Introduction
This White Chocolate Peppermint Pie is a dreamy holiday dessert that combines the richness of white chocolate with the refreshing coolness of peppermint. The base is a chocolatey Oreo crust, which holds a luscious, creamy filling made with cream cheese and melted white chocolate, lightened with whipped topping. It’s finished with a fluffy cream layer and crunchy crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch. Serve it chilled or even frozen for a dreamy, ice-cream-like treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant and festive: The peppermint flavor makes it perfect for holidays or special celebrations.
- Creamy yet airy: The combination of cream cheese and whipped topping gives a silky-smooth filling.
- Crunchy crust: The Oreo crust adds a chocolatey crunch that complements the creamy filling.
- Make-ahead friendly: Great to prepare in advance — the pie needs to chill to set.
- Customizable garnish: Crushed peppermint candy and white chocolate shavings make it beautiful and tasty.
Ingredients
- About 25 chocolate cream-filled cookies (like Oreos), crushed into crumbs
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups white chocolate chips, melted
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 8 oz container of whipped topping (thawed)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- Another ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (or vanilla, if preferred)
- ¼ cup crushed peppermint candies
- White chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the crushed cookie crumbs with the melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, covering the bottom and slightly up the sides.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let the crust cool completely before filling.
- Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Slowly add the melted white chocolate and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract, blending until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is uniform and airy.
- Chill the Filling
- Pour the filling into the cooled Oreo crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.
- Make the Topping
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and the remaining peppermint (or vanilla) extract until firm peaks form.
- Spread or pipe this whipped cream layer over the chilled pie.
- Garnish & Finish
- Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive crunch.
- Add white chocolate shavings if you like — they look beautiful and add extra indulgence.
- Chill again for a bit if needed before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Use high-quality white chocolate for the best melt and flavor.
- Let the melted white chocolate cool slightly before mixing with cream cheese so it doesn’t seize.
- Taste the filling before adding all the peppermint extract — start with less, because it can be very strong.
- For cleaner slices, run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, then use it to cut the pie.
- If you like a firmer, frozen texture, freeze the pie after assembling and serve it slightly thawed.
Variations & Options
- Vanilla mint twist: Replace some or all of the peppermint with vanilla extract.
- Different crusts: Use a graham cracker crust or chocolate wafer crust instead of Oreos.
- Chocolate swirl: Melt a little dark or milk chocolate and swirl it into the filling before chilling.
- Spiced version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday twist.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cookies for the crust and ensure your white chocolate is gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes — after assembling, cover and refrigerate. It’s even better when it sits overnight.
How long does it keep?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for a couple of months.
Can I use another whipped topping instead of Cool Whip?
Yes — freshly whipped cream (heavy cream + powdered sugar) works beautifully too.
Is there a non-dairy option?
You could try using a non-dairy cream cheese, dairy-free white chocolate, and coconut whipped topping, though the texture and flavor will change a bit.
Final Thoughts
This White Chocolate Peppermint Pie is a delightful holiday dessert that’s both visually stunning and deliciously creamy. The balance between the sweet white chocolate and the cool peppermint makes it festive yet elegant. Whether you’re making it for a party or treating yourself, it’s the perfect dessert to feel cozy, indulgent, and merry.