Candy Cane Pie is a delightful dessert that brings the festive spirit to your table. With its creamy filling and crunchy candy cane pieces, this pie combines flavors and textures that everyone loves. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare! You can whip it up with minimal effort, making it a perfect dessert for holiday gatherings, parties, or even a cozy night in.
Why Make This Candy Cane Pie
This Candy Cane Pie checks all the boxes for a great holiday dessert. It’s no-bake, so you can save your oven for the main course or other treats. The sweet and creamy filling pairs beautifully with the crunchy chocolate crust, creating a mouthwatering experience with each bite. The refreshing peppermint flavor is reminiscent of the holiday season, making it a festive choice that’s sure to impress your guests. Plus, it’s a dessert that both kids and adults can enjoy, making it a hit for gatherings of all ages.
How to Make Candy Cane Pie
Creating this stunning pie is simpler than you might think! Just follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have a festive dessert that looks and tastes like it took all day to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made chocolate cookie crust
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2–3 drops red food coloring (optional)
- 2 cups whipped topping (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (divided)
- Whole candy canes for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the chocolate cookie crust by placing it in the fridge to chill while you mix the filling.
- In a large bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract.
- Add 2–3 drops of red food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping, keeping the texture airy and light.
- Mix in half of the crushed candy canes for peppermint crunch in every bite.
- Pour the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Before serving, decorate the pie with swirls of whipped cream around the edge.
- Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top.
- Garnish with whole candy canes in the center if desired. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Each slice of Candy Cane Pie (assuming 8 servings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 3g
How to Serve Candy Cane Pie
This Candy Cane Pie makes for a striking centerpiece at any holiday gathering. Serve it chilled, and consider pairing it with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a delightful combination. For extra presentation, you can add festive decorations like whipped cream swirls and whole candy canes on each plate.
How to Store Candy Cane Pie
To keep your Candy Cane Pie fresh, cover it well with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you need to make it ahead of time, preparing it a day in advance is ideal, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Expert Tips for Perfect Candy Cane Pie
- Make sure your whipped topping is well-chilled before incorporating it into the filling to achieve a light and airy texture.
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, try using a chocolate graham cracker crust instead of a traditional cookie crust.
- You can substitute crushed peppermint candies if you don’t have candy canes on hand, although the presentation may vary.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Mint Pie: Replace the crushed candy canes with chocolate mint candies for a decadent twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free chocolate cookie crust to make this pie suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
- Chocolate Ganache Topping: Drizzle warm chocolate ganache over the top before adding the crushed candy canes for an indulgent finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade crust instead of a pre-made one?
Absolutely! A homemade chocolate crust can elevate the flavor even further. Just bake and cool it before adding the filling.What if I don’t like peppermint?
Feel free to swap the peppermint extract for vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor profile.How can I make this pie more festive?
Add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter along with the crushed candy canes for a fun and festive touch.
Conclusion
Candy Cane Pie is not only a delicious dessert; it also encapsulates the joy and spirit of the holiday season. With its creamy peppermint filling and crunchy chocolate crust, it’s sure to become a favorite among your friends and family. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—it’s straightforward, fun to make, and incredibly satisfying to enjoy. Share your creations and let others relish in the sweetness of this festive treat!
Candy Cane Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Chill the chocolate cookie crust in the fridge.
- In a large bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract.
- Add red food coloring and mix until evenly distributed.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping to keep the texture airy.
- Mix in half of the crushed candy canes.
- Pour the filling into the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Before serving, decorate with swirls of whipped cream around the edge.
- Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top and garnish with whole candy canes.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!