There’s something so magical about peppermint and cream coming together in a dessert, especially when it’s as easy and festive as this No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe. It’s creamy, minty, and perfectly cool, making it a standout treat that doesn’t require turning on the oven — which I absolutely love, especially during the busy holiday season!

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 is one of those recipes I come back to year after year because it’s both delicious and surprisingly simple. The balance between fresh peppermint flavor and creamy textures is exactly what makes it a holiday crowd-pleaser — plus, it’s a total showstopper for guests.

Quick and hassle-free: You can whip this together in under 30 minutes without needing an oven, perfect for last-minute plans.
Festive and fun: The crushed peppermint candy adds crunch and a burst of seasonal flavor that feels special.
Creamy and dreamy texture: Using whipped cream and cream cheese makes the filling incredibly smooth and light.
Versatile dessert: Whether it’s a holiday party or just a cozy night in, this pie feels like a celebration anytime.

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

Every ingredient in this No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe plays a part in creating that perfect peppermint-rich creaminess balanced by a chocolatey crumbly crust. Here’s what you’ll need and why each element is essential.

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: This is my go-to base—it’s sturdy but easy, and the chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with peppermint.
Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature for smooth mixing, cream cheese adds richness and body to the filling.
Powdered sugar: It sweetens the filling without a grainy texture, keeping everything velvety smooth.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, subtle depth that complements the peppermint.
Peppermint extract: The star of the show—use a good quality one to get that fresh, unmistakable mint flavor.
Crushed peppermint candy: Adds texture and bursts of crunch, plus those adorable festive red-specks throughout the pie.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, this lightens the filling and makes the pie fluffy and airy.
Red food coloring: Optional, but it gives the pie that fun holiday blush that makes it feel extra special.
Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): For the garnish, it’s light and sweet, balancing the filling with a creamy finish.

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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

I love how flexible this No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe is — it’s easy to tweak according to what you have on hand or your taste preferences. Plus, it’s forgiving, so small changes here and there won’t throw it off at all.

Variation: I once swapped the Oreo crust for a chocolate graham cracker crust and loved the slightly different texture and flavor it brought. Feel free to experiment with crusts you prefer.
Dairy-free option: Try using a vegan cream cheese and coconut whipped topping to make this indulgence fit your dietary needs without losing the festive spirit.
Extra minty: If you like a strong peppermint kick, add a bit more peppermint extract—just a few drops at a time so it doesn’t overpower.
Colorful twist: You can skip the red food coloring or opt for green to match different holiday themes.

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

Step 1: Whip the Cream to Perfection

Start by pouring your heavy whipping cream into a large bowl and whip it until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk, the cream stands up on its own without drooping. It’s key to get this right because it gives your pie that dreamy, light texture. I use an electric mixer on medium-high speed, keeping an eye to avoid over-whipping, which can make it grainy.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy — no lumps! Then mix in your vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and red food coloring until the color is even. Finally, fold in half of your crushed peppermint candies for texture and visual appeal. I like folding gently here to keep the mixture light.

Step 3: Combine Everything Gently

Now, slowly add your cream cheese mixture into the bowl of whipped heavy cream, blending on a low speed. You want a smooth, homogenous filling without deflating all that whipped cream. It helps to scrape the bowl as you mix to incorporate everything evenly.

Step 4: Fill the Oreo Crust

Pour your fluffy, minty filling into the Oreo crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula. At this point, the pie looks festive already, but we’re not done yet!

Step 5: Add Topping and Chill

Top the pie with a generous layer of whipped topping, then sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint candies over the top. Pop the whole pie into the fridge for at least 2 hours to let it set. This step is where the flavors marry and the pie firms up beautifully—don't skip it!

Top Tip

From countless times making this pie, I’ve learned a few tips that really elevate the final result. These little tricks save time and prevent common hiccups, so your No Bake Peppermint Pie turns out picture-perfect every time.

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Always soften your cream cheese fully to avoid lumps and get that super smooth filling. I microwave mine in short bursts if I’m tight on time.
Don’t Overbeat the Cream: Watch your whipped cream closely when whipping to stiff peaks—if you go too far, it can turn buttery and mess up the texture.
Fold, Don’t Stir: When combining the cream cheese mixture with whipped cream, fold gently to keep the airy texture.
Chill Time Matters: Letting the pie chill adequately helps it hold its shape and intensifies the peppermint flavor—I've found less than 2 hours just doesn’t cut it.

How to Serve No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I always go classic with crushed peppermint candy sprinkled on top — it adds a beautiful festive crunch and looks so inviting. Sometimes I add a few whole peppermint sticks standing in the pie or a dusting of cocoa powder for a little contrast. The whipped topping makes everything look soft and inviting.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea to amp up the minty vibe. If you’re hosting brunch or a holiday gathering, I like serving it alongside simple chocolate truffles or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes slice the pie into individual glasses or jars to create mini peppermint parfaits, layering some extra crushed Oreos in between. It’s such a fun way to serve guests, and everyone loves a personal-sized treat that looks so festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover peppermint pie stores wonderfully in the fridge — just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a pie dome to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors. I usually eat leftovers within 3 days to enjoy the freshest taste and texture.

Freezing

Freezing this pie works if you want to make it ahead of time. I wrap the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Keep in mind the texture can get a little softer after freezing, but the flavor stays fantastic.

Reheating

This pie is best served chilled, so you don’t really need to reheat. Just let frozen slices thaw fully in the fridge before serving, and enjoy it as a cool treat with all its creamy glory intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the Oreo crust for something else?

Absolutely! You can use a graham cracker crust, chocolate cookie crust, or even make your own crust with crushed cookies and melted butter. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

While peppermint extract gives the pie its signature flavor, you can substitute it with a few drops of spearmint extract or leave it out and just increase vanilla extract slightly. The crushed peppermint candy will still add some mint flavor and texture.

How long does this pie need to chill before serving?

I recommend chilling the pie for at least 1 to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the filling to firm up properly and the flavors to meld together, ensuring the best texture and taste.

Can I make this pie ahead of time for a party?

Yes! This pie is perfect for making a day or even two in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until serving. It actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to blend overnight.

Final Thoughts

This No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe has become a personal favorite, not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s a reminder of cozy holiday moments with family and friends. It’s easy to make, looks impressive, and tastes like a little slice of winter magic. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it around your own table — trust me, it’ll be the star of your dessert spread!