Description
This No-Bake Candy Cane Pie is a festive and creamy holiday dessert featuring a smooth peppermint-flavored cream cheese filling with crushed candy canes for a delightful crunch. It’s set in a pre-made graham cracker crust and topped with whipped cream, extra crushed candy canes, and optional mini marshmallows for added texture and color. Perfect for a quick and easy holiday treat that requires no oven baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (reserve some for topping)
Toppings
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for topping)
- Red food coloring (optional, for a festive touch)
- Additional crushed candy canes (reserved for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Whip the cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring to achieve a festive pink hue and gently fold it in.
- Combine peppermint and crushed candy canes: Stir the peppermint extract into the cream cheese mixture. Then gently fold in the whipped cream and crushed candy canes, reserving some candy canes for topping. Mix until the filling is well incorporated and fluffy.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the filling into the pre-made graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until firm and set.
- Add toppings: Before serving, garnish the pie with whipped cream, the reserved crushed candy canes, and optional mini marshmallows for a festive presentation.
- Serve: Slice into 8 servings and enjoy the creamy, peppermint-flavored treat!
Notes
- For an extra festive look, add a few drops of red food coloring to the whipped cream before folding it into the filling to create a peppermint swirl effect.
- Mini marshmallows add a nice texture contrast but are optional.
- Use candy canes crushed by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and gently crushing with a rolling pin or heavy pan.
- The pie needs at least 4 hours to set properly in the refrigerator so plan ahead.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the graham cracker crust is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
