There’s something magical about the holidays that calls for a dessert both refreshing and festive. The No-Bake Peppermint Christmas Pie Recipe is exactly that—creamy, minty, and so quick to make, it’s become my go-to for holiday parties when I want something special without heating up the kitchen.

The image shows a pie with three main layers in a red pie dish on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a dark, crumbly crust that looks like crushed cookies or chocolate. The middle layer is smooth light pink cream spread evenly with a soft swirl pattern on top. The outer edge of the pie is decorated with dollops of white whipped cream that have small bits of crushed red and white candy sprinkled over them. Behind the pie, there is a white mug with a red and white drink inside. The scene has a festive, cozy feel with soft blurred lights and holiday decorations in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make No-Bake Peppermint Christmas Pie Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve No-Bake Peppermint Christmas Pie Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
No-Bake Peppermint Christmas Pie Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This pie combines festive peppermint flavors with a luscious creamy texture that’s light but indulgent. I love that it’s no-bake—meaning minimal effort but maximum wow-factor on your holiday dessert table.

Effortless Prep: No oven needed, which keeps your kitchen cool and your stress low during busy holiday cooking.
Festive Flavor: >The crushed peppermint candy adds crunch and bursts of minty freshness that scream Christmas.
Creamy & Dreamy: The blend of cream cheese and whipped cream creates a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Easy to Customize: You can tweak the peppermint amount or swap the crust for your favorite to suit your taste.

This dessert is a three-layer pie in a red dish. The bottom layer is dark and crumbly, like crushed cookies pressed into the dish to form a thick crust along the edges. The middle layer is smooth and creamy, light pink in color, spread evenly with a slight swirl pattern on top. Around the edge, there is a thick ring of white whipped cream, piped in small swirls. The entire pie is sprinkled with small red and white crushed peppermint pieces on the cream and pink layer. The pie is set on a bright red and green plaid cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a special role, setting the stage for that cool, creamy peppermint pie everyone asks for again and again. Picking quality vanilla and cream cheese makes all the difference in smoothness and flavor.

Flat lay of a whole Oreo chocolate cookie crust, two blocks of soft cream cheese with a smooth surface, a small white ceramic bowl of fine powdered sugar, a small white bowl filled with crushed red-and-white peppermint candy pieces, a small white bowl holding smooth heavy whipping cream, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a tiny amount of bright red food coloring in a white bowl, and a tub of fluffy white whipped topping, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Oreo pie crust: Provides a rich, chocolaty base that pairs perfectly with mint.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, balancing out the peppermint.
Cream cheese: Gives the filling body and tang, creating smooth richness.
Crushed peppermint candy: Offers a fantastic crunch and that unmistakable minty kick.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens without graininess and helps create a silky filling.
Peppermint flavoring: Boosts the mint flavor beyond the candy for extra holiday cheer.
Red food coloring: Turns the pie festive and fun, but it’s totally optional if you prefer natural tones.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, it’s the secret to the pie’s light, fluffy texture.
Whipped topping (Cool Whip): Adds creamy, cloud-like topping and a perfect garnishing base.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to make this pie as written, but sometimes I jazz it up with extra peppermint candy on top or swap out the Oreo crust for gluten-free options when friends come over. Feel free to experiment—this pie is forgiving and fun!

Variation: One year, I added a layer of crushed Andes mints right on the crust before filling the pie—it was a hit with guests who like a stronger mint flavor.
Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free twist, try a dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream; it still has that festive spirit!
Seasonal swap: During winter, adding a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg amps up warmth alongside the peppermint.

Step-by-Step: How I Make No-Bake Peppermint Christmas Pie Recipe

Step 1: Whip the Heavy Cream to Perfection

Start by whipping your heavy cream in a cold bowl until you get stiff peaks. This is crucial—it’s what makes the filling so light and airy. Take your time here; under-whipped cream can lead to a dense pie. I like to chill my beaters beforehand for extra fluffy results.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture Smooth & Minty

In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar until silky smooth—no lumps! Then blend in the red food coloring, vanilla, and peppermint extract evenly for that classic Christmas look and flavor. Gently fold in half the crushed peppermint candy, reserving the rest for topping.

Step 3: Combine Cream & Cheese Mixtures Gently

Slowly add your cream cheese mixture to the whipped heavy cream, mixing on low speed. You want everything to meld together without losing the fluffy texture. This step can make or break your pie’s perfect creaminess, so be gentle but thorough.

Step 4: Fill the Oreo Crust & Spread Evenly

Pour your combined filling into the Oreo crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly—this not only looks pretty but helps the pie chill uniformly. Don’t rush this step when serving friends; presentation counts!

Step 5: Top, Garnish, & Chill

Spread a generous layer of thawed whipped topping over the pie, then sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint candy on top for crunch and festive flair. Refrigerate the pie for at least 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld and the pie set properly. Patience really pays off here.

Top Tip

After making this No-Bake Peppermint Christmas Pie Recipe many times, I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure it turns out perfect every time. These tips save frustration and guarantee you a picture-perfect festive pie.

Use room temperature cream cheese: It blends easier and creates a smoother filling without lumps.
Don’t skip chilling: The pie needs time in the fridge to firm up and let the peppermint flavor deepen.
Whip cream properly: Under- or over-whipped cream can mess up your texture; I stop when stiff peaks hold their shape but still look shiny.
Crush peppermint candy finely: Large chunks can overpower the pie and be hard to cut through smoothly.

How to Serve No-Bake Peppermint Christmas Pie Recipe

peppermint Christmas pie - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick with a simple sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies because they add such a satisfying crunch and vibrant visual contrast especially against the white cool whip. Sometimes I toss on a few mini candy canes broken up for a whimsical touch that guests love.

Side Dishes

This pie is a lovely finish after a rich holiday meal. I like to pair it with lighter sides like spiced hot apple cider or a fresh fruit salad to balance all that creamy sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served this pie in individual clear cups topped with crushed peppermint and a candy cane toothpick—so cute and perfectly portioned! You could also swirl red and white whipped cream on top for a candy-cane swirl effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The texture holds up beautifully, and the flavors even get better after resting overnight. Just be sure to keep it chilled until serving.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen the entire pie, I’ve frozen individual slices wrapped tightly, and they thaw nicely in the fridge overnight without losing texture—perfect for prepping ahead during holiday rush.

Reheating

This pie is best enjoyed cold, so I recommend taking it straight from the fridge. Letting it sit too long at room temp can soften it too much. If it feels too firm, leave it out for about 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different crust for this No-Bake Peppermint Christmas Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! While an Oreo crust is my favorite for that chocolate-mint combo, you can use graham cracker crust, ginger snap crust, or even a gluten-free crust to suit your preferences.

How long should I chill the pie before serving?

For the best consistency and flavor melding, chilling the pie for at least 1-2 hours is crucial. If you have more time, you can chill it overnight with great results.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! This No-Bake Peppermint Christmas Pie Recipe actually benefits from resting in the fridge. Prepare it a day in advance to save time on the day of your event.

What’s the best way to get stiff peaks when whipping the cream?

Start with a well-chilled bowl and beaters, use cold heavy cream, and beat on medium-high speed. Stop as soon as the cream forms peaks that hold their shape but aren’t dry or grainy. Practice really helps!

Final Thoughts

The No-Bake Peppermint Christmas Pie Recipe has become one of my cherished holiday classics because it’s so simple yet feels luxurious. Sharing it always sparks joy and those festive smiles—exactly why I make it year after year. You’ll love keeping this pie in your holiday repertoire too, whether as a last-minute delight or a star on your dessert table. Give it a try and savor that pepperminty Christmas magic!