The Most Delicious and Easy-to-Make Peppermint Pie
My new Peppermint Pie is the most delicious and easy-to-make dessert for your holiday gatherings.
Peppermint Pie
As we approach the holidays, I’ve had this dessert on my mind and wondered how I could transform it into another type of dessert. Of course I thought about cake, but I know how much you love a simple, easy-to-make dessert, so I switched things up and went with pie! (I know, so out of character for me – ha!)
How to Make Peppermint Pie
This easy Christmas dessert is basically a no bake dessert. Yes, you have to bake the Oreo cookie crust, but that’s it. Once the crust is baked (under 10 minutes), the rest requires no baking at all.
Oreo Crust
The Oreo crust is simply made of Oreos and melted butter. That’s it! Of course, you can use a store bought Oreo crust, but I highly recommend you make your own. The homemade crust is thicker and cuts so much nicer than the thin store bought version.
You’ll pulse the Oreos in a food processor or blender and then toss with melted butter. Make sure to press the crumbs firmly into an 8-inch or 9-inch pie pan. The crust bakes for 7 minutes at 350 F and then needs to cool completely before you put the filling in.
Peppermint Filling
To make the whipped peppermint filling, all you’ll need are a few easy-to-find ingredients:
- Heavy whipping cream
- EZ Gel
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Peppermint extract (not mint)
- Crushed candy peppermint candies
- Red food coloring (optional)
You’ll start by beating the heavy whipping cream in a stainless steel bowl with a whisk attachment. While you’re whipping the cream, gradually add the EZ Gel. Whip until stiff peaks form.
What is EZ Gel?
EZ Gel is an alternative stabilizer to gelatin. I love using EZ Gel instead of gelatin because it’s very easy to use and you don’t have to spend time “blooming” gelatin or worrying about getting the right consistency of the gelatin before using.
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract until smooth. Once that’s done, you’ll fold in the whipped cream, followed by one small drop of red food coloring and the peppermint candies.
I like to top the pie with chocolate ganache and homemade whipped cream.
FAQs
Yes. In fact, I prefer to make this peppermint pie a day before I want to serve it. Refrigerating the pie, even with the whipped topping, helps to set the filling and makes it easier to slice.
Yes. Similar to my cakes, you can freeze this pie to store for longer than a day or two. Just leave the peppermint candies off the pie until you’re ready to serve. Plan on letting the pie thaw at room temperature for about 1 to 2 hours.
I often find EZ Gel at my local grocery store, as well as Orson Gygi and Amazon.
Peppermint Pie with Oreo Crust
Ingredients
For the Oreo Crust
- 25 Oreo cookies
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- *You can use a store-bought crust but the crust of the pie will be thinner than pictured and it's harder to cut cleanly.
For the Peppermint Filling
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon EZ Gel, LINKED
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 drop red food coloring
- 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies
For the Ganache
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
For the Whipped Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
For the Oreo Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350 F.
- Using a food processor or blender, pulse the cookies until you’ve created a fine crumb. (No need to remove the cream filling).
- Combine the Oreo crumbs and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Mix until the crumbs are “wet.”
- Firmly press the Oreo mixture into an 8-inch or 9-inch pie pan, making sure to form the crust up the sides of the pan.
- Bake for 7 minutes.
- Let cool completely before adding the filling.
For the Peppermint Filling
- In a chilled stainless steel bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream on high speed. While beating the cream, gradually sprinkle in the EZ Gel. Beat the cream until semi-stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Fold in a small dollop of red food coloring, followed by the crushed peppermint candies.
- Once the pie crust is cooled to room temperature, add the peppermint filling and refrigerate until the ganache and whipped topping are complete.
For the Ganache
- Combine the chocolate chips and cream in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 20 to 30 second intervals until the chocolate chips melt and create a silky smooth consistency when you stir.
- Allow the ganache to cool before spreading on top of the peppermint filling
For the Whipped Topping
- Combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla in a stainless steel bowl. Beat until soft speaks form. Spread the whipped cream on top of the ganache.
- *When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the pie with crushed peppermint candies and crushed Oreos.
- **This pie is best made a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Leave garnishes off until serving.
I’m really excited to make this! If I don’t have EZ gel, will I still be able to make it?
You can use gelatin. Make sure to google how to “Bloom” the gelatin before using it.
Hi! We can’t find EZ gel anywhere and Amazon can’t deliver in time, is there any way to substitute? Thanks!!
you can use gelatin but make sure to google how to “bloom” the gelatin before using it. You can’t sprinkle it as easily as EZ gel.
Hi Courtney,
This looks fantastic and I’m planning on making for Christmas this year. Do you think instant clearjel from from King Arthur would be a ok substitute for ez gel? I’m not familiar with ez gel so wanted to ask!
Thank you!
It should be!
Icant find EZ-GEL anywhere in town. Can I use the knox gelatin method? would I bloom/heat 1 TABLESPOON of gelatin or is that too much?
Yes that would work.
Looking at the ingredients of Ez-Gel, it’s a modified starch. Could tapioca starch be use for Ez-Gel?
Yes, 2 Tbsp flour or tapioca = 2 Tbsp E-Z Gel.
My family raved about this pie! Everyone loved it. It’s just perfect! I didn’t have enough peppermints, so I just sprinkled them on the top and that was enough for us.
So excited to make this! Have you ever used a little bit of EZ gel in your whipped cream to keep it stiff? I have been looking for a way to keep my whipped cream from wilting. Thank you!
Yes, I love EZ gel. It’s a great option for stabilizing.
Hi!
Is it possible to make this recipe in a 9×13 pan? If so would the amounts stay the same or would I need to double them?
Yes, and I would double the amounts