No Bake Peppermint Pie

This no bake peppermint pie combines a dark chocolate cookie crust with a light, fluffy filling. The filling uses a base of whipped cream and cream cheese, flavored with peppermint extract and studded with chopped peppermint candies.

It takes under an hour of active preparation before moving to the refrigerator to set. The pie needs at least four hours to chill, making it a good dessert to assemble a day ahead of time.

Why will you love No Bake Peppermint Pie?

Whipping the heavy cream separately before folding it into the cream cheese keeps the filling airy and light.

Adding some of the chopped candies directly into the crust mixture ties the peppermint flavor through the entire dessert.

Using a springform pan makes it easy to remove the sides for clean, even slices.

No Bake Peppermint Pie Ingredients

• Chocolate sandwich cookies: Leave the cream filling inside the cookies when you crush them. The filling helps bind the crust together.

• Heavy cream: The cream must be very cold to whip properly and form stiff peaks.

• Cream cheese: Choose full-fat block cream cheese rather than a tub of cream cheese spread. The block style sets up much firmer.

• Peppermint extract: A little goes a long way. Measure carefully so the mint flavor does not overpower the cream cheese.

• Food coloring: Liquid or gel food coloring works. You only need a few drops to achieve a light pink color.

Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.

How to Make No Bake Peppermint Pie

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Mix the crushed cookies with a portion of the chopped candies and the melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan and chill it so the butter hardens and sets the crust.

Step 2: Whip the heavy cream

Beat the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Keep this whipped cream in the refrigerator to stay cold while you prepare the rest of the filling.

Step 3: Mix the cream cheese filling

Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then blend in the powdered sugar, extracts, and food coloring. Gently fold in the chilled whipped cream and another portion of the chopped candies until the mixture is uniform.

Step 4: Assemble and chill

Spread the pink peppermint filling over the chilled cookie crust. Top with the remaining chopped candies and refrigerate for at least four hours to allow the filling to firm up.

What to Serve with No Bake Peppermint Pie

Serve cold straight from the refrigerator with an extra dollop of whipped cream and a hot cup of coffee or cocoa.

Helpful Tricks for No Bake Peppermint Pie

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps in the filling.

Using a food processor is the quickest way to crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs.

If you cannot find candy cane kisses, you can substitute chopped white chocolate and crushed candy canes.

How to Store and Freeze No Bake Peppermint Pie

Store leftover pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the pie for up to 2 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe FAQs

Can I use a pre-made cookie crust?

Yes. A store-bought chocolate cookie crust will save time, though it will not have the chopped candies mixed into the base.

Why is my pie filling runny?

This usually happens if the heavy cream was not whipped to stiff peaks, or if the cream cheese was too warm and soft. Ensure the pie chills for the full four hours.

Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?

Peppermint oil is much stronger than extract. If you use oil, start with just a drop or two and taste the filling before adding more.

No Bake Peppermint Pie

A chilled dessert with a crushed chocolate sandwich cookie crust and a fluffy cream cheese filling flavored with peppermint extract and candy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Ingredients

  

• 10 ounces peppermint chocolate candies (like Candy Cane Kisses) unwrapped, chopped, and divided, 283g
• 18 chocolate sandwich cookies crushed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted, 57g
• 1 cup heavy cream cold, 240ml
• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature, 227g
• 1 cup powdered sugar 120g
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 to 3 drops red food coloring optional

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, combine the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and 1/4 cup of the chopped peppermint candies.
• Pour the melted butter over the cookie mixture and stir until evenly coated.
• Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
• In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes. Place the whipped cream in the refrigerator.
• In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth.
• Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the powdered sugar. Once incorporated, increase the speed to medium and beat until smooth.
• Add the vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and food coloring, if using. Mix until the color is even.
• Use a spatula to gently fold the chilled whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain. Fold in 2/3 cup of the remaining chopped peppermint candies.
• Spread the filling evenly over the chilled crust. Sprinkle the remaining chopped candies on top.
• Cover tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before slicing and serving.

Notes

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps in the filling.

Using a food processor is the quickest way to crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs.

If you cannot find candy cane kisses, you can substitute chopped white chocolate and crushed candy canes.

Keyword Christmas dessert, holiday pie, no bake peppermint pie, no bake pie, peppermint dessert