There’s something truly magical about a dessert that’s as festive as it is refreshing—and that’s exactly why this No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe holds a special place in my holiday lineup. The creamy peppermint filling paired with a crunchy Oreo crust is like a winter wonderland in every bite, and the best part? No oven required!

The image shows a pie with three main layers in a red pie dish on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a dark, crumbly crust that looks like crushed cookies or chocolate. The middle layer is smooth light pink cream spread evenly with a soft swirl pattern on top. The outer edge of the pie is decorated with dollops of white whipped cream that have small bits of crushed red and white candy sprinkled over them. Behind the pie, there is a white mug with a red and white drink inside. The scene has a festive, cozy feel with soft blurred lights and holiday decorations in the background. 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

This No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe instantly became my go-to dessert during the holidays because it’s effortlessly impressive without demanding hours in the kitchen. It feels fancy but is ridiculously simple to pull together.

Quick and Easy: It’s ready in under 30 minutes of active prep, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
No Oven Needed: Seriously, the crust and the luscious filling all come together without turning on your oven, which is a lifesaver during busy holiday seasons.
Festive Flavors: The peppermint and vanilla combo is classic and refreshing, and adding crushed candy gives a delightful crunch.
Perfect Presentation: With its bright colors and beautiful garnishes, it instantly becomes a holiday centerpiece everyone talks about.

This dessert is a three-layer pie in a red dish. The bottom layer is dark and crumbly, like crushed cookies pressed into the dish to form a thick crust along the edges. The middle layer is smooth and creamy, light pink in color, spread evenly with a slight swirl pattern on top. Around the edge, there is a thick ring of white whipped cream, piped in small swirls. The entire pie is sprinkled with small red and white crushed peppermint pieces on the cream and pink layer. The pie is set on a bright red and green plaid cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe is carefully chosen to create the perfect texture and flavor harmony. From the rich Oreo crust that adds a subtle chocolate edge to the creamy filling that’s brightened by peppermint, every element has its role.

Flat lay of a whole Oreo chocolate cookie crust, two blocks of soft cream cheese with a smooth surface, a small white ceramic bowl of fine powdered sugar, a small white bowl filled with crushed red-and-white peppermint candy pieces, a small white bowl holding smooth heavy whipping cream, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a tiny amount of bright red food coloring in a white bowl, and a tub of fluffy white whipped topping, all arranged symmetrically 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 tons of time and the chocolate complements the peppermint beautifully.
Vanilla extract: I always use pure vanilla extract because it adds depth and balances the mint flavor perfectly.
Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature, it gives the pie a creamy, smooth base that holds everything together.
Crushed peppermint candy: Adds festive crunch and bursts of minty freshness that make each bite exciting.
Powdered sugar: For smooth, even sweetness that blends well without graininess.
Peppermint flavoring: Intensifies the mint flavor beyond what the crushed candy can provide—it’s essential for that holiday wow factor.
Red food color: Just enough to tint the filling with cheerful pink hues without overpowering natural tones.
Heavy whipping cream: When whipped, it lightens up the richness and adds lusciousness to the filling.
Whipped topping (Cool Whip): Provides a smooth, airy finish and helps the pie look professionally styled with minimal effort.

📝

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

I love how forgiving this No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe is—there’s plenty of room for personalization to match your flavor preferences or dietary needs. It’s like a blank canvas with peppermint cheer.

Variation: I’ve swapped out the Oreo crust for a gluten-free chocolate cookie crust and it worked beautifully—still adds that crunch without gluten worries.
Less sweet: You can adjust the powdered sugar to suit your sweetness level; I recommend starting with less and tasting as you go.
Mint infusion: Add a teaspoon of crushed fresh mint leaves for a subtle herbal twist if you want to experiment.
Alcohol twist: For adults-only, a splash of peppermint schnapps in the filling adds a nice warming zing.

