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.
Plan your next recipe
Allow the filling to set for the recipe’s five to six hours or overnight. Keep the peppermint and chocolate components in the stated proportions rather than thinning the filling to make spreading easier.
Explore easy no-bake desserts, or try No Bake Peanut Butter Pie – Easy 30-Minute next.
Candy Cane Pie Recipe – No-Bake Christmas Dessert
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This no-bake Candy Cane Pie is a festive and creamy holiday dessert featuring an Oreo cookie crust, peppermint cream filling, white chocolate ganache, and crushed candy cane toppings. Perfect for Christmas parties or make-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients
- 36 Oreo cookies (with filling)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 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)
- 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
- 4.5 oz white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- ¼ cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 1.5 oz melted semi-sweet chocolate (for drizzle)
- Extra crushed candy canes (for garnish)
- Festive sprinkles or snowflake decorations
Instructions
- Pulse Oreo cookies into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Press into a 9.5-inch tart pan or springform pan and freeze for 20 minutes.
- Whip 1⅓ cups cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add ¼ cup powdered sugar and peppermint extract. Whip to stiff peaks. Refrigerate.
- In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese and ½ cup butter until smooth. Add 1 cup powdered sugar and mix until creamy.
- Bloom gelatin in 2 tablespoons cold water for 5 minutes, then gently heat until dissolved. Let cool slightly.
- Whisk pudding mix with ¾ cup milk until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Combine pudding with the cream cheese mixture. Fold in whipped cream and cooled gelatin. Add crushed candy canes and mini chocolate chips.
- Spread the filling into the prepared crust. Smooth the top and refrigerate for 5–6 hours or overnight until firm.
- Heat ¼ cup cream and pour over white chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Spread ganache over the pie.
- Drizzle melted semi-sweet chocolate on top. Decorate with piped whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and festive sprinkles.
Notes
- Use a removable bottom tart pan for easy slicing.
- Chill overnight for best results.
- Crush candy canes finely to avoid chewy chunks.
- Decorate just before serving to keep garnishes fresh.
- You can use Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream for convenience.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
❤️ 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!
