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The holidays are a symphony of flavors, and nothing sings quite like the refreshing burst of peppermint. Imagine a creamy, cool, and utterly delightful dessert that captures the spirit of Christmas in every single slice. This year, trade complex recipes for our incredible Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie – it’s a showstopper that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum festive cheer!
Why You’ll Love This Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie
This isn’t just another dessert; it’s a holiday experience waiting to happen! You’ll absolutely adore this vibrant, refreshing pie for so many reasons:
- Effortlessly Festive: Achieve stunning holiday presentation with minimal fuss, perfect for busy hosts.
- Minty Fresh Flavor: Experience that iconic cool, invigorating peppermint taste that screams Christmas.
- Creamy Dreamy Texture: Each bite offers a luxuriously smooth and rich filling that simply melts in your mouth.
- Quick to Assemble: Active prep time is surprisingly short, leaving you more time for holiday joy.
- No-Fuss Baking (Almost): Only the crust needs a quick bake, making it ideal for novice bakers.
- Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: This vibrant, eye-catching pie will be the star of your holiday dessert table.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare it the day before, letting the flavors deepen and the pie set beautifully.
Ingredients Needed for Your Peppermint Pie
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to holiday dessert success! Choosing quality items ensures the best flavor and texture for your Christmas Peppermint Pie.
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) graham cracker crumbs: Use pre-crushed or crush your own for a buttery, crisp base.
- 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted: Melted butter binds the crust perfectly.
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness for the crunchy crust.
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream: Ensure it’s very cold for optimal whipping.
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened: Allow it to reach room temperature for a lump-free, silky filling.
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the rich, creamy filling.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: This is key! Use a good quality extract for authentic mint flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla balances the peppermint beautifully.
- Red food coloring (optional): Achieve that classic festive pink hue, or keep it white for a sophisticated look.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, whipped for topping: Freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy finish.
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for garnish: Essential for that visual sparkle and extra crunch!
YOU MIGHT LOVE: Chocolate Peppermint Swirl Cookies: A Festive Treat for the Holidays – Get inspired for more holiday baking with this delightful cookie recipe.
Essential Equipment for the Best Peppermint Pie
Having the right tools makes all the difference when crafting this delightful Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie. You won’t need anything fancy, just a few kitchen basics!
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- 9-inch pie dish: The perfect size for this recipe.
- Large mixing bowls (2): One for the crust and another for the luscious filling.
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand): Crucial for achieving fluffy whipped cream and a smooth cream cheese mixture.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for gently folding ingredients and smoothing the pie filling.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurement, ensuring perfect results every time.
Recipe Overview: Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes (for crust)
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling)
- Servings: 8 slices
- Difficulty: Easy
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie
Crafting this festive pie is wonderfully straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly set, deliciously minty dessert!
Making the Graham Cracker CrustPreheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar until well incorporated. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until it turns lightly browned and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. A fully cooled crust prevents a soggy pie!
Preparing the Whipped CreamIn a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat 1 cup of heavy cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. The cream should hold its shape beautifully. Carefully set this aside, perhaps in the refrigerator if your kitchen is warm.
Crafting the Peppermint FillingIn another large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar together until the mixture is wonderfully smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. Next, add the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and red food coloring (if using) to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until the color is uniform and the extracts are thoroughly combined, creating a delightful pink hue if desired.
Assembling and Chilling the PieGently fold the reserved whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Use a rubber spatula and a light hand to ensure no streaks remain and the filling stays airy. Pour this luscious filling into your completely cooled crust and smooth the top with the spatula. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to ensure it sets firmly and is perfectly chilled for serving. Patience is key here for the best texture!
Finishing Touches and ServingJust before serving your magnificent Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie, whip the remaining 1/2 cup heavy cream until soft peaks form. You can either spread this gently over the top of the pie or pipe it decoratively for an elegant finish. Finally, garnish generously with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies to add sparkle, color, and an extra burst of mint. Serve this chilled delight immediately.
CHECK OUT: Candy Cane Kiss Brownie Bites That Guests Fight Over – Looking for another festive treat? These bite-sized delights are incredibly easy and popular!
Tips for Success with Your Peppermint Pie
Elevate your Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie from good to unforgettable with these expert pointers!

- Cold Cream is Key: Always use very cold heavy cream for whipping; it will whip up much faster and hold its peaks better.
- Room Temp Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth, lump-free filling. Plan ahead and take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes prior.
- Don’t Overmix: When folding in the whipped cream, be gentle to maintain its airy volume. Overmixing can deflate the filling.
- Chill Thoroughly: A minimum of 4 hours of chilling is necessary for the pie to set properly, ensuring clean slices.