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

Step 1: Whip the Heavy Cream to Stiff Peaks

Start by pouring your heavy cream into a large bowl and whip it with a mixer until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift your beaters, the peaks stand tall without drooping. This step is crucial for that light, airy filling texture, so don’t rush it. Set your whipped cream aside for later—it’s the magic that will make your pie creamy rather than dense.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a separate medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until perfectly smooth. No lumps here—take your time or scrape down the sides with a spatula. Then, add your vanilla, peppermint extract, and that festive touch of red food coloring. Mix until the whole mixture is a lovely uniform pink. Fold in half a cup of crushed peppermint candies for that delightful crunch in every bite.

Step 3: Gently Combine Mixtures

Now, fold the cream cheese mixture into the bowl of whipped cream. Be gentle—using a low mixer speed or scraping with a spatula works best. You want to keep the airy texture intact while thoroughly combining the flavors. The end result is a fluffy, velvety filling that holds its shape beautifully inside the crust.

Step 4: Fill Your Oreo Crust

Pour the combined filling into your Oreo crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This crust is sturdy yet chocolaty, adding the perfect base that contrasts with the light peppermint filling. You don’t want any gaps, so smooth it out nicely for that perfect slice.

Step 5: Top and Chill

Layer your pie with a generous dollop of thawed Cool Whip or your favorite whipped topping. Then sprinkle more crushed peppermint candy for extra festivity and crunch. Pop the pie in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to let it set up beautifully before serving. Patience here pays off in texture and flavor melding.

Top Tip

Over time, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make this No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe shine and keep you stress-free in the kitchen.

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Always soften your cream cheese fully before mixing. It prevents lumps and makes your filling silky smooth.
Whip Cream to Stiff Peaks: Underwhipped cream creates a runny filling. Wait a bit longer than you think for perfect peaks.
Gentle Folding: Mix the cream cheese and whipped cream gently to keep the airy texture intact—don’t overbeat!
Chill Time is Essential: Don’t skip chilling the pie—it helps the flavors meld and the pie hold its shape when slicing.

How to Serve No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I keep it simple but festive. Crushed peppermint candies on top add crunch and a cheerful look. Sometimes I add a few whole peppermint sticks or a light dusting of cocoa powder for contrast. Fresh mint leaves can also add a subtle color pop and hint of herbal brightness.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea to echo the flavors. For a holiday party, I like serving it alongside spiced nuts or a plate of assorted cookies for a crowd-pleasing dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the pie in individual glass jars layered with whipped topping and extra crushed peppermint—super cute for gift-giving or portion control. Another fun idea is to decorate each slice with a candy cane or edible glitter to amp up the festive vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps the pie fresh and prevents the crust from getting soggy. It tastes just as good the next day or two—sometimes even better as the flavors deepen.

Freezing

This pie freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Just wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight. The texture stays surprisingly good, though the peppermint candy on top might soften slightly.

Reheating

Since this is a no-bake chilled dessert, it’s best served cold—so no reheating needed. Just slice straight from the fridge and enjoy the refreshing coolness with every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a homemade crust instead of an Oreo crust?

Absolutely! A homemade chocolate cookie or graham cracker crust works great if you prefer making it yourself. Just ensure it’s chilled and firm before adding the filling.

What can I substitute for the peppermint extract?

If peppermint isn’t your thing, you can substitute with vanilla or even almond extract. For a different spin, try a few drops of orange or lemon extract for a citrus twist.

Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and coconut whipped cream, but texture might vary slightly. Using a vegan Oreo crust will help keep it fully dairy-free.

How long will this pie keep in the fridge?

Stored properly, it stays fresh for up to 3 days. After that, the crust may start to get soggy and the peppermint candy garnish can soften.

Final Thoughts

This No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe is a gem in my holiday dessert arsenal—not just because it tastes incredible, but because it brings that cozy festive feeling without any fuss. I think you’ll love how easy and joyful it is to make, and how it brightens up your dessert table with every creamy, minty slice. So next time you want something special but stress-free, give it a try—your friends and family will thank you!