There’s something truly magical about a dessert that feels festive and fresh without spending your whole day in the kitchen. This No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe is exactly that—a refreshing, pepperminty treat that’s creamy, cool, and so simple to pull together. I love how the flavors just pop and the texture melts in your mouth.

The image shows a dessert with three main layers in a white pie dish with a red rim. The bottom layer is a dark crumbly crust that looks like crushed cookies. On top of that is a thick, smooth light pink cream spread evenly in a swirl pattern. Around the edge, there are dollops of white whipped cream. The entire dessert is sprinkled with small pieces of crushed red and white candy. The background is a white marbled surface with a blurred Christmas tree and ornaments. 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 Pie Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ever since I first made this pie, it’s been my go-to holiday dessert—and let me tell you why it deserves a spot on your recipe list this season.

Super Easy and No Oven Needed: This pie skips the baking, so you can whip it up even on the busiest days or in warm weather.
Deliciously Pepperminty: The combination of peppermint extract and crushed candies gives this pie a refreshing and festive kick that feels like holiday magic.
Creamy and Light Texture: Thanks to the whipped cream and cream cheese base, this pie is luxuriously smooth without being too heavy.
Fun and Festive Presentation: The vibrant red color with peppermint garnish makes it a beautiful centerpiece for any holiday table.

This image shows a dessert pie in a bright red pie dish placed on a green, red, and white plaid cloth on a white marbled surface. The pie has three main layers: a dark, crumbly base layer made from crushed cookies, a thick, smooth pale pink cream filling in the middle with gentle swirling patterns, and a ring of white whipped cream dollops evenly piped around the edge. The top is sprinkled with small crushed red-and-white candy pieces scattered lightly over the pink filling and whipped cream, adding texture and color contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, color, and texture. Let’s break down why I choose these ingredients and a few tips on picking the best ones.

Flat lay of a small stack of whole Oreo cookies forming a crust, two uncracked brown eggs, a block of cream cheese with smooth texture, a small white bowl filled with powdered sugar, a small white bowl with clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl holding heavy whipping cream, a small white bowl containing bright red liquid food coloring drops, a few crushed peppermint candy pieces scattered naturally, a small mound of fluffy whipped topping next to more crushed peppermint candy for garnish, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic dishes and bowls, placed 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: Using a ready-made Oreo crust saves time and adds a chocolatey crunch that pairs amazingly with the peppermint flavor.
Vanilla extract: I love using pure vanilla extract (McCormick is my favorite) because it adds a mellow richness that deepens the flavor.
Cream cheese: Be sure to soften it to room temperature for that ultra-smooth filling—cold cream cheese can create lumps.
Crushed peppermint candy: Adds crunch and peppermint bursts in every bite; I usually crush candy canes or peppermint disks.
Powdered sugar: Dissolves easily into the cream cheese for sweetness without graininess.
Peppermint flavoring: For that key minty punch; a little goes a long way—don’t overdo it!
Red food coloring: Just a few drops for that festive tint; you can skip it if you prefer a more natural look.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks for that fluffy, airy texture.
Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Adds a light, creamy layer on top that's perfect for garnishing with more peppermint pieces.

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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

What I love most about this No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to suit your style. Whether you like it extra minty or want to add a chocolate twist, making it your own is part of the fun.

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is stirring in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a surprise texture and flavor combo—delicious and unexpected.
Dairy-Free Option: Try swapping the cream cheese for a vegan cream cheese alternative and use coconut whipped cream for a plant-based version.
Less Sweet: You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet dessert, especially if your peppermint candies are very sugary.
Color Alternatives: Skip the red food coloring or use green for a Christmas-themed twist that’s fun and festive.

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

Step 1: Whip the Heavy Cream to Perfect Peaks

Start by pouring your heavy whipping cream into a large bowl—make sure it’s cold, straight from the fridge, for best volume. Using a hand or stand mixer, whip it on medium-high speed until you see stiff peaks. This means when you lift the beaters, the cream holds its shape firmly without collapsing. Set this bowl aside, we’ll fold in other ingredients soon.

Step 2: Blend Cream Cheese, Sugar & Peppermint

In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until it’s silky smooth—no lumps here! Then add your vanilla extract, peppermint flavoring, and red food coloring. I mix it slowly to get an even color. Lastly, gently fold in half a cup of crushed peppermint candies for that festive pop.

Step 3: Gently Combine and Fold Mixtures

Now, it’s time to bring the two components together. Pour the cream cheese mixture into the whipped cream bowl. Using a mixer on low speed (or a spatula if you want to be extra gentle), combine until smooth and uniform. This keeps your pie light and airy but rich at the same time—don’t overmix or you’ll lose that fluffiness.

Step 4: Pour into Oreo Crust and Chill

Carefully spoon the filling into your Oreo pie crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Top it with a thick layer of thawed whipped topping (Cool Whip), and sprinkle more crushed peppermint on top for a gorgeous finish. Cover and chill for at least 1-2 hours so the filling can set—if you have time, overnight is even better!

Top Tip

Having made this pie more times than I can count, here are some nuggets that make the experience easier and the result unbeatable.

Softer Cream Cheese Means Smoother Filling: Leaving the cream cheese out for at least 30 minutes at room temp is a game-changer to avoid lumps.
Don’t Skip Stiff Peaks: Whipping your heavy cream properly gives the filling that light texture—if it’s under-whipped, the filling can turn dense.
Crush Peppermint Candy Fresh: Freshly crushed candy tends to be crunchier and fresher tasting compared to pre-packaged bits.
Chill Long Enough: If the pie isn’t firm enough when you want to serve, pop it back into the fridge. Rushing this step results in a filling that won’t slice cleanly.

How to Serve No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple here—just a generous dollop of whipped topping sprinkled with crushed peppermint candy. Sometimes, for a little extra wow factor, I add mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of dark chocolate. It looks festive, tastes amazing, and adds texture.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like a citrusy salad or a warm cup of spiced tea. For holiday dinners, I often serve it alongside a cozy latte or peppermint mocha to echo the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served this pie in individual clear glasses layered with crushed Oreos and extra peppermint for a cute “parfait” style. It’s an easy way to make servings look fancy without extra fuss. You could also add edible glitter or silver sprinkles for a sparkling festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always keep leftover pie wrapped tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge. It holds up beautifully for up to 3 days, staying creamy and fresh. Just remember to keep it chilled until serving—it’s not a great candidate for room temp storage.

Freezing

If you have more pie than you can eat right away, freezing works well too. I freeze it uncovered until fully solid, then wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to keep that lovely texture intact.

Reheating

This pie is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t really needed. If you want to soften it a bit, just let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of Oreo?

Absolutely! A homemade chocolate or graham cracker crust will work perfectly; just make sure it’s fully chilled and firm before you add the filling for best results.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, this No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe tastes even better when made the day before to allow flavors to meld and filling to set completely.

Is peppermint extract the same as peppermint oil?

They are similar but not identical; peppermint extract is diluted and safe for recipes, while peppermint oil is very concentrated and should be used sparingly or avoided unless you know its strength and food-grade status.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

No worries at all! The pie tastes great without any coloring, or you can use natural colorings like beet juice or skip any coloring to keep it simple and classic.

Final Thoughts

This No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings that perfect blend of festive cheer and easy indulgence. It’s one of those desserts you can make ahead, feel proud of, and watch everyone savor with smiles. Honestly, it’s like gifting yourself a no-fuss celebration in each bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new holiday favorite!