Easy Candy Cane Pie

$To make Easy Candy Cane Pie, gather these items: - 1 pre-made graham cracker pie crust - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup whipped cream (unsweetened or sweetened) - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract - 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for garnish) - Red and white sprinkles (optional) These ingredients create a creamy and minty pie that is perfect for the holidays. The pre-made crust saves time, making this dessert quick and easy. You can change things up a bit! Here are some ideas: - Use an Oreo crust instead of the graham cracker crust for a chocolate twist. - Add crushed chocolate cookies on top for extra crunch. - Swap out peppermint extract for vanilla and use chocolate chips for a different flavor. These variations give you options to explore different tastes and textures. If you have allergies, here are some safe swaps: - Use dairy-free cream cheese to keep it dairy-free. - Replace whipped cream with coconut cream for a non-dairy option. - Choose a gluten-free crust if you need to avoid gluten. These substitutions help everyone enjoy this festive pie without worry. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take your large mixing bowl. Add the 8 oz of softened cream cheese. Use an electric mixer to beat it until smooth. This step is key for a creamy pie. Next, gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar. Keep mixing until it is well blended. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Also, add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. This will give your pie a minty kick. Now it’s time to fold in the whipped cream. You need 1 cup of whipped cream, sweetened or unsweetened. Gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. You want to keep it light and fluffy. Once combined, fold in 1/2 cup of crushed candy canes. This adds a nice crunch and festive flavor. Be careful not to overmix. Grab your pre-made graham cracker pie crust. Pour the minty cream cheese filling into the crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Cover the pie with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time helps the pie set properly. After chilling, you can take it out. Garnish with extra crushed candy canes and red and white sprinkles if you like. Now, your Easy Candy Cane Pie is ready to serve! To get that smooth and creamy texture, beat the cream cheese well. Use an electric mixer at medium speed. Mix until it looks fluffy and free of lumps. Slowly add the powdered sugar while mixing. This will help it blend nicely. Finally, fold in the whipped cream gently. This keeps the mix light and airy. You can boost the flavor with a few fun extras. Add a bit more peppermint extract for a stronger taste. You might like a splash of chocolate syrup mixed in too. If you are a fan of chocolate, consider drizzling it on top. Red and white sprinkles add a festive touch. They make the pie look pretty and fun! When serving, slice the pie into wedges for easy portions. A dollop of whipped cream on each slice looks nice. You can even place a whole candy cane on the pie for a special touch. This adds a pop of color and makes it festive. Enjoy the smiles when you serve this delightful pie! Pro Tips Chill the Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened for easy mixing, but avoid overheating it to maintain the right texture. Whipped Cream Consistency: If using unsweetened whipped cream, taste the filling before adding all the powdered sugar to balance the sweetness. Crush Candy Canes Properly: Use a zip-top bag and a rolling pin to crush the candy canes into fine pieces for better distribution in the filling. Garnishing Tips: For a festive touch, consider using crushed peppermint sticks or chocolate shavings along with the candy canes for a beautiful presentation. {{image_2}} You can make a Mint Chocolate Candy Cane Pie. This twist adds rich chocolate flavor. To do this, mix in 1/2 cup of melted chocolate before folding in the whipped cream. Use chocolate graham cracker crust for extra depth. Top the pie with chocolate shavings and crushed candy canes. It gives a great minty and chocolatey taste! If you want a no-bake version, you can skip the chilling step. Mix the ingredients as usual, then pour them into your pie crust. Instead of chilling, freeze it for 1 hour. This makes a firmer pie that is perfect for hot days. Just remember to let it sit out for a few minutes before slicing. Mini Candy Cane Pies are perfect for parties. Use small tart pans or muffin tins. Just fill the crusts with the cream cheese mixture. Chill them as you would the pie. These bite-sized treats are fun and easy to serve. You can decorate each with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a festive touch! To keep your Easy Candy Cane Pie fresh, use an airtight container. If you have leftover pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This helps to lock in the flavor and moisture. Store it in the fridge for best results. Keeping it cold helps maintain its creamy texture. Avoid placing it near strong-smelling foods. This can affect the pie's taste. When stored properly, Candy Cane Pie stays good for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it looks or smells off, it's better to toss it out. Enjoy the pie within this time for the best taste and quality. You can freeze Candy Cane Pie, but it may change the texture. If you choose to freeze it, wrap the pie well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn. It can last for about a month in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the pie watery. Enjoy it chilled for a refreshing treat! Yes, you can use other crusts for this pie. A regular pie crust works well. You could even try a chocolate crust for a fun twist. Just make sure it fits your pie dish. Each type of crust adds its own flavor. Absolutely! You can make this pie a day or two in advance. Just follow the recipe and chill it. This helps the flavors deepen. Cover it well to keep it fresh in the fridge. It’s a great time-saver during busy holidays. To make this pie gluten-free, switch to a gluten-free graham cracker crust. You can find options at most stores. They taste just as good. Keep the other ingredients the same. This way, everyone can enjoy the pie. This post covered key steps to make an easy Candy Cane Pie. We discussed the best ingredients, simple instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting the texture and flavor. You also learned about variations, like mint chocolate and no-bake options. Don't forget to check storage tips to keep your pie fresh. This dessert is great for any holiday gathering. Enjoy making and sharing your Candy Cane Pie!$

A festive and delicious pie perfect for the holiday season, featuring a creamy mint filling and a graham cracker crust.

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Prep Time 20

Total Time 2

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pre-made graham cracker pie crust
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whipped cream (unsweetened or sweetened)
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for garnish)
to taste red and white sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer.
Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to mix until well combined.
Mix in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until everything is fully incorporated.
Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the crushed candy canes to the mixture and fold gently until evenly distributed.
Pour the minty cream cheese filling into the pre-made graham cracker pie crust and spread it evenly.
Cover the pie with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or until set).
Once chilled, remove the pie from the refrigerator and garnish the top with extra crushed candy canes and red and white sprinkles, if desired.

Notes

Slice into wedges and serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top. You can place a whole candy cane on the pie for extra festive flair!

Keyword candy cane, Holiday Dessert, no-bake, pie