- Garnish Just Before Serving: Crushed candy canes can soften if applied too early, so add them right before presenting the pie.
Variations & Substitutions for Christmas Peppermint Pie
Feel free to customize your Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie to suit various tastes or dietary needs!
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust.
- Dairy-Free Option: Explore plant-based heavy cream alternatives and dairy-free cream cheese for a similar texture.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add a layer of chocolate ganache over the cooled crust before the filling, or mix mini chocolate chips into the filling.
- Different Crusts: Try an Oreo cookie crust for a chocolate-mint sensation or a shortbread cookie crust for a buttery twist.
- Extra Flavor: A tiny pinch of salt in the filling can enhance the sweet and minty notes.
Serving Suggestions for Peppermint Pie
This Peppermint Pie is fantastic on its own, but here are some ideas to make it even more special for your holiday gatherings:
- Hot Chocolate Companion: Pair slices with a warm mug of hot cocoa topped with extra whipped cream.
- Coffee Pairing: Serve alongside a freshly brewed coffee or a festive peppermint latte.
- Fruit Medley: Offer a side of fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, for a contrasting freshness.
- Cookie Platter: Include it as part of a larger dessert spread with other holiday cookies and treats.
- Mocktail Match: A sparkling cranberry-lime mocktail would be a wonderfully refreshing drink pairing.
Health Benefits of Your Christmas Peppermint Pie
While this Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie is certainly a treat, it does offer some notable elements!
- Protein Power: Each slice provides 4g of protein, contributing to satiety.
- Dietary Fiber: The graham cracker crust adds a touch of dietary fiber (1g), important for digestive health.
- Dairy Goodness: Heavy cream and cream cheese provide calcium, essential for bone health.
- Mood Booster: Peppermint is often associated with invigorating and mood-lifting properties, offering a delicious pick-me-up!
Storage & Reheating Your Quick Peppermint Pie
Ensure your Quick Peppermint Pie stays fresh and delicious for days after baking!
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pie, covered loosely with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, flash freeze uncovered slices until firm, then wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month.
- Serving from Frozen: Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. Do not refreeze once thawed.
- No Reheating: This is a chilled dessert and should not be reheated, as it will alter the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie
What kind of pie dish should I use?
A standard 9-inch pie dish made of glass, ceramic, or metal will work perfectly for this recipe.
Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade graham cracker crust recipe, feel free to use it. Just ensure it’s fully cooled before adding the filling.
Is red food coloring necessary?
No, the red food coloring is entirely optional. It simply gives the pie that classic festive pink hue. The flavor will be the same without it.
How do I make sure my whipped cream is stiff?
Use very cold heavy cream and a very clean, dry bowl and beaters. Beat on medium-high speed until the cream holds firm peaks when you lift the beaters.
Can I use peppermint candies instead of candy canes for garnish?
Yes, crushed peppermint candies work wonderfully as a garnish and provide the same festive look and crunch.
How long does the pie need to chill?
It needs at least 4 hours to set properly, but for the best firm texture and intensified flavor, chilling overnight is recommended.
Can I make this pie without an electric mixer?
Whipping the cream and beating the cream cheese by hand is possible but will require significant arm strength and patience. An electric mixer makes the process much easier and quicker.
More Delicious Dishes
Keep the delightful culinary journey going with these other fantastic recipes from our collection!
- Peppermint Snowball Cookies That Melt Before You Blink – Discover another irresistible peppermint treat for your holiday cookie platter.
- The Maple Pecan Pie Everyone Begs For During the Holidays – Dive into the rich, nutty flavors of this classic holiday pie.
- Sugar Cookie Cheesecake – Enjoy a creamy, sweet dessert with the beloved taste of sugar cookies.
Conclusion
This Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie is truly a holiday marvel – simple to create, stunning to behold, and utterly delicious to devour. It’s the perfect sweet ending to any festive meal, leaving everyone with a cool, minty smile. Happy holidays and happy baking! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.
Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
Description
A creamy, refreshing, and incredibly easy Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious, minty cream cheese filling, perfect for holiday entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for crust)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (for filling)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, whipped for topping
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Press mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Bake crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In another large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and red food coloring (if using) to cream cheese mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain.
- Pour filling into cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
- Before serving, whip remaining 1/2 cup heavy cream and spread or pipe over pie.
- Garnish with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
- Make Ahead: This pie can be prepared a day in advance for optimal chilling and flavor development.
- Garnish Timing: Add crushed candy canes just before serving to prevent them from softening.
- Cream Cheese Tip: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for the smoothest filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Christmas pie, peppermint pie, quick pie, easy dessert, holiday pie, no-bake pie, festive dessert, cream cheese pie, candy cane pie

