Print

Easy Peppermint Pie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 112 reviews

This Irresistibly Easy Christmas Peppermint Pie is a festive dessert featuring a crunchy chocolate cookie crust and a fluffy peppermint cream cheese filling, topped with crushed candy canes for a refreshing holiday touch. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s no-bake and requires minimal preparation time, delivering a rich and creamy texture with a cool peppermint flavor.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 24 cookies finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (Try graham crackers for a different flavor)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling

  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp pure peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
  • 1 drop red or pink gel food coloring (optional)
  • 1 cup very cold heavy cream, chilled

Topping

  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
  • Optional garnishes: whipped cream or fresh mint sprigs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Finely crush the chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor until the crumbs resemble sand. Transfer the crumbs to a mixing bowl and pour in the melted unsalted butter. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into a pie plate to form an even crust. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.
  2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and peppermint extract, continuing to beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. Add a drop of red or pink gel food coloring if using, and mix to incorporate.
  3. Whip the Heavy Cream: Refrigerate a clean mixing bowl along with the whisk attachment to chill. Once cold, pour the very cold heavy cream into the bowl and whip on high speed until stiff peaks form, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Be careful not to overbeat to avoid turning the cream into butter.
  4. Fold Whipped Cream into Cream Cheese Mixture: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in three portions, using a spatula to combine carefully without deflating the whipped cream. This will give the filling a light and airy texture.
  5. Assemble the Pie: Spoon the fluffy filling evenly into the chilled chocolate cookie crust and spread it out with a spatula for a smooth surface. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing the filling to set properly.
  6. Add Topping and Serve: When ready to serve, remove the pie from the refrigerator. Sprinkle the top with crushed candy canes, and optionally garnish with dollops of whipped cream or fresh mint sprigs to enhance presentation and flavor before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • The crust can be made with graham crackers for a different flavor profile.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to prevent lumps in the filling.
  • Sifting powdered sugar helps achieve a smooth filling.
  • Use very cold heavy cream and chilled equipment for best whipping results.
  • Do not overbeat the cream to maintain a fluffy texture.
  • The pie should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours to properly set.
  • Optional garnishes like whipped cream or mint sprigs enhance the festive presentation.