enjoyed.
- Dietary Modifications: Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping to make this pie vegan-friendly without losing much creaminess.
- Seasonal Change: Swap peppermint extract for orange or almond extract to experiment outside of winter holidays.
Step-by-Step: How I Make No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Heavy Cream to Stiff Peaks
Start with chilled heavy whipping cream and a cold bowl—trust me on this! Whip on medium-high speed until you see stiff peaks that stand tall without drooping. This is key for a fluffy pie texture that holds its shape and doesn’t collapse when folded with the cream cheese mixture.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until you get a smooth, velvety base. Then add vanilla, peppermint extract, and a few drops of red food coloring for that festive pop. Fold in half a cup of crushed peppermint candies to add subtle crunch throughout the pie. It’s easiest to fold gently by hand here to keep the texture light.
Step 3: Combine the Mixtures Gently
Toss the cream cheese mixture into your whipped cream bowl. Use your mixer on low speed or fold with a spatula until everything is just blended together. Don’t overmix—it’ll deflate the whipped cream, and then you’ll lose that airy texture we’re aiming for.
Step 4: Fill the Oreo Crust
Pour the combined filling into your pre-made Oreo pie crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. This crust adds the perfect chocolatey crunch that contrasts with the soft peppermint filling. No need to bake; this is where the “no bake” magic happens.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill
Slather a thick layer of thawed whipped topping over the surface of the pie. Then sprinkle a generous handful of crushed peppermint candy on top for festive flair and texture. Pop your pie in the fridge for at least one hour—two is even better for flavors to meld and the filling to fully set. Patience here totally pays off.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this recipe foolproof and scrumptious every single time—I’m excited to share these with you so you can skip the trial and error!
- Chill Everything: Always use cold heavy cream and a chilled bowl for whipping; it whips faster and reaches stiffer peaks.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese sit out to room temp at least 30 minutes; this ensures a creamy, lump-free filling.
- Fold Gently: When combining whipped cream with cream cheese, use a spatula and fold carefully to maintain fluffiness—don’t overmix!
- Sweetness Check: Taste your filling before adding to the crust—you can adjust powdered sugar or peppermint extract slightly to match your sweetness preference.
How to Serve No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top mine with a thick dollop of whipped cream and a generous sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies—it adds that satisfying crunch and looks so festive on the table. Sometimes I add mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a bit of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with hot drinks like peppermint tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. I like serving it alongside a light plate of fresh berries or citrus segments to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I sometimes divide the filling into individual clear cups, layering peppermint candy and whipped topping for a festive parfait-style treat. Another favorite is decorating the top with whole peppermint sticks or crushed candy canes arranged in a pretty pattern.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated. I find it holds up very well for 3-4 days, perfect for enjoying leftovers without worry about drying out or losing flavor.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this pie a couple of times wrapped securely in foil and plastic wrap. It’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to keep the texture creamy and avoid ice crystals.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. Just let it sit a few minutes at room temperature if it’s too cold straight from the fridge to let flavors shine through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! In fact, letting it chill for a few hours or overnight helps the flavors meld and the filling to set properly.
You can use a graham cracker crust or even a chocolate cookie crust if you want a different flavor and texture. Both work beautifully for this pie.
Yes! The red food coloring adds a festive look but doesn’t affect the taste. Feel free to skip it if you prefer a natural color.
The key is whipping your heavy cream to stiff peaks and folding it gently into the cream cheese mixture without overmixing. Using room temperature cream cheese also helps it blend smoothly.
Final Thoughts
This No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe has become a staple in my holiday baking lineup because it combines festive flavors with an easy, stress-free prep. I’m sure once you try it, it’ll have a special spot on your dessert table too—whether you’re serving family, friends, or just treating yourself on a cozy evening. Give it a go and enjoy every minty, creamy 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-flavored cream cheese filling in a chocolate Oreo crust, topped with whipped topping and crushed peppermint candy for a refreshing holiday treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 Oreo pie crust
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
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. Set the whipped cream aside for later use.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, cream together the powdered sugar and softened cream cheese until smooth. Then add the red food coloring, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until the color is uniform. Fold in ½ cup of crushed peppermint candy bits gently.
- Combine the Mixtures: Gently add the cream cheese mixture to the whipped heavy cream. Using a low speed on your mixer, blend the mixtures until thoroughly combined and smooth in consistency.
- Fill the Oreo Crust: Pour the combined filling into the Oreo pie crust, spreading it out evenly to form the pie base.
- Garnish and Chill: Top the pie with a layer of whipped topping, then sprinkle crushed peppermint candy over the top for garnish. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours until firm and ready to serve.
Notes
- Allow the cream cheese to soften to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother filling.
- If you prefer, substitute the peppermint flavoring with peppermint extract, adjusting quantity to taste.
- Use a store-bought Oreo pie crust to save time or make your own chocolate cookie crust from crushed cookies and melted butter.
- Chilling the pie overnight will enhance the firmness and flavor blending.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese, coconut cream, and dairy-free whipped topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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