Peppermint Ice Cream Pie for the Holidays : Festive & Creamy

When the holidays arrive, everyone craves a dessert that feels festive, refreshing, and indulgent. That’s where peppermint ice cream pie comes in—a cool and creamy treat that tastes like Christmas in every bite. With its chocolate crumb crust, fluffy peppermint filling, and crushed candy canes for garnish, it’s the kind of dessert that looks impressive but couldn’t be easier to make.

Whether you’re looking for a 3 ingredient frozen peppermint pie for a busy weeknight or a show-stopping Christmas pie to serve on Christmas Eve, this recipe delivers big on flavor with very little effort. Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or cozy family dinners, it’s a peppermint lover’s dream.

If you’re building a full dessert table, pair this pie with pumpkin cheesecake truffles or a festive apple crisp with oatmeal.

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Why Peppermint Pie Is the Perfect Christmas Dessert

There are plenty of desserts you could make during the holidays, but a peppermint pie recipe stands out for a few reasons. First, it’s cool and refreshing, which balances out the richness of traditional holiday spreads. Second, it’s make-ahead friendly—you can prepare it a day or two in advance and let it freeze until you’re ready to serve. Finally, it’s a festive nod to the flavors of the season, with candy canes, chocolate crumbs, and peppermint ice cream all coming together beautifully.

This dessert also works as a family project. Kids love crushing candy canes and decorating the pie, while adults appreciate how stress-free it is compared to more complicated holiday desserts like layered cakes or soufflés. If you’ve ever wanted to know how to make peppermint pie without stress, this recipe is the perfect place to start.

For more easy holiday desserts, check out Halloween brownies or pumpkin dump cake.

Ingredients for Peppermint Ice Cream Pie

• Crust:
  • 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos, finely crushed)
  • 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• Filling:
  • 1 quart peppermint ice cream, softened slightly
  • 1 cup Cool Whip (or whipped cream)
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
• Topping:
  • Extra Cool Whip for decorating
  • Crushed candy canes for garnish
  • White chocolate shavings (optional)

Optional twist: Swap the chocolate crust for a graham cracker crust if you prefer a lighter base.

If you love frozen desserts, you may also like pumpkin ice cream pie for a fall twist.

How To Make Peppermint Pie Step by Step

1. Prepare the crust: Mix chocolate crumbs with melted butter and press firmly into a 9-inch pie pan. Freeze for 15 minutes to set.
2. Make the filling: In a large bowl, fold together softened peppermint ice cream, Cool Whip, and crushed candy canes until evenly combined.
3. Fill the crust: Pour the mixture into the chilled crust and spread evenly.
4. Freeze the pie: Place in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
5. Decorate and serve: Top with extra Cool Whip, more crushed candy canes, and white chocolate shavings before slicing.

Want another no-bake treat? Try pumpkin fluff dip—creamy, festive, and just as easy to make.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• 9-inch pie pan
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Food processor or rolling pin (to crush cookies and candy canes)
• Freezer space for setting the pie

Quick & Easy: 3 Ingredient Frozen Peppermint Pie

Short on time? You can make an even simpler version with just three ingredients:

• Pre-made chocolate crumb crust
• Peppermint ice cream
• Whipped topping

Just soften the ice cream, spread it into the crust, top with whipped cream, and freeze. That’s it! This 3 ingredient frozen peppermint pie is perfect when you want a last-minute dessert that still looks festive.

For another 3-ingredient wonder, check out no-bake pumpkin pie balls.

Peppermint Ice Cream Pie Recipe With Cool Whip

Using Cool Whip in this recipe adds lightness and creaminess to the filling, while also helping the pie slice neatly once frozen. It’s a classic shortcut for many peppermint pie recipes holidays hosts swear by. If you prefer homemade whipped cream, simply beat 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, and substitute for Cool Whip.

Delicious Variations and Twists

• White Chocolate Peppermint Mousse Pie: Fold melted white chocolate into the filling for an extra-indulgent mousse-like texture.
• Candy Cane Pie: Decorate the top with whole mini candy canes for a festive, kid-friendly look.
• Chocolate Peppermint Pie: Add a drizzle of hot fudge between the crust and the filling for a rich chocolate layer.
• Mint Chocolate Chip Twist: Use mint chocolate chip ice cream instead of peppermint for variety.

If you like playful twists, you’ll also love spooky ghost brown butter cookies for a winter-to-Halloween crossover treat.

Pairing Ideas: Peppermint Milkshake and More

Turn your holiday celebration into a full-on peppermint party by pairing this dessert with a refreshing peppermint milkshake. Simply blend peppermint ice cream with milk and top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.

Other festive pairings include:

• Hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and peppermint sprinkles
• Coffee with a splash of peppermint extract
• Chocolate-dipped pretzels or truffles to balance the cool pie

Looking for savory balance? Try serving alongside cheese-stuffed mini peppers for a sweet-and-savory holiday spread.

How to Store and Freeze Your Christmas Pie

• To store: Wrap the entire pie in plastic wrap or foil and keep frozen for up to 1 week.
• To serve later: Allow the pie to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
• To freeze individual slices: Wrap each slice in plastic and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.

These tips make it perfect for a stress-free Christmas pie when you already have a busy cooking schedule.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Crumb Crust

• Crush cookies finely for a smooth, firm crust.
• Press crumbs tightly into the pie pan with the back of a measuring cup.
• Freeze the crust before filling to keep it crisp.
• Add a pinch of salt to the crumbs to balance the sweetness.

Want more ideas with chocolate bases? Don’t miss pumpkin brownies, another rich holiday treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Peppermint Pie

• Not softening the ice cream enough: It should be scoopable but not melted.
• Skipping the crust freeze: This can cause crumbs to mix into the filling.
• Overmixing the filling: Fold gently to keep it fluffy.
• Serving too soon: Give the pie at least 4 hours to firm up before slicing.

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FAQs About Peppermint Ice Cream Pie

Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, pre-made chocolate crumb crusts save time and work perfectly.

Can I make this pie dairy-free?
Use non-dairy ice cream, whipped topping alternatives, and vegan chocolate crumbs.

How long does peppermint ice cream pie last in the freezer?
Up to one week for the whole pie, or one month if wrapped in slices.

Can I add food coloring for a pink filling?
Absolutely! A drop of red food coloring gives the filling a festive pink hue.

What’s the best way to decorate peppermint pie?
Candy canes, white chocolate shavings, Cool Whip swirls, or even edible glitter.

Final Thoughts: A Peppermint Pie Recipe for the Holidays

This peppermint ice cream pie is festive, easy, and guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Whether you keep it simple with a 3 ingredient frozen peppermint pie or dress it up into a white chocolate peppermint mousse pie, it’s a dessert that screams Christmas cheer.

With its refreshing peppermint flavor, crunchy chocolate crumbs crust, and fluffy Cool Whip topping, it’s no wonder this pie has become a holiday tradition for so many families. Serve it after Christmas dinner, bring it to a holiday potluck, or enjoy it as a cozy family treat—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

If you want to fill your table with more holiday magic, pair this pie with pumpkin cinnamon rolls or mini pumpkin bread with cinnamon swirl.

So grab your pie pan, crush those cookies, and get ready to wow your holiday guests with a dessert that’s merry, minty, and oh-so-delicious!

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