This peppermint no-bake pie is a creamy, cool, and festive dessert that brings the holiday cheer straight to the table. It features a crunchy chocolate cookie crust, a silky minty pudding filling, and a fluffy whipped topping all crowned with crushed candy canes. Perfect for a make-ahead treat, it’s a showstopper that requires zero oven time. Peppermint No-Bake Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines ease and elegance in one delicious dessert. It’s incredibly simple to whip up, yet it looks and tastes like something much more complicated. The refreshing peppermint flavor is a perfect match for the rich chocolate crust, and since it’s no-bake, I can prepare it without turning on the oven—especially great during the busy holiday season. Plus, it’s a guaranteed hit at potlucks and parties.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

25 Oreo (or chocolate sandwich) cookies, crushed
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 (3 oz) boxes white chocolate instant pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Red food coloring (optional)
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (e.g. Cool Whip), divided
Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies, for garnish

directions

I start by crushing the cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
I mix the cookie crumbs with melted butter and press the mixture into a 9-inch pie pan to form a crust. Then I chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
In a bowl, I whisk the instant pudding mix with cold milk until smooth and thick.
I stir in the peppermint extract and a few drops of red food coloring for a pink hue, if desired.
I gently fold in about half of the whipped topping until everything is evenly combined.
I pour the mixture into the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula, then cover and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Right before serving, I top the pie with the remaining whipped topping and sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top.

Servings and timing

This pie makes about 8 slices.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap the white chocolate pudding for vanilla or cheesecake flavored pudding for a slight twist.
If I want a chocolate-mint combo, I’ll mix mini chocolate chips into the filling.
A dash of green food coloring instead of red gives it a more traditional mint look.
For a shortcut, I use a store-bought chocolate pie crust instead of making my own.
I can also make mini pies using cupcake liners and a muffin tin for individual servings.

storage/reheating

I keep this pie covered in the refrigerator, and it stays fresh for up to 2 days. If I’m making it ahead, I wait to garnish with candy canes until just before serving to keep them from melting or bleeding color. This pie doesn’t freeze well due to the whipped topping and pudding texture, so I stick to fridge storage. There’s no reheating required—it’s meant to be served chilled.

FAQs

What kind of cookies should I use for the crust?

I use classic Oreo cookies, but any chocolate sandwich cookie works just as well. I don’t remove the filling—it helps bind the crust together.

Can I make this peppermint pie ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a day in advance. It actually sets better when chilled overnight, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

How do I prevent the candy cane topping from melting?

I always add the crushed candy canes just before serving. This keeps them crisp and prevents color from bleeding into the whipped topping.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Absolutely. I’ve used freshly whipped cream (stabilized with a bit of powdered sugar) for a richer flavor and it works perfectly.

Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust and ensuring all other ingredients (like pudding mix) are gluten-free, I can easily adapt this recipe.

Conclusion

This peppermint no-bake pie is my go-to dessert when I want something festive, fuss-free, and delicious. It’s creamy, cool, and bursting with minty goodness—all without ever touching the oven. Whether I’m hosting a holiday gathering or just craving something sweet, this pie always brings the chill and the cheer.