Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie

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Light, creamy, and full of holiday cheer, this Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie is a festive dessert that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With a fluffy peppermint filling nestled in a chocolate cookie crust and topped with clouds of whipped cream and crushed candy canes, this pie is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s the kind of sweet treat that makes your dessert table sparkle and brings instant joy with every bite.

Perfect for a busy holiday season, this no-bake peppermint pie takes just minutes to whip up, and it’s guaranteed to impress both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for an easy make-ahead dessert or a new favorite for your Christmas party, this pie checks all the boxes—refreshing, creamy, crunchy, and irresistibly festive.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie

• No-bake convenience: Save oven space for other holiday dishes.
• Festive flavor: Classic peppermint pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate crust.
• Great for entertaining: Easy to make ahead and transport.
• Visually stunning: A show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday table.
• Kid-friendly: Sweet, fluffy, and fun with crushed candy canes on top.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment)

To make this Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie, you’ll need a few key tools to get the texture and presentation just right:

• Mixing Bowls: A large one for combining the filling ingredients, and a smaller one for whipping cream (if using fresh).
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for whipping the filling until light and fluffy.
• Rubber Spatula: Ideal for folding ingredients gently and scraping every bit of the filling into the crust.
• 9-Inch Pie Pan: A standard size that fits the filling perfectly and creates a lovely presentation.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: To ensure accurate proportions of each ingredient.
• Plastic Wrap: To cover the pie while chilling.
• Food Processor (optional): For crushing cookies if you’re making your own crust.

Each of these tools helps achieve the ideal creamy texture, balanced sweetness, and perfect structure for a pie that holds up beautifully.

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Preparation Tips

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream to help it firm up quickly and hold its structure. If using store-bought whipped topping, let it thaw in the refrigerator before folding it in. When crushing candy canes, pulse gently to avoid turning them into powder—you want a mix of small pieces for texture and visual appeal. Let the pie chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to firm up and develop full flavor. Lastly, don’t skip garnishing with extra whipped cream and crushed peppermint just before serving—it adds a beautiful holiday flair.

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Ingredients for this Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie

• 1 (9-inch) chocolate cookie pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (plus more for garnish)
• Additional whipped topping for garnish
• Optional: red food coloring (1-2 drops for a light pink hue)

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Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial to ensure the base has no lumps and blends well with the remaining ingredients.

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Step 2: Add Flavor and Sweetness

Add the powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat again until everything is fully incorporated. If you’d like your pie to have a pink tint, add 1–2 drops of red food coloring at this stage and mix until the color is evenly distributed.

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Step 3: Fold in Whipped Topping

Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is fluffy and uniform. Be careful not to deflate the whipped topping—it gives the pie its airy, mousse-like texture.

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Step 4: Add Crushed Peppermint

Fold in the crushed peppermint candies. These will add a festive crunch and infuse the filling with bursts of peppermint flavor. Reserve a tablespoon or two if you’d like to sprinkle them over the top later.

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Step 5: Fill the Crust

Transfer the peppermint mixture into the chocolate cookie crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, smoothing out the top.

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Step 6: Chill the Pie

Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This helps the filling set to the perfect consistency.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, top the pie with additional whipped topping and sprinkle with extra crushed peppermint candies for that festive finishing touch. Slice and enjoy the refreshing, creamy goodness!

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Notes

This Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie is a delightful no-bake dessert that delivers maximum impact with minimal effort. The balance of creamy filling, crunchy peppermint bits, and rich chocolate crust makes every bite a festive treat. Using a store-bought crust helps save time, but you can also make your own by combining crushed chocolate cookies with melted butter. This pie is best when chilled overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up beautifully.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the softening step for cream cheese: Cold cream cheese will create lumps and an uneven texture.
• Overmixing the whipped topping: Overmixing can deflate the light and airy structure of the filling.
• Crushing candy canes too finely: If too powdered, they’ll melt into the filling rather than providing a crunchy texture.
• Not chilling long enough: Less than 4 hours may result in a pie that doesn’t hold its shape when sliced.
• Using too much peppermint extract: It’s strong—stick to the recommended amount to avoid overpowering the dessert.

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Storage Instructions

Store the pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 5 days. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the whipped topping and cream cheese filling may change when thawed. If you plan to serve it later, add the whipped topping and crushed candy cane garnish just before serving to maintain texture and visual appeal.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Slice, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 210mg
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 23g
• Protein: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! It’s actually better when made the day before. This allows it to fully set and enhances the peppermint flavor.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Absolutely. Just make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks so the filling holds its shape.

Is it possible to use a different crust?

Yes. A graham cracker crust or even an Oreo crust works beautifully.

Can I freeze this pie?

Freezing is not recommended due to changes in texture when thawed, especially with the whipped topping.

How do I crush the candy canes easily?

Place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Be gentle to avoid turning them into powder.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes—just use a gluten-free cookie crust and check that your whipped topping and candy canes are certified gluten-free.

Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?

Yes! Mini chocolate chips add a fun twist and texture without overpowering the peppermint flavor.

Does the peppermint flavor get stronger over time?

It does slightly intensify as the pie chills, making it even more flavorful the next day.

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Conclusion

This Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie brings holiday magic to your table with its cool, creamy filling and festive crunch. It’s a no-fuss dessert that looks impressive and tastes like a winter wonderland. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet family dinner, this pie adds a joyful, pepperminty finish to any holiday gathering.

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