Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie
Christmas is a time to gather with friends and family. It’s a season for sharing joy, warmth, and, of course, delicious treats. When it comes to dessert, few things can match the festive spirit of a peppermint pie. This Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie is a perfect choice for holiday gatherings. Its cheerful flavor and delightful presentation will surely please your guests and add a touch of magic to your celebrations.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons why you should consider making this Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie. First and foremost, it is incredibly easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you don’t have to be an experienced baker to whip it up. This pie does not require baking, which saves you time and effort in the kitchen.
Moreover, the combination of cream cheese and heavy cream creates a rich and creamy filling that melts in your mouth. The addition of peppermint extract and crushed candy canes gives it a fresh and minty flavor that perfectly captures the essence of the holiday season.
Additionally, this pie is visually appealing. Its creamy white filling contrasts beautifully with the dark chocolate or golden crust, and the crushed peppermint candies sprinkled on top add a festive touch. It’s an easy dessert that looks impressive enough to serve at any holiday dinner.
Lastly, this recipe can be made in advance. There’s no need to rush to prepare dessert on the day of your gathering. You can make this pie a day or two ahead of time, leaving you free to enjoy the festivities without any last-minute stress.
How to Make Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie
Creating the Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie is a simple and enjoyable process. With just a few steps, you can have a delightful dessert ready to chill in your fridge.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made chocolate or graham cracker pie crust
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- Whipped cream for topping
- Additional crushed peppermint candies for garnish
Directions
Whip the Heavy Cream: Start by taking out a mixing bowl. Pour the heavy cream into the bowl and use an electric mixer or a whisk to whip it. Keep whipping until stiff peaks form. This means the cream should hold its shape when you lift the beaters out. Set this whipped cream aside for later.
Mix the Cream Cheese: In another bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Beat it with an electric mixer until it becomes smooth and creamy. Then, gradually mix in the powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Keep mixing until everything is well combined.
Combine the Mixtures: Now it’s time to bring everything together. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula and fold with care so you don’t deflate the whipped cream. Make sure everything is well combined but still airy.
Add Crushed Peppermint: Take your crushed peppermint candies or candy canes and stir them into the mixture. This will give your pie its festive flavor and crunch.
Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the creamy filling into the pre-made pie crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly and smooth out the top. Make sure it’s nice and neat!
Chill the Pie: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. It needs to chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This will help the filling firm up and allow the flavors to blend.
Serve with Toppings: When you are ready to serve your pie, remove it from the fridge. Top it with whipped cream and sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive touch.
How to Serve Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie
Serving this Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie is a breeze. Slice the pie into wedges and place them on individual plates. You can also serve it directly from the pie dish, allowing everyone to help themselves. A dollop of whipped cream on each slice enhances its creamy texture. Consider adding a sprig of mint on top for an extra touch of elegance.
This pie can be served as a refreshing dessert after a hearty holiday meal. Its light and creamy texture makes it a perfect end to festive dinners without feeling overly heavy. Pair it with coffee or hot chocolate for a lovely combination.
How to Store Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie
Storing your Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie is simple. If there are leftovers after your gathering, cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container if you prefer. Keep it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days.
It’s essential to keep the pie chilled because of the dairy ingredients. However, the texture and flavor are best enjoyed when served cold, so just make sure you take it out of the fridge shortly before serving.
Tips to Make Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie
Use Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality cream cheese and pure peppermint extract. This will significantly enhance the overall taste of your pie.
Chill your Mixing Bowls: If you want your whipped cream to whip up faster, consider chilling the mixing bowl and beaters. Cold equipment helps the cream hold its shape better.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the whipped cream with the cream cheese mixture, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to a denser filling.
Use Different Crusts: While this recipe suggests chocolate or graham cracker crusts, feel free to experiment. A shortbread crust or even a gluten-free crust can work well.
Add More Peppermint: If you love the taste of peppermint, double the amount of crushed candy canes in the filling or use peppermint schnapps for an adult twist.
Variations
While the original recipe is fantastic as is, there are plenty of ways to personalize your Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie. Here are some ideas:
Chocolate Ganache Topping: Drizzle some melted chocolate ganache over the whipped cream before serving for a rich addition.
Different Flavors: You can swap out the peppermint extract for other flavors like vanilla or almond if you want to try something different.
Add Layers: Create a layered pie by adding a layer of chocolate pudding between the crust and the cream cheese filling for an extra chocolaty treat.
FAQs
Can I freeze the Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?
Yes, if you prefer, you can use whipped topping. It will make the preparation even quicker. However, using heavy cream gives a richer flavor and texture.
How can I make it gluten-free?
To make the Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free pie crust. Many brands offer pre-made gluten-free crusts that work well for this recipe.
This Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie is a festive delight that brings the spirit of the season to your table. With its creamy filling and refreshing peppermint flavor, it is sure to become a favorite in your holiday dessert lineup. Enjoy the process of creating this dessert and the smiles it brings to your loved ones!
Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Start by whipping the heavy cream in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then gradually mix in powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined but airy.
- Stir in the crushed peppermint candies into the mixture.
- Pour the creamy filling into the pre-made pie crust and smooth the top.
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up.
- When ready to serve, top with whipped cream and sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candies on top.
- Slice the pie and serve it on individual plates, optionally garnished with a sprig of mint.