It wouldn’t truly feel like Christmas without peppermint. As a child, my absolute favorite part of the holidays was the candy canes that magically appeared on our Christmas tree. The vibrant red and white stripes, the cool, refreshing flavor – it was pure holiday magic!
That memory is exactly what inspired this Christmas peppermint pie. Every bite brings me right back to those carefree days of decorating the tree and anticipating Santa’s arrival. The sweetness of the pie, paired with the refreshing peppermint, makes it the perfect dessert to share with loved ones. And like my grandmother’s famous pecan pie, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a holiday tradition.
I wanted to create a dessert that captured the essence of that holiday joy in an easy, no-bake recipe. I’m so excited to share it with you. You can serve it right after a big meal of turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes or even after enjoying a Christmas lasagna dessert; either way, this pie is sure to bring joy.
Why you’ll love this Christmas Peppermint Pie
- It’s incredibly easy to make: No baking required! Just mix, chill, and enjoy your Christmas peppermint pie!
- The perfect balance of flavors: The creamy, minty filling complements the rich chocolate crust beautifully.
- Festive and fun: The crushed peppermint candies add a pop of color and a delightful crunch.
- A crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves the refreshing taste of peppermint, especially during the holidays, so this Christmas peppermint pie is guaranteed to be a hit.
- Make it your own: Easily customizable with different toppings or crust variations.
- It’s a no-fuss dessert: Perfect for when you want a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 (9-inch) chocolate cookie crumb pie crust
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies, plus more for garnish
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Christmas peppermint pie makes every moment feel satisfying. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This ensures there are no lumps in your filling.
Step 2
Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract, mixing until well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or the cream will turn grainy.
Step 4
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. This will make the filling light and airy. Stir in the crushed peppermint candies.
Step 5
Pour the peppermint cream filling into the chocolate cookie crumb crust, spreading evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.
Step 6
Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely. This is crucial for a firm and sliceable pie.
Step 7
Before serving, garnish the Christmas Peppermint Pie with additional crushed peppermint candies and chocolate shavings, if desired. This adds a festive touch and enhances the presentation.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Want to switch things up? Consider using a gluten-free chocolate cookie crust for a gluten-free Christmas peppermint pie option. You could also try adding a layer of melted chocolate to the bottom of the crust before adding the filling for an extra rich treat. Or, for a more intense peppermint flavor, add a few drops of red food coloring to the filling.
Another fun twist is to use different flavored extracts. Vanilla extract would add a subtle sweetness, while almond extract would give it a marzipan-like flavor. Get creative and experiment with your favorite flavors to customize the Christmas peppermint pie to your liking. You can also play around with the toppings! Instead of just crushed peppermint candies, try adding mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
For those who love a bit of crunch, adding a layer of crushed chocolate cookies between the crust and filling provides a wonderful textural contrast. You could also mix some finely chopped nuts into the filling for a similar effect. These small changes can make a big difference in the overall taste and presentation of your Christmas peppermint pie.
Pairings
This Christmas peppermint pie is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with other holiday treats. Serve it alongside a warm cup of Christmas elf hot chocolate for an extra dose of festive cheer. The creamy richness of the pie complements the warmth and sweetness of the hot chocolate perfectly.
For a more sophisticated pairing, consider serving it with a glass of dessert grape juice or a mug of freshly brewed coffee. The slight bitterness of the coffee cuts through the sweetness of the pie, creating a balanced and satisfying combination. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top would also be a welcome addition!
If you’re serving a larger holiday meal, this pie makes a great addition to a dessert buffet. Offer a variety of desserts, such as cookies, cakes, and fruit tarts, to provide something for everyone. This Christmas peppermint pie will surely stand out among the other options with its festive appearance and refreshing flavor.
Serving ideas
Presentation is key when serving this Christmas peppermint pie. For a simple yet elegant look, arrange a few fresh mint sprigs on top of the pie before serving. The green adds a pop of color and complements the red and white of the peppermint candies.
For a more elaborate presentation, consider drizzling the pie with melted white chocolate or dark chocolate. You could also create a pattern with the crushed peppermint candies, such as a star or a snowflake. Another fun idea is to dust the edges of the pie plate with powdered sugar to create a snowy effect.
When serving, make sure to use a sharp knife to cut clean slices. If the pie is very cold, run the knife under hot water before each slice to prevent sticking. Serve each slice on a dessert plate and garnish with an extra sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies for a final touch. These small details will elevate the presentation and make the dessert even more enjoyable.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Leftover Christmas Peppermint Pie should be stored covered in the refrigerator. This will help to prevent the filling from drying out and keep the crust from becoming soggy. Ensure the plastic wrap is tightly sealed around the pie to maintain its freshness.
When properly stored, the pie will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. After that, the filling may start to separate, and the crust may become less crisp. While it is still safe to eat, the texture and flavor may not be as enjoyable.
Freezing this pie is not recommended as the filling can become icy and the crust can become soggy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy it fresh within a few days of making it for the best quality.
Make-ahead
This Christmas Peppermint Pie is a great make-ahead dessert, perfect for busy holiday schedules. You can easily prepare the filling and assemble the pie a day or two in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Waiting to garnish the pie until just before serving ensures the peppermint candies stay crisp and vibrant. If you add them too early, they may soften and lose their color. This also prevents the chocolate shavings from melting or becoming dull.
For an even easier prep, you can crush the peppermint candies and store them in an airtight container until needed. This saves you a bit of time when you’re ready to assemble the pie. By breaking down the steps, you can create a delicious and impressive dessert with minimal stress.
Common mistakes when making Christmas Peppermint Pie
- Not softening the cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This will prevent lumps in the filling.
- Overwhipping the heavy cream: Be careful not to overwhip the heavy cream, or it will become grainy. Whip until stiff peaks form, but no further.
- Not chilling the pie long enough: Allow the pie to chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the filling to set completely.
- Adding the peppermint candies too early: Wait until just before serving to garnish the pie with peppermint candies to prevent them from softening.
- Using low-fat cream cheese: For the best flavor and texture, use full-fat cream cheese.
Final notes
This Christmas Peppermint Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of holiday flavors and traditions. Its ease of preparation makes it perfect for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices alike. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your garnishes and make it your own.
I truly hope this recipe brings as much joy to your holiday season as it has to mine. Gather your loved ones, share a slice, and savor the sweet, minty flavors of Christmas. Happy baking!
Loved this Christmas Peppermint Pie? Try these next
- Apple cider cupcakes recipe
- Christmas lasagna dessert
- Christmas elf hot chocolate
- Pecan pie dump cake
- Turkey cranberry crescent ring
Christmas Peppermint Pie
A festive and refreshing no-bake Christmas Peppermint Pie perfect for holiday gatherings. Creamy, minty, and topped with crushed peppermint candies, this easy dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 (9-inch) chocolate cookie crumb pie crust
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies, plus more for garnish
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Stir in the crushed peppermint candies.
- Pour the peppermint cream filling into the chocolate cookie crumb crust, spreading evenly.
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely.
- Before serving, garnish the Christmas Peppermint Pie with additional crushed peppermint candies and chocolate shavings, if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese. Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can substitute gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust to make this dessert gluten-free. For a more intense peppermint flavor, add a few drops of red food coloring to the filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg