As a seasoned food blogger, I’m thrilled to share a delightful holiday treat with you – the No Bake Candy Cane Pie. This festive dessert boasts a creamy filling infused with real peppermint flavor and a decadent Oreo cookie crust. With just a handful of ingredients, this easy-to-make pie is a showstopper at any holiday gathering.
This Candy Cane Pie is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a make-ahead wonder. Whether you’re planning for a Christmas feast or a winter soiree, this pie can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, allowing you to focus on other holiday preparations. Its versatility shines through as it can be frozen for later enjoyment, making it a convenient and delicious option for busy festivities.
Get ready to impress your guests with this delectable dessert that embodies the essence of the holiday season. Stay tuned for the step-by-step recipe to create this mouthwatering Candy Cane Pie that will surely become a staple in your holiday menu rotation.
Ingredients
Creating a delicious Candy Cane Pie requires a few key ingredients to bring together the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Below are the essential components you’ll need to make this festive holiday dessert:
Oreo Crust
- Crushed Oreos
- Melted butter
Pie Filling
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
- Heavy cream
- Whipped cream (fresh or Cool Whip)
- Candy Canes
- Crushed candy canes
These ingredients will come together to create a delightful Candy Cane Pie that is sure to impress your guests this holiday season. Follow the upcoming steps to transform these components into a delectable and visually appealing dessert.
Equipment Needed
I always make sure to have the right equipment ready before I start baking. For this delightful Candy Cane Pie recipe, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 Mixing Bowl: A medium to large mixing bowl for combining the filling ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: Whether a hand mixer or a stand mixer like my Kitchenaid mixer, this is essential for whipping the cream and mixing various components.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are key, so ensure you have these on hand.
- Pie Plate or Dish: You’ll need a 9-inch pie plate to form the crust and hold the filling.
- Plastic Wrap: To cover and protect the pie while it sets in the fridge.
- Serving Plate: Prepare a beautiful platter to display and serve your Candy Cane Pie.
- Refrigerator: Make sure you have enough space in the fridge to chill the pie for at least a couple of hours or overnight.
- Candy Cane: Don’t forget those extra candy cane pieces for the garnish – they add a festive touch to your finished dessert.
Having these tools and equipment ready will help streamline the baking process and ensure your Candy Cane Pie turns out perfect for your holiday gathering.
Preparation
Making the Oreo Crust
- Start by crushing the Oreos in a food processor until finely crushed. Leave the creamy filling as it helps sweeten and bind the crust.
- Add melted butter to the crushed Oreos and pulse again to moisten the crumbs evenly.
- Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie plate using a flat-bottomed measuring cup for a tight pack.
- Set the crust by either baking in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or freezing for 15 minutes for a no-bake option.
- Begin by melting high-quality white chocolate either over simmering water or in the microwave in short 20-second bursts, stirring well between each burst.
- In a separate bowl, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Set the whipped cream aside in the fridge.
- Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth, then add melted white chocolate, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and crushed candy canes. Mix well.
- Gently fold in 2/3 of the whipped cream into the filling before transferring it to the prepared Oreo pie crust.
- Chill the pie in the fridge for 2 hours before topping with the remaining whipped cream and decorations.
Assembling the Pie
To assemble the Candy Cane Pie, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Candy Cane Filling
- Once the pie crust is set, carefully spread the prepared candy cane filling into the crust. You can choose to create a decorative swirl to mimic a candy cane pattern within the white filling, but this step is optional.
Step 2: Make the Ganache
- Heat the cream until steaming, then pour it over the white chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt. Whisk the mixture until smooth. After cooling for 10 minutes, pour the ganache over the pie filling, ensuring full coverage.
Step 3: Refrigerate the Pie
- Place the assembled pie in the refrigerator to set for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight for around 12 hours. This chilling time allows the pie to set properly.
- Before serving, place the pie in the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes to firm up for easier slicing. Just before serving, sprinkle crushed candy cane pieces over the top for a festive and visually appealing finishing touch.
By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious and visually stunning Candy Cane Pie ready to impress your family and friends during the holiday season.
Baking the Pie
To bake the delicious Candy Cane Pie, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get started on creating this festive holiday treat.
- Oreo Crust Preparation:
- Begin by crushing Oreo cookies (about 25 cookies) in a food processor until they turn into fine crumbs.
- Transfer the crumbs into a mixing bowl and mix in 6 tablespoons of melted butter until the crumbs are well coated.
- Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring an even layer on the bottom and sides.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
- Filling Preparation:
- In a heatproof bowl, melt 6 ounces of white chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/3 cup of granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the melted white chocolate, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract, and 1/2 cup of crushed candy canes to the cream cheese mixture. Mix well.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully incorporated.
- Assembling the Pie:
- Pour the peppermint filling into the cooled Oreo crust, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup of cream until steaming, then pour it over 4 ounces of white chocolate. Let sit for a minute, then whisk until smooth.
