This Candy Cane Lush recipe is what your dreams are made of, a rich Oreo cookie crust, topped with a peppermint cream cheese layer, then creamy vanilla topping, and finishing off with whipping topping and peppermint candy pieces on top of the dessert.
It’s the perfect peppermint dessert to get you in the holiday spirit.
My house is full of candy cane lovers, and I have to admit that when I made this recipe for the first time last year, I was a little nervous. But, I shouldn’t have been because my friends and family raved about this Christmas treat all year long.
Candy cane cookies are another one of our favorite peppermint recipes to make for Christmas Eve, if you want to give them a try, check out these Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies.
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Ingredients
This is a quick overview of the ingredients that you need to make no bake dessert. You can find the full list of ingredients and amounts in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- crushed Oreo cookies
- unsalted butter
- cream cheese
- powdered sugar
- peppermint extract
- frozen whipped topping
- crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- instant vanilla pudding mix
- cold milk
- Red food coloring, optional
Instructions
This is a quick overview of the steps that you need to take to make this easy recipe. You can find the full recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
In a food processor pulse the Oreo cookies until you get fine crumbs. In a small bowl mix the cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press the crust into your prepared baking dish and set aside in the fridge.
In a large mixing bowl cream beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and peppermint extract until smooth. Gently fold in the thawed frozen whipped topping and crushed peppermint candies until fully incorporated.
Spread the peppermint cream cheese mixture on top of the cookie crust in an even layer. Return the casserole dish to the fridge.
In a separate bowl mix together the pudding mixes and milk until the pudding starts to thicken. Once it thickens add the optional food coloring if desired.
Spread the pudding mixture over the cream cheese mixture in an even layer. Return the lush to the fridge for 1-2 hours to allow the layers to set.
Once the chill time has spread spread the Cool Whip over top of the pudding layer. Then sprinkle the top with crushed candy canes or peppermints if desired.
Hint: Use a gentle hand when you are spreading the layers to prevent them from blending. This will give you vibrant and clear layers.
Variations
- Crust – Instead of chocolate Oreo cookies you can use different cookies such as Golden Oreos or graham crackers.
- Pudding – Swap out the vanilla instant pudding for white chocolate pudding mix for a little different taste.
Are you looking for more candy cane dessert recipes to make this holiday season? If so, you may also enjoy these Chewy Peppermint Cookies or these Peppermint Whoopie Pies.
Equipment
- electric mixer – I used a hand mixer
- food processor
- 9×13 casserole dish
Storage
Store the candy cane lush in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you don’t have a tight fitting lid for your casserole dish, you can cover it with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
Test Kitchen Tips
- if you want easy removal of your crust, you can spray your casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or grease the dish with softened butter or shortening.
- When making the Oreo crust you may need to process half of the cookies at a time, if you have a small food processor. You want to make sure that get fine crumbs for this lush dessert.
- Press the cookie crumb mixture firmly, this gives you a firm base to fold up your layers.
- For garnishes on top, you can use peppermint candy pieces or candy cane pieces. For a little green touch on your topping, you could also add a few sprigs of fresh mint.
FAQ
Peppermint extract and oil is what gives candy canes their minty flavor.
Chill the layers while you are making the next layer. And, then be very gentle when you are spreading the next layer. This is will prevent the layers from blending together.
I like run a knife under warm water, and then dry it off with paper towel before slicing. This is will give you a nice clean cut.
Related
Looking for other candy cane recipes like this? Try these:
Serve with:
These are my favorite dishes to serve with candy cane lush recipe:
Candy Cane Lush
Equipment
- food processor
- Electric Mixer
- 9×13 casserole dish
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs about 22 Oreo cookies
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
Peppermint Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 ½ cups frozen whipped topping thawed
- ½ cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Vanilla Pudding Layer
- 6.8 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 ½ cups cold milk
- Red food coloring optional
Topping
- 1 ½ cups frozen whipped topping thawed
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy cane pieces for garnish
Instructions
- In a food processor, add the cookies and pulse until they resemble fine crumbs. To the cookie crumbs, add the melted butter and pulse until well mixed.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Place it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the next layer.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and peppermint extract until smooth. Gently fold in the thawed frozen whipped topping and crushed peppermint candies until fully incorporated.
- Spread the peppermint cream layer evenly over the chilled crust. Return to the refrigerator to set while you prepare the next layer.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk for 2 minutes until the pudding starts to thicken. If desired, add the food coloring and blend just until mixed.
- Pour the vanilla pudding over the peppermint cream layer in the casserole dish. Return to the refrigerator. Refrigerate the Candy Cane Lush for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the layers to set.
- Just before serving, spread the thawed frozen whipped topping over the vanilla pudding layer in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with additional crushed peppermint candies or candy cane pieces for a festive touch.
- Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy the delightful layers of peppermint and vanilla in this festive and delicious dessert!
Notes
- If you want easy removal of your crust, you can spray your casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or grease the dish with softened butter or shortening.
- Press the cookie crumb mixture firmly, this gives you a firm base to fold up your layers.