Candy Cane Pie Recipe – No-Bake Christmas Dessert

Looking for the best holiday dessert that’s as easy as it is stunning? This Candy Cane Pie is the ultimate no-bake Christmas dessert recipe — and it’s perfect for holiday entertaining. It combines everything festive into one decadent treat: a crunchy Oreo cookie crust, fluffy peppermint cream cheese filling, crushed candy canes, and a silky layer of white chocolate ganache.

Whether you’re searching how to make candy cane pie at home or planning a Christmas party dessert table, this peppermint pie will become your new holiday go-to.

⏱️ No oven. ❄️ Full of peppermint flavor. 🧁 Loved by kids and adults.

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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Easy No-Bake Candy Cane Pie

• 🎅 Ultimate holiday flavor – Peppermint + chocolate in every bite
• 🔥 No oven required – Perfect for when your kitchen is packed
• ❄️ Cool, creamy texture – A refreshing finish after hearty meals
• 🧁 Make-ahead friendly – Ideal for Christmas parties and potlucks
• 🎁 Festive, photo-worthy presentation – Looks like you spent hours
• 🥄 Smooth meets crunchy – Cream cheese and candy cane magic
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Crowd favorite – One of the best candy cane desserts for Christmas

Ingredients for Candy Cane Pie

Serves: 10–12
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 5–6 hours
Total Time: 6.5 hours

✅ Oreo Cookie Crust

• 36 whole Oreo cookies (with filling)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

✅ Peppermint Cream Pie Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1¼ cups confectioners’ sugar (divided)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1⅓ cups heavy cream (divided)
• 1 tsp peppermint extract (or vanilla extract for milder flavor)
• 1 (3.9 oz) box vanilla or white chocolate instant pudding mix
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 2 tsp unflavored gelatin
• 2 tbsp cold water
• ½ cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

✅ White Chocolate Ganache Topping

• 4.5 oz white chocolate chips (or finely chopped white chocolate)
• ¼ cup heavy cream

✅ Garnishes

• 1.5 oz melted semi-sweet chocolate (for drizzle)
• Extra crushed candy canes
• Festive sprinkles or snowflake decorations

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies
• Dairy-Free: Try vegan cream cheese and plant-based whipped topping
• Flavor Twist: Use dark chocolate ganache for a bittersweet finish
• Less Sweet: Swap peppermint extract with vanilla for a lighter taste

How to Make Candy Cane Pie – Step-by-Step Holiday Dessert Guide

Step 1 – Make the Oreo Crust

In a food processor, pulse 36 Oreos (with filling) into fine crumbs. Combine with melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9.5-inch tart pan or springform pan. Freeze for 20 minutes.

🔑 Pro Tip: Use a tart pan with a removable bottom for easy slicing.

Step 2 – Whip the Cream

Beat 1⅓ cups cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add ¼ cup powdered sugar and peppermint extract. Continue beating until stiff peaks form. Chill in fridge.

Step 3 – Cream Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add remaining 1 cup powdered sugar and beat until fluffy and smooth.

Step 4 – Prepare Gelatin

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let bloom for 5 minutes. Gently heat until melted. Cool slightly before adding to filling.

Step 5 – Mix the Instant Pudding

Whisk the pudding mix and milk in a separate bowl until thickened (2 minutes). Add to the cream cheese mixture and blend until smooth.

Step 6 – Combine All Components

Fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Stir in gelatin. Gently fold in crushed candy canes and mini chocolate chips.

Step 7 – Fill & Chill

Spread the filling into the prepared crust. Smooth the top. Chill for at least 5 hours or overnight until firm.

Step 8 – Make White Chocolate Ganache

Heat cream until simmering. Pour over white chocolate. Let sit 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Spread over chilled pie.

Step 9 – Decorate

Drizzle melted chocolate. Pipe whipped cream around edges. Top with more crushed candy canes and sprinkles.

Pro Tips for the Best Candy Cane Pie

• ✅ Let it chill fully – Overnight gives best texture
• ✅ Don’t overmix whipped cream – Keeps it light and fluffy
• ✅ Use high-quality white chocolate – For smooth, silky ganache
• ✅ Decorate just before serving – Keeps toppings crisp
• ✅ Slice with a hot knife – Clean, bakery-style presentation

What to Serve with Candy Cane Pie

Complete your Christmas dessert menu with:

• Irresistible Berry Cheesecake
• Martha Washington Candy | Homemade Holiday Treats
• No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Truffles

🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 460 kcal
Fat: 34g
Carbs: 36g
Protein: 5g
Sugar: 30g
Fiber: 1g

Storage & Freezer Tips

Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month.
Thaw: In refrigerator overnight before serving.
Make Ahead: Best made a day in advance for full flavor development.

🙋‍♀️ FAQs – Quick Answers for Candy Cane Pie

Q: Can I make Candy Cane Pie ahead of time?
A: Yes! It actually tastes better when made the day before. Chill for at least 5 hours or overnight.

Q: Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?
A: Absolutely. Use 3 cups of thawed Cool Whip as a shortcut.

Q: Can I use a graham cracker crust instead of Oreo?
A: Yes, but the chocolate flavor of Oreos pairs best with peppermint.

Q: What’s the best way to crush candy canes?
A: Place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or food processor.

Related Recipes – Holiday Dessert Favorites

• 30-Minute No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls | Irresistible Dessert
• Strawberry Earthquake Cake – Easy Dessert Recipe
• Churro Cheesecake Cookies – Easy Dessert Recipe Ideas

Make This Candy Cane Pie Your Signature Holiday Dessert

This no-bake Candy Cane Pie recipe is more than just a treat — it’s a holiday tradition in the making. With its rich Oreo crust, creamy peppermint filling, and snowy ganache topping, it’s the dessert your guests will ask for every year.

Don’t wait — add this to your holiday baking list and wow your guests!
📝 Leave a review, share a photo, or pin it for later — we’d love to see your version of this Christmas pie!