
Thank you for stopping by—because today’s recipe is everything we love about holiday baking… minus the actual baking! 😄
This No-Bake Candy Cane Pie is creamy, cool, and bursting with festive peppermint flavor. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a fluffy cream cheese filling swirled with crushed candy canes, it’s the kind of dessert that tastes like Christmas in every bite.
Whether you’re prepping dessert for a holiday party, a cozy movie night, or just can’t resist those pretty peppermint vibes, this is a no-fuss showstopper that’s as easy to make as it is to devour!
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🎅 What Is Candy Cane Pie?
Candy Cane Pie is a no-bake dessert made with a graham cracker or cookie crust, filled with a peppermint-flavored cream cheese mousse, and topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
It’s smooth, lightly minty, and so festive-looking with red and white specks throughout. It’s like peppermint bark meets cheesecake—and we are so here for it.
❄️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ No oven needed – perfect for busy holiday kitchens
- ✅ Festive flavors – peppermint + candy canes = Christmas joy
- ✅ Make-ahead friendly – chill overnight and serve when ready
- ✅ Easy ingredients – pantry + fridge staples
- ✅ Customizable – use your favorite crust, tint it pink, or pile on extra toppings!
🎂 What Does Candy Cane Pie Taste Like?
This pie is cool and creamy, with a gentle peppermint flavor that’s not overpowering. The crushed candy canes add tiny bursts of crunch and classic minty sweetness, while the graham cracker crust brings a rich, buttery balance.
It’s light like mousse, flavored like the holidays, and perfect for anyone who loves peppermint desserts (but doesn’t love baking stress).
🎄 Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ready-made graham cracker pie crust
OR homemade version:
- 1½ cups finely ground biscuits (Petibör, graham, or digestive)
- 5 tbsp melted butter
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups cold whipped cream (or 1 packet of whipped topping + 1 cup cold milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 4–5 crushed candy canes
- Few drops red food coloring (optional for a pink swirl)
For the Topping:
- Whipped cream (to pipe or spread on top)
- Crushed candy canes (for a festive finish)
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Tart pan or pie dish
- Plastic wrap (for chilling)
- Optional: piping bag for whipped cream
👩🍳 How to Make No-Bake Candy Cane Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Skip this step if using a ready-made crust.
If making your own:
- Mix 1½ cups crushed biscuits with 5 tbsp melted butter.
- Press firmly into a pie or tart pan.
- Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes to set.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and peppermint extract. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cream until fluffy (or prepare whipped topping as per package directions).
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Stir in crushed candy canes and a few drops of red food coloring, if using, to create a pink tint.
Step 3: Assemble & Chill
- Pour the filling into your prepared crust.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best texture.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch
- Before serving, pipe or spread whipped cream on top.
- Sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a festive sparkle.
- Slice and serve cold!
🎁 Tips & Variations
- Make it pink! A few drops of red food coloring make the pie look extra festive.
- Try an Oreo crust for a chocolate-mint twist.
- Garnish with mini candy canes, white chocolate curls, or holiday sprinkles.
- Use flavored whipped topping (like vanilla or marshmallow) for extra flair.
- Chill overnight for the best flavor and cleanest slices!
❄️ Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 1 month—thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Make ahead: This pie is made for prepping the day before your party!
FAQs About Candy Cane Pie
Can I use a different extract?
Sure! Mint extract works too, but peppermint is more classic for that candy cane flavor.
Is this pie very sweet?
It’s sweet but balanced. The peppermint gives it a refreshing lift!
Can I use whipped topping instead of real cream?
Yes! One packet of whipped topping + 1 cup cold milk works perfectly.
Can I skip the food coloring?
Of course. It’s just for looks—your pie will still taste amazing.
Final Thoughts
This No-Bake Candy Cane Pie is what holiday dessert dreams are made of—festive, fluffy, and full of cool peppermint cheer. It comes together with minimal effort, looks like you spent hours on it, and disappears faster than Santa on Christmas Eve. 🎅
Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or just treating yourself, this pie is your go-to for something easy, elegant, and oh-so merry.
More No-Bake Holiday Treats to Try
- 🍫 Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna
- 🎄 Gingerbread Cream Cheese Dip
- 🍰 No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake
- 🧁 Mini Peppermint Bark Cups
Share Your Holiday Sweetness! 📸
Made this minty beauty? I have to see it!
Leave a review, pin it to Pinterest, or tag your creation with #MmmRecipes on Instagram so we can celebrate together!
Nutritional Info (Per Slice – Approx. Based on 10 Servings)
- Calories: ~320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 35g
- Sugars: 27g
- Protein: 3g
Vegetarian | Contains Dairy, Gluten
Here’s to no-bake magic, peppermint sparkles, and desserts that bring all the holiday joy with none of the stress. 🎄❄️💖




