Festive Candy Cane Pie Recipe: A Holiday Delight
Candy Cane Pie is a festive treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays. With its creamy filling and delightful peppermint crunch, this dessert will be the star of any Christmas gathering. The vibrant red and white candy cane topping not only looks cheerful but also adds a refreshing zing to each bite. Here’s how to make this show-stopping holiday dessert at home!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed chocolate cookies for a twist)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups whipped topping (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup crushed candy canes
For the Topping:
Extra crushed candy canes
Whipped topping (optional)
Mini peppermint candies (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined.
Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie pan, covering the bottom and sides evenly.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
Make the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Gently fold in the whipped topping and crushed candy canes until evenly distributed.
Assemble the Pie:
Pour the filling into the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Add the Toppings:
Just before serving, sprinkle extra crushed candy canes over the top.
For added flair, pipe whipped topping around the edges and decorate with mini peppermint candies.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (minimum)
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Baking Pro Tips
For a no-bake version, skip baking the crust and freeze it for 15 minutes before adding the filling.
Use a food processor to crush candy canes quickly and evenly.
To avoid a sticky mess, chill the pie before cutting to ensure clean slices.
Experiment with flavored candy canes (e.g., chocolate peppermint) for a fun twist.