Description of this recipe:
This Peppermint Pie is a no-bake dessert that perfectly captures the refreshing and festive flavors of the holiday season. Combining a creamy, peppermint-infused filling with the satisfying crunch of an Oreo cookie crust and the light, airy texture of Cool Whip, this pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make, requires minimal effort, and delivers a delightful burst of cool, minty sweetness with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, need a quick and easy dessert for a potluck, or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this Peppermint Pie is the perfect choice.
Why you will love this recipe:
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Peppermint Pie. First and foremost, its flavor is irresistible. The combination of creamy cream cheese, sweet powdered sugar, and the invigorating taste of peppermint creates a harmonious blend that is both comforting and refreshing. The Oreo crust adds a delicious chocolatey base that complements the minty filling perfectly.
Beyond the taste, this recipe is incredibly convenient. Being a no-bake dessert, it saves you precious time and energy in the kitchen. There’s no need to turn on the oven, making it ideal for hot summer days or when you’re short on time. The recipe is also very forgiving and easy to customize to your liking. You can adjust the amount of peppermint extract to control the intensity of the minty flavor, and you can experiment with different toppings to create your own unique version.
Finally, this Peppermint Pie is a visually stunning dessert. The creamy white filling, adorned with crushed peppermint candies, creates a festive and appealing presentation. It’s a dessert that’s sure to impress your guests and add a touch of holiday cheer to any table.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (two 8-ounce packages)
- 10 drops red food coloring
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ cup peppermint candy canes or mints, crushed
- 2 Oreo pie crusts
- 16 ounces Cool Whip
- Crushed peppermint candy, for decoration
Preparation:
Step 1: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will create a light and airy texture for the filling. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can turn the cream into butter. Set the whipped cream aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, cream together the powdered sugar and cream cheese. Ensure the cream cheese is properly softened to avoid any lumps in the filling. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add the food coloring, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese/powdered sugar bowl. Mix until a uniform color is achieved. The red food coloring adds a festive touch, but you can adjust the amount to achieve your desired shade of pink. The peppermint extract is the key ingredient that provides the signature peppermint flavor.
Step 4: Mix in the ½ cup of crushed peppermint candy canes or mints with the cream cheese/powdered sugar mixture. This adds a delightful crunch and intensifies the peppermint flavor. Gently fold the crushed candies into the mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Add the powdered sugar/cream cheese mixture to the bowl of heavy whipping cream. Mix together on low speed until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped cream. Gently fold the mixtures together until they are just combined, creating a light and airy filling.
Step 6: Pour half of the filling mixture into each of the Oreo crusts. Spread the filling evenly in each crust, ensuring it reaches the edges.
Step 7: Top each pie with Cool Whip. Spread the Cool Whip evenly over the filling, creating a smooth and attractive topping.
Step 8: Decorate with crushed peppermint candy. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy over the Cool Whip topping for added flavor and visual appeal.
Step 9: Chill for 1 to 2 hours or until ready to serve. This allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.
COOKING Rating:
Easy – This recipe requires no baking and minimal cooking skills.
Serving Suggestions:
This Peppermint Pie is best served chilled. You can enjoy it as a standalone dessert or pair it with other holiday treats. It also goes well with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. For an extra festive touch, garnish each slice with a sprig of fresh mint or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips:
- Ensure the cream cheese is properly softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Do not overwhip the heavy cream, as this can turn it into butter.
- Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to control the intensity of the minty flavor.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream.
- You can substitute the Oreo crust with a graham cracker crust or a homemade pie crust.
- To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, you can brush it with melted chocolate before adding the filling.
- Store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
Conclusion
This Peppermint Pie is a delightful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Its creamy, minty filling, combined with the satisfying crunch of an Oreo crust, creates a truly irresistible treat. It’s easy to make, requires minimal effort, and is sure to impress your guests. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this festive and delicious Peppermint Pie!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, it’s recommended. Making the pie a day or two in advance allows the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in a richer and more delicious dessert. Just be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
Q2: I don’t have Oreo pie crusts. Can I use something else?
A: Yes, you can definitely substitute the Oreo pie crusts with other options. A graham cracker crust would be a great alternative, providing a similar textural contrast to the creamy filling. You could also use a homemade pie crust if you prefer. Just make sure to pre-bake it before adding the filling.
Q3: Is there a way to make this pie less sweet?
A: If you find the pie too sweet, you can adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the filling. Start by reducing it by ¼ cup and taste the mixture. You can add more if needed, but reducing the initial amount will help to control the overall sweetness. You can also use a sugar-free whipped topping to reduce the sweetness further.
Q4: I don’t have peppermint extract. Can I use peppermint oil instead?
A: While you can use peppermint oil, it’s important to use it sparingly as it is much more concentrated than peppermint extract. Start with just a drop or two and taste the mixture. Add more gradually until you achieve the desired level of minty flavor. Be careful not to add too much, as it can easily overpower the other flavors.
Q5: Can I freeze this pie?
A: While you can freeze this pie, the texture of the Cool Whip may change slightly upon thawing. It might become a little watery. To minimize this, make sure the pie is well-covered and sealed before freezing. When thawing, do so in the refrigerator to help maintain the texture. It’s best to consume the pie within a month or two for optimal quality.
