Description
This Candy Cane Pie, also known as Peppermint Pie, is a delightful no-bake dessert perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a refreshing minty treat. It features a creamy, peppermint-infused filling nestled in a chocolate Oreo crust, topped with Cool Whip and crushed candy canes. It’s easy to make, requires no baking, and is always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 1 Oreo pie crust
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 10 drops red food coloring
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ cup peppermint candy canes or mints, crushed
- 1 tub Cool Whip
- Crushed peppermint candy, for decoration
Preparation:
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, cream together the powdered sugar and cream cheese until smooth.
- Step 3: Add the red food coloring, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until the color is uniform.
- Step 4: Mix in the ½ cup of crushed peppermint candy canes or mints with the cream cheese mixture.
- Step 5: Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the bowl of whipped heavy cream. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Step 6: Pour the peppermint cream mixture into the Oreo pie crust.
- Step 7: Top the pie with Cool Whip and sprinkle generously with crushed peppermint candy.
- Step 8: Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until ready to serve. This allows the filling to set properly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- No-Bake: It is super simple to put together and requires no oven time, making it perfect for busy days or warm weather.
- Festive and Fun: The bright red color and peppermint flavor make it an ideal dessert for the holidays.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves the combination of chocolate, mint, and creamy filling.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your preferences – use different crusts, add chocolate chips, or adjust the amount of peppermint extract to your liking.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled, straight from the refrigerator.
- Garnish with extra crushed peppermint candy or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with a warm mug of hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy treat.
Tips:
- Crushing Peppermint: The easiest way to crush peppermint candy canes is to use a food processor and pulse until they are the desired consistency. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or mallet.
- Clean Slices: To get clean slices, dip a serrated knife into hot water before cutting. Wipe the knife clean between each slice.
- Softening Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Peppermint Extract: Be careful not to add too much peppermint extract, as it can overpower the flavor. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to your taste.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1-2 hours
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving
- Protein: 4-6 grams per serving
- Sodium: 200-300mg per serving
Conclusion:
This Candy Cane Pie recipe is a simple yet impressive dessert that is sure to become a family favorite. Its creamy texture, refreshing peppermint flavor, and festive appearance make it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different type of crust?
- Yes, you can use a graham cracker crust or a chocolate cookie crust instead of an Oreo crust.
- Can I make this pie ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make this pie a day or two in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze this pie?
- Freezing is not recommended, as the Cool Whip may lose its texture and become grainy.
- Can I use fresh mint instead of peppermint extract?
- While you could try, peppermint extract provides a more concentrated and consistent peppermint flavor.
- Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?
- Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips would complement the peppermint flavor nicely.
