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- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened at room temperature - ½ cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup heavy whipping cream - 1 cup crushed candy canes (reserve a little for garnish) - ¼ cup peppermint extract - 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup (for drizzling) To make the No-Bake Candy Cane Pie, you need a few simple ingredients. First, the crust uses crushed graham crackers and melted butter. This mix creates a sweet base. Next, the filling is all about rich flavors. Cream cheese adds creaminess, while powdered sugar brings sweetness. Vanilla extract lifts the taste, making it delightful. The heavy whipping cream gives the filling a light and fluffy texture. The star of the pie is crushed candy canes. They add a crunchy bite and a minty flavor. Reserve some for the topping! Finally, peppermint extract gives an extra burst of mint. A drizzle of chocolate syrup adds a fun finish. With these ingredients, you will make a pie that brings joy and holiday spirit to any gathering. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Combine 1 ½ cups of crushed graham crackers with ½ cup of melted unsalted butter. - Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand. - Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish. - Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. - In a large bowl, beat 1 (8 oz) package of softened cream cheese until smooth. - Gradually add ½ cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. - Mix until everything is well combined. - In another bowl, pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. - Whip the cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. - Be careful not to over-whip it, or it will turn grainy. - Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. - Add in 1 cup of crushed candy canes and ¼ cup of peppermint extract. - Pour the creamy filling into the chilled graham cracker crust. - Use a spatula to smooth the top for an even finish. - Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. - For the best flavor, let it chill overnight. - Just before serving, drizzle 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup over the pie. - Sprinkle reserved crushed candy canes on top for a festive touch. To avoid grainy cream, do not over-whip the heavy cream. Whip it until stiff peaks form. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-whipping. When mixing the whipped cream into the cream cheese, use a gentle folding technique. This keeps the filling light and fluffy. Insert the spatula at the bottom and fold it over the top. Repeat until combined, but do not stir vigorously. For an extra minty kick, add a bit of peppermint extract. Just a teaspoon can boost the flavor. You can also mix in chocolate flavors. A little cocoa powder or melted chocolate can create a rich twist. Feel free to experiment with other flavors too. Adding crushed cookies or nuts can make it unique. Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream on top. This adds a nice touch and makes it look pretty. A drizzle of chocolate syrup on each slice will make it even more inviting. For garnishing, sprinkle some of the reserved crushed candy canes on top. It adds color and a festive feel. You can also use fresh mint leaves or chocolate shavings for an elegant finish. Pro Tips Chill the Mixing Bowl: Before whipping the cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This helps the cream whip up faster and achieve better volume. Use Fresh Candy Canes: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh candy canes. Older candy canes may lose their crunch and flavor intensity. Mixing Technique: When folding the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, use a gentle motion to avoid deflating the whipped cream. This will keep your filling light and airy. Serving Temperature: For the best taste and texture, allow the pie to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will make slicing easier and enhance the flavors. {{image_4}} You can switch up the crust for your No-Bake Candy Cane Pie. Instead of graham crackers, try an Oreo or chocolate cookie crust. This option adds a rich, chocolatey flavor. If you need a gluten-free choice, look for gluten-free graham crackers or chocolate cookies. Both options are tasty and easy to work with. Get creative with flavors! You can add different types of crushed candies. Try using crushed peppermint patties or butterscotch candies for a twist. You can also experiment with fruit flavors. Adding fruit liqueurs or purees can bring a fresh taste. Raspberry or strawberry flavors mix well with peppermint, creating a unique dessert. If you find the pie too sweet, you can reduce the powdered sugar. This change allows the peppermint flavor to shine. Using unsweetened whipped cream can also help balance the sweetness. This way, you get a light and refreshing dessert, perfect for any holiday table. To keep your No-Bake Candy Cane Pie fresh, place it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. If you don't have a container, cover the pie with plastic wrap. This method helps maintain its flavor and creaminess. You can freeze this pie for later enjoyment. First, let it chill in the fridge for about 4 hours. Once set, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. This pie can stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months. When you're ready to eat it, move the pie to the fridge for a few hours to thaw. In the fridge, the No-Bake Candy Cane Pie stays fresh for about five days. Look for signs of spoilage like a changed smell or discoloration. If the whipped cream looks grainy or the filling seems watery, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food freshness. Yes, you can make this pie in advance. I suggest chilling it for at least 4 hours. For the best flavor and texture, let it chill overnight. This allows the filling to set properly and the flavors to meld. If you don't have graham crackers, you can use other options. Crushed Oreos make a great substitute. You can also try crushed vanilla wafers or any sweet cookie. Just make sure to mix them with melted butter. To adjust the recipe, reduce the ingredients proportionally. If you want to make half the pie, use half the ingredients. For example, use ¾ cup of crushed graham crackers and ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Adjust each ingredient similarly. While chilling overnight isn’t strictly necessary, it improves the pie. Longer chilling helps the filling set more firmly. It also enhances the flavor, making every bite taste even better. If you're in a hurry, 4 hours works too. Yes, you can use sugar substitutes. Opt for powdered erythritol or stevia in place of powdered sugar. Make sure to check the conversion ratios on the package, as some substitutes are sweeter than regular sugar. Adjust accordingly for the best taste. This pie is easy and fun to make. You combine graham crackers, cream cheese, and candy canes for a sweet treat. Follow the steps for a smooth texture and tasty flavors. Use the tips for garnish and storage to make it shine. Feel free to try different crusts and flavors too! I hope you enjoy making this pie as much as I do. It’s a festive delight for everyone!

No-Bake Candy Cane Pie

A festive and creamy no-bake pie with a delightful candy cane flavor, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups crushed graham crackers
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 package cream cheese, softened at room temperature
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup crushed candy canes
  • 0.25 cup peppermint extract
  • 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers with the melted unsalted butter. Stir the mixture until it is evenly moistened and resembles wet sand.
  • Transfer the graham cracker mixture to a 9-inch pie dish. Use your fingers or the back of a measuring cup to press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the dish, creating an even crust. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
  • In another mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, as this can turn the cream grainy.
  • Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Be cautious to maintain the airy texture of the whipped cream while ensuring it is well incorporated.
  • Fold in the crushed candy canes and peppermint extract until evenly distributed throughout the filling.
  • Carefully pour the Candy Cane filling into the chilled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top for an even finish.
  • Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set. For best flavor, let it chill overnight.
  • Just before serving, drizzle chocolate syrup over the top of the pie and sprinkle with the reserved crushed candy canes for a festive touch.

Notes

For best flavor, let it chill overnight.
Keyword candy cane, holiday dessert, no-bake, pie