INTRODUCTION
The Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie is a wonderful dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. This pie brings together the cheerful flavors of peppermint and creamy goodness. It is easy to make and requires no baking, making it a fun treat to prepare during the busy Christmas season. The pie is light, refreshing, and festive, with a lovely touch of sweet peppermint that everyone will enjoy.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is simple and quick to make. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious dessert that looks impressive. The combination of creamy filling and crunchy peppermint candy makes for a delightful texture. It’s also a no-bake dessert, which means you can easily prepare it ahead of time. This pie is a great addition to any holiday celebration and will leave your guests asking for seconds. The light and refreshing taste is perfect after a big holiday meal.
HOW TO MAKE Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie
Making Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie is straightforward. Follow the simple steps, and you will have a delicious pie ready to chill in no time.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make the Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie, you will need the following equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pie dish or serving plate
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
- Extra crushed peppermint candies for garnish (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Stir in the crushed peppermint candies.
- Pour the filling into the pre-made graham cracker crust and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Serve topped with whipped cream and extra crushed peppermint candies, if desired.
HOW TO SERVE Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie
To serve the Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie, slice it into nice pieces. Place it on dessert plates and add a dollop of whipped cream on top if you like. You can also sprinkle extra crushed peppermint candies on top for added crunch and color. This pie is best served cold and is a perfect dessert for any holiday gathering.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie
You can store the Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie in the refrigerator. Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It can be stored for up to 3 days. If you need to freeze it, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This will help prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to a month. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
The Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie pairs well with a variety of beverages. Serve it with hot cocoa, coffee, or a festive punch. You can also serve it with fresh berries or a side of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. If you want to make it even more special, consider adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
VARIATIONS
There are many ways to change up the Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie. Here are a few ideas:
- Use a chocolate crust instead of a graham cracker crust for a rich flavor.
- Add a layer of chocolate ganache on top of the filling for a chocolate-peppermint twist.
- Substitute the peppermint extract with another flavor, like almond or vanilla, for a different taste.
- Mix in other candies like crushed Oreos or M&Ms for a fun surprise inside the pie.
FAQs
1. Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes! The Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
2. What can I use instead of cream cheese? You can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute for cream cheese, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
3. Is there a way to make this pie healthier? You can use low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping to reduce calories. You can also use less sugar if you prefer.
4. Can I leave out the peppermint candies? Yes, you can leave out the peppermint candies if you prefer a smoother texture. The pie will still taste delicious without them.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie
To save time during the holiday rush, you can prepare the filling of the Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to pour it into the crust. You can also crush the peppermint candies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. This way, when you are ready to make the pie, everything is ready to go. Enjoy your festive baking!
Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Stir in the crushed peppermint candies.
- Pour the filling into the pre-made graham cracker crust and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Slice the pie into pieces and place on dessert plates.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top and sprinkle with extra crushed peppermint candies, if desired.