No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s festive, creamy, and just downright delicious without ever turning on an oven, I’ve got you covered! This No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe is one of those magical treats that come together quickly but taste like you spent hours on them. Trust me, the cool peppermint flavor combined with that luscious cream cheese filling and a crunchy Oreo crust will have you hooked from the very first bite. Let me tell you all about how to make this crowd-pleaser your new go-to dessert.
Why This Recipe Works
- No-Bake Convenience: No oven? No problem! This pie comes together without any baking, saving you time and heat in the kitchen.
- Perfect Peppermint Punch: The peppermint extract and Candy Cane Kisses give a festive, refreshing flavor that’s not overpowering but just right.
- Creamy, Dreamy Filling: The mixture of cream cheese and whipped cream creates a luscious texture that’s light yet satisfying.
- Crunchy Oreo Crust: The crushed Oreos with melted butter form a sturdy, flavorful base that balances the creamy filling beautifully.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe blends just the right ingredients for texture, flavor, and ease. Each component plays a role—from the minty chocolate kisses to the creamy filling and crunchy crust—making this pie more than the sum of its parts. When shopping, grabbing room-temperature cream cheese and good-quality peppermint extract really makes a difference.

- Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses: Provides that unmistakable peppermint crunch and festive flair; chop them to release their flavor evenly.
- Oreos: Classic and sturdy, they create the perfect crumbly crust with just the right amount of chocolate kick.
- Unsalted Butter: Melts and binds the Oreo crumbs, giving structure to the crust without overpowering flavors.
- Heavy Cream: Whipped to fluffy peaks, it lightens the cream cheese filling, making it smooth and airy.
- Cream Cheese: The creamy base of the filling, balancing sweetness with a slight tang for delicious richness.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling smoothly without graininess, melting perfectly into the cream cheese.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm undertone that rounds out the peppermint without competing.
- Peppermint Extract: The star flavor; just the right amount ensures the pie isn’t overwhelming but delightfully minty.
- Red Food Coloring (optional): Fun for a pop of color and festive swirls, but totally optional if you prefer a classic look.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of my favorite things about this No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Over the years, I’ve played around with add-ins and tweaks to suit different occasions and dietary needs—and you should, too! Don’t be shy about experimenting a little.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: I sometimes swirl in mini chocolate chips or sprinkle cocoa powder on the crust for an extra chocolate boost—works like a charm!
- Dairy-Free Version: I’ve swapped cream cheese and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives; just ensure they whip up well and have a milder flavor.
- Less Sweet Approach: If sweet treats aren’t your thing, cut back on powdered sugar by a quarter cup — the peppermint still shines through beautifully.
- More Peppermint Flavor: For true peppermint fans, add a little extra peppermint extract but go slow—too much can overpower the pie.
Step-by-Step: How I Make No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe
Step 1: Crafting That Perfect Crust
Start by crushing those Oreos—you want them finely ground but still with a little crumbly texture for that great mouthfeel. Toss in about a quarter cup of your chopped Candy Cane Kisses to boost the peppermint crunch throughout the crust. Next, drizzle melted unsalted butter over the mixture and stir until it’s all evenly coated. Press this mix firmly into the bottom of a springform pan or a regular pie plate. I like using a glass measuring cup to pack it down tight—helps you get an even, sturdy base. Chill this in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so it sets nicely before adding the filling.
Step 2: Whip Up That Creamy Filling
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form—this usually takes around 3 to 4 minutes. A quick tip: chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand to help the cream whip up faster and fluffier. Once done, set the whipped cream aside in the fridge to keep it cold.
Step 3: Mixing the Cream Cheese Base
In the same bowl (no need to clean it!), beat your room-temperature cream cheese until super smooth. Then, add powdered sugar gradually, beating until it’s fully blended and silky smooth. Add vanilla and peppermint extracts along with a few drops of red food coloring if you want to get festive with swirls of color. I love this part because watching the pale cream cheese turn into a beautiful rosy pink always makes me smile. Just be sure to scrape the sides often to avoid lumps.
Step 4: Folding in the Whipped Cream and Kisses
Turn off the mixer and gently fold in the whipped cream using a large spatula until all those red swirls disappear and the mixture looks uniform. Then, add about two-thirds of the chopped Candy Cane Kisses, folding again to distribute them evenly throughout. This step is key—folding keeps the airy texture intact and ensures every bite has a peppermint surprise. Pour this luscious filling over your chilled crust and spread it evenly with a small offset spatula for a smooth finish.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Sprinkle the remaining chopped Candy Cane Kisses on top for a pretty, festive finish. Cover the pie tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight is best for maximum flavor melding and firm texture. This waiting game is tough, but trust me, it’s worth it. When you’re ready, slice and enjoy the creamy, minty delight.
Pro Tips for Making No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: It blends so much smoother than cold cream cheese, preventing lumps and ensuring a silky filling.
