Hey y'all! If you're searching for a dreamy holiday dessert that’s equal parts creamy, minty, and utterly irresistible, you’re in for a treat with this Candy Cane Lush recipe. With a buttery chocolate cookie crust, layers of silky peppermint cheesecake, whipped topping, and crushed candy canes, this no-bake dessert brings festive cheer to any gathering. The result? A decadent, crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- No baking required—just layer, chill, and serve!
- Creamy, minty, and chocolatey flavors in every bite.
- Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or cozy family nights.
- Make-ahead friendly, freeing up your oven for other treats.
- Super festive, thanks to the candy cane crunch and pink hue!
Ingredients
- 24 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip), divided
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 5–6 drops red food coloring (optional for color)
- 2 (3.4 ounce) boxes instant white chocolate pudding mix
- 2 ½ cups cold milk
- ¾ cup crushed candy canes, divided
- Extra whole or crushed candy canes for garnish
Directions
Step 1: Make the Cookie Crust
Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by sealing them in a zip-top bag and smashing with a rolling pin. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place in the fridge while you prepare the next layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Peppermint Cheesecake Layer
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Blend in 1 cup of whipped topping, peppermint extract, and red food coloring (if using). Gently fold in ¼ cup crushed candy canes. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled cookie crust.
Step 3: Make the Pudding Layer
Whisk together both boxes of instant white chocolate pudding mix with cold milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Spread the pudding evenly over the cheesecake layer.
Step 4: Add the Whipped Topping and Garnishes
Top with the remaining whipped topping, smoothing it into an even layer. Sprinkle the rest of the crushed candy canes over the top. Garnish with extra whole or crushed candy canes for a festive touch, if desired.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to set. Slice into squares and enjoy your Candy Cane Lush!
Notes
- For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and well-chilled milk for the pudding layer.
- Peppermint extract is strong—a little goes a long way, so measure carefully.
- If crushing candy canes ahead of time, store them in an airtight container to prevent stickiness.
Variations
- Chocolate Mint Lush: Use mint-flavored Oreos and chocolate pudding for a richer mint-chocolate profile.
- Oreo Peppermint Lush: Swap white chocolate pudding for vanilla or cheesecake pudding mix for a different twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute gluten-free sandwich cookies in the crust for an allergy-friendly option.
Required Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Food processor or rolling pin (for crushing cookies)
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life
Keep leftover Candy Cane Lush covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best texture, wait to add final candy cane garnish right before serving, as crushed canes can soften over time. This dessert is not freezer-friendly, as the layers may separate when thawed.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve chilled with mugs of hot cocoa or peppermint mocha.
- Pair with a platter of holiday cookies for dessert tables.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence!
Pro Tips
- Chill your mixing bowl for the whipped topping layer for fluffier results.
- Make sure cream cheese is completely softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- Crush candy canes just before garnishing to keep them crisp and vibrant.
FAQ
Can I prepare Candy Cane Lush ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it up to a day in advance and add the final candy cane garnish just before serving.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, you can use stabilized whipped cream, but be sure it holds up well for layering and refrigeration.
What can I use if I don't have white chocolate pudding mix?
Vanilla or cheesecake instant pudding mixes are great substitutes and will still deliver creamy, delicious results.
Ingredients
- 24 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip), divided
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 5–6 drops red food coloring (optional for color)
- 2 (3.4 ounce) boxes instant white chocolate pudding mix
- 2 ½ cups cold milk
- ¾ cup crushed candy canes, divided
- Extra whole or crushed candy canes for garnish
Instructions
-
1Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by sealing them in a zip-top bag and smashing with a rolling pin. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place in the fridge while you prepare the next layer.
-
2In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Blend in 1 cup of whipped topping, peppermint extract, and red food coloring (if using). Gently fold in ¼ cup crushed candy canes. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled cookie crust.
-
3Whisk together both boxes of instant white chocolate pudding mix with cold milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Spread the pudding evenly over the cheesecake layer.
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4Top with the remaining whipped topping, smoothing it into an even layer. Sprinkle the rest of the crushed candy canes over the top. Garnish with extra whole or crushed candy canes for a festive touch, if desired.
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5Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to set. Slice into squares and enjoy your Candy Cane Lush!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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