- Pour the white chocolate ganache over the peppermint filling in the pie crust.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours to set.
- Final Touches:
- Before serving, sprinkle additional crushed candy cane pieces on top of the pie for a festive finish.
- Optionally, you can add whipped cream rosettes or whole candy canes as decorations for an extra festive touch.
By following these steps carefully, you’ll have a scrumptious Candy Cane Pie ready to impress your guests and elevate your holiday celebrations.
Decorating the Pie
Decorating the Candy Cane Pie is where creativity meets festive flair. Elevate the appearance of your pie with delightful toppings and garnishes that will not only add visual appeal but also enhance the overall taste experience.
Adding Toppings
- Whipped Cream Designs: Embrace your artistic side by using a piping bag and cake tip set to create beautiful whipped cream designs on top of the pie. Practice a bit before decorating to achieve your desired look.
- Chocolate Shavings: Make chocolate shavings using a potato peeler and sprinkle them generously over the whipped cream for a touch of elegance and richness.
- Crushed Candy Canes: Sprinkle crushed candy cane pieces over the top to add a festive and minty crunch that complements the creamy filling.
- Whole Candy Canes: Arrange whole candy canes on top of the pie in any design you prefer for a classic holiday touch.
- Peppermint Candy Options: Explore various peppermint candy options like Hershey’s peppermint kisses, peppermint bark, or soft striped peppermint sticks for additional garnish choices.
- Oreo Twist: For a unique twist, consider adding crushed Oreos or Trader Joe’s Peppermint Joe-Joes to the filling for a fusion of flavors in your Candy Cane Pie.
- Chocolate Ganache: Take your pie to the next level by drizzling a rich chocolate ganache made with heavy cream and semisweet chocolate chips over the top for a decadent finish.
Get creative with your decorations and garnishes to make your Candy Cane Pie not only delicious but also visually stunning for your festive celebrations.
Serving Suggestions
After the No Bake Candy Cane Pie has been impeccably prepared, it’s time to present this delightful creation in a visually appealing and tantalizing manner that will leave your guests impressed. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate the presentation and enjoyment of your Candy Cane Pie:
- Whipped Cream Art: Enhance the beauty of your Candy Cane Pie by piping intricate designs with whipped cream on the top layer. Swirls, stars, or even simple patterns can add a touch of elegance.
- Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle a generous amount of chocolate shavings over the top of the pie. The contrast of dark chocolate against the white filling and red candy canes creates a visually stunning effect.
- Crushed Candy Canes: For an extra pop of peppermint flavor and a delightful crunch, sprinkle additional crushed candy cane pieces over the pie just before serving. It adds a festive touch and enhances the overall taste experience.
- Whole Candy Canes: Place whole candy canes strategically around the edges of the pie or on each individual slice for a whimsical and decorative touch. This not only looks charming but also provides a fun treat for your guests.
- Variety of Peppermint Candies: Consider decorating the serving platter with an assortment of peppermint candies like peppermint sticks, peppermint bark, or peppermint candies in various shapes and sizes to create a thematic and festive display.
- Crushed Oreos: Sprinkle some crushed Oreo cookie crumbs over the pie for an additional layer of flavor and texture. The combination of chocolate cookies with the peppermint filling adds a delightful contrast.
- Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Drizzle a decadent chocolate ganache over the slices of Candy Cane Pie before serving. The rich chocolate flavor complements the peppermint filling, creating a delightful balance of sweetness.
By incorporating these serving suggestions, you can transform your No Bake Candy Cane Pie into a visually stunning centerpiece that not only tastes delicious but also captivates your guests with its festive and indulgent presentation.
Storing Tips
After making the delicious Candy Cane Pie, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. Here are some essential tips to ensure your pie stays perfect:
Refrigeration:
- Store the Candy Cane Pie in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
- Place the pie in the refrigerator to keep it chilled.
- Proper refrigeration helps preserve the pie’s texture and prevents the filling from becoming too soft.
Freezing:
- If you want to store the pie for a longer period, consider freezing it.
- Wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen pie in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.
- The Candy Cane Pie can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- If frozen, the pie can last for up to 2-3 months without compromising its taste and quality.
By following these storing tips, you can enjoy your festive Candy Cane Pie for an extended period while maintaining its delicious flavors and textures.
Conclusion
The No Bake Candy Cane Pie is a delightful holiday dessert that combines the refreshing taste of peppermint with the indulgent sweetness of white chocolate and Oreo cookies. Its simple yet impressive presentation makes it a perfect choice for festive gatherings or a cozy night in. By following the easy steps outlined in this recipe, you can create a show-stopping dessert that will wow your family and friends. With creative topping ideas and storage tips to keep it fresh, the Candy Cane Pie is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed for days to come. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious pie and savor the flavors of the season in every bite.