- Chill Your Mixing Bowl for Whipping Cream: Cold tools mean quicker whipping and better volume for that airy texture.
- Use an Offset Spatula: This tiny kitchen helper makes spreading the filling smooth and even, giving your pie a professional look.
- Don’t Skip the Chill Time: The pie firms up best after a good long chill, so patience pays off big time here.
How to Serve No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe

Garnishes
I love topping this pie with extra chopped Candy Cane Kisses or a few whole ones for an eye-catching look and additional crunch. Sometimes, I add a delicate dollop of whipped cream and a light dusting of cocoa powder or crushed candy canes for that festive touch. These simple garnishes make the dessert look special without extra fuss.
Side Dishes
This pie shines as the grand finale, but I’ve found it pairs beautifully with vanilla bean ice cream or a warm cup of coffee for that classic holiday combo. For holiday gatherings, a platter of cut fruit or a small assortment of cookies complements the flavors without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation at parties, I’ve served the pie in individual clear dessert cups layered with whipped cream and extra peppermint pieces on top. It’s a showstopper and makes serving a breeze. You can also swirl some red food coloring gently into the filling before chilling to create festive stripes—great for holiday-themed events!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always keep leftovers tightly covered in the fridge, ideally in the same springform pan or wrapped well with plastic wrap to protect from fridge odors. The pie holds up beautifully for up to five days—still creamy and minty fresh. It’s amazing how it seems to taste even better after a day!
Freezing
If I’m making this pie ahead for a big celebration, I’ll freeze it wrapped tight in plastic wrap and foil. It freezes well for up to two months. When ready to serve, I thaw it overnight in the fridge to avoid any sogginess or texture loss.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake chilled dessert, reheating isn’t necessary. Just thaw frozen slices in the fridge and enjoy cold—this pie is best served cool to showcase that creamy texture and refreshing peppermint zing.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
Absolutely! While Oreos give a classic chocolate flavor and great texture, you could substitute with chocolate graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies if you prefer. Just make sure you crush them finely and mix with enough melted butter to bind the crust well.
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What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
If peppermint extract isn’t on hand, you can use mint extract or even a small amount of crushed candy cane pieces inside the filling to infuse some minty flavor. Just be cautious, as different extracts vary in strength.
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Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! This pie actually tastes better after resting overnight. Prepare it a day ahead, chill thoroughly, then enjoy fresh on the occasion—it’s perfect for holiday meal prep.
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What if my whipped cream doesn’t stiffen?
Make sure your cream is cold and your mixing bowl is chilled. Also, don’t overbeat; stop once you see stiff peaks. If it’s too warm or the fat content is too low, the cream may not whip well.
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Can I omit the red food coloring?
Yes! The pie will still taste fantastic without it. The coloring adds festive visual appeal but doesn’t affect the flavor at all.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday staples because it’s just so simple yet impressive. I love serving it to friends and family—everyone always asks for the recipe afterward! If you’re looking to whip up a festive dessert that requires minimal effort but maximum taste, you really can’t go wrong here. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become your go-to peppermint treat just like mine.
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No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No Bake Peppermint Pie combines a crunchy Oreo and candy cane kiss crust with a creamy peppermint and cream cheese filling. Perfectly festive and refreshing, this easy dessert requires no oven and is chilled until set, making it a great holiday treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 18 Oreos, crushed
- ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ bag Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses, unwrapped and chopped (about ⅓ of 1 bag)
Filling
- 1 cup (240mL) heavy cream
- 8 ounces (227g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 drops red food coloring (optional)
- Remaining ⅔ bag Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses, chopped, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Oreos and ¼ cup of the chopped Candy Cane Kisses. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over this mixture and stir thoroughly. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or an 8 to 9-inch pie plate. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Whip the cream: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Once whipped, place the bowl in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or the same stand mixer bowl with the paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth. Lower the speed and add the powdered sugar, then increase speed to medium-high again and beat until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and red food coloring if using. Continue beating until well combined, scraping the sides as needed.
- Combine whipped cream and filling: Turn off the mixer and gently fold the cold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with a large spatula until no red swirls remain. Stir in ⅔ cup of the chopped Candy Cane Kisses evenly.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the filling onto the chilled crust and spread it evenly using a spatula or offset spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chopped Candy Cane Kisses over the top.
- Chill to set: Cover the pie with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set fully and the flavors to meld.
- Storage: Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap the pie tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
- Use regular Oreo cookies with the filling for best texture and flavor.
- You can omit the red food coloring for a natural white peppermint filling, or use your preferred brand such as AmeriColor for a vibrant color.
- Carefully fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to keep the filling light and fluffy.
- If a springform pan is not available, a regular pie plate of 8 to 9 inches works well.
- Chilling time is important to achieve the best texture and flavor — do not skip or shorten it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg


