Candy Cane Pie (Printable)
Creamy peppermint filling in a chocolate-cookie crust, studded with marshmallows and crushed candy canes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Crust
01 - 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs, such as Oreos, finely crushed
02 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
→ Filling
03 - 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
04 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 cup powdered sugar
06 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
08 - 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
09 - 1/3 cup crushed candy canes, plus more for garnish
10 - Red food coloring, optional
→ Topping
11 - 1 cup whipped cream
12 - Additional crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until uniformly moistened, then firmly press the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish to shape the crust. Place in the refrigerator to chill.
02 - Beat cold heavy whipping cream in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
03 - Using an electric mixer, blend softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until silky and smooth.
04 - Gently fold the whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and crushed candy canes into the cream cheese mixture. If desired, swirl in a few drops of red food coloring to achieve a pink tint.
05 - Transfer filling into the chilled crust, smoothing the surface evenly with a spatula.
06 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing the filling to set thoroughly.
07 - Garnish with whipped cream and additional crushed candy canes or peppermint candies just before slicing and serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Nobody expects a pie this easy to taste like a winter fairy tale, but it does.
- The pop of candy cane crunch transforms a simple dessert into a showstopper that gets requests every year.
02 -
- If the cream cheese isn’t completely softened, you’ll wrestle with lumps that never quite disappear from the filling.
- I learned to add the peppermint extract a tiny bit at a time—too much, and it tastes like toothpaste, so sneak up on the perfect balance.
03 -
- Letting the pie rest overnight brings out the best texture and lets the peppermint flavor mellow perfectly.
- Slip a butter knife under warm water before slicing—each piece comes out clean, not crumbly.