Name: Candy Cane No-Bake Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 36 Oreo cookies (a 14 oz package); 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 3/4 cup crushed candy canes, divided; 1 (12 oz) carton whipped topping, thawed, divided; 2 (3.3 oz each) packages white chocolate pudding mix; 2 3/4 cups cold milk

There’s something about the festive crunch of peppermint paired with creamy layers that makes the Candy Cane No-Bake Dessert Recipe an absolute holiday favorite in my kitchen. Easy, dreamy, and bursting with flavor—it’s the perfect sweet treat to whip up without turning on the oven.

A glass square dish shows two visible layers of dessert. The bottom layer is white and smooth, while the top layer is a creamy white with small red candy pieces crushed and scattered evenly across the surface. Some candy bits are larger chunks, adding texture against the creamy top. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Candy Cane No-Bake Dessert Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Candy Cane No-Bake Dessert Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Candy Cane No-Bake Dessert Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it captures that nostalgic holiday vibe without any fuss. You don’t have to be a dessert pro to nail it, and the peppermint twist always feels like a seasonal hug. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time.

No oven necessary: Skip the heat and fuss; this dessert comes together quickly and chills into perfection.
Festively refreshing flavors: Peppermint and white chocolate combine for a light yet rich taste experience.
Layered texture magic: Crunchy cookie base meets creamy filling and fluffy whipped topping for a delightful contrast.
Super versatile: Feel free to tweak the peppermint amount or try different cookie bases to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each component plays a crucial role here — from the sturdy Oreo crust that gives you a satisfying crunchy base, to the creamy peppermint-infused layers that melt in your mouth. Gather these ingredients thoughtfully for the best results.

Flat lay of crushed dark chocolate Oreo crumbs, a small mound of golden melted butter in a white ceramic bowl, a pinch of coarse sea salt crystals, a block of smooth cream cheese, a small pile of fine white powdered sugar, a small white bowl with fresh milk, a fluffy white whipped topping dollop on a white dish, a scattering of bright red and white crushed candy cane pieces, two unopened packets of fine white chocolate pudding mix, and a larger white bowl filled with cold milk, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Oreo cookies: They provide a chocolaty, sturdy crust that balances the sweetness of the layers above.
Unsalted butter: Helps bind the cookie crumbs into that perfect crust consistency.
Cream cheese: Adds a rich tang and smoothness that elevates the filling.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture without graininess.
Milk: Lightens and blends the filling to a silky texture.
Whipped topping: Keeps things fluffy and light, creating a lovely contrast with dense layers.
Crushed candy canes: Deliver that iconic peppermint crunch and festive color.
White chocolate pudding mix: Adds sweetness and a luscious finish that sets perfectly when chilled.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love adapting this Candy Cane No-Bake Dessert Recipe slightly depending on the crowd or my pantry supplies. Little tweaks here and there make it really fun to experiment with, and you should definitely do the same!

Variation: Try swapping Oreo cookies for chocolate graham crackers for a slightly different cookie base. I did this once for a non-chocolate fan and it still wowed everyone.
More peppermint punch: If you’re a peppermint fanatic like me, add an extra ¼ cup of crushed candy canes to the topping — just be sure not to crush them too finely or it might get a little overpowering.
Diet-friendly swap: Use low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free pudding mix if you want a lighter version, it still tastes indulgent but with fewer calories.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Candy Cane No-Bake Dessert Recipe

A slice of dessert with three visible layers sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is dark brown, crumbly, and looks like crushed cookies or chocolate crumbs. The middle layer is thick, creamy white with a smooth texture. The top layer is white whipped cream sprinkled with small, bright red and white candy pieces. A fork is holding a piece of the dessert on the right side, showing the inside layers clearly. In the background, a red and white striped cloth can be seen. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Crust

Start by pulsing those Oreos in a food processor until they turn into fine crumbs—this takes just a few seconds if you pulse carefully. Then, add the salt and melted butter, pulsing until everything holds together like damp sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your baking dish. I find using a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup helps get an even, compact crust. Pop it into the fridge while you whip up the filling.

Step 2: Whipping Up the Cream Cheese Layer

Using an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese until it's smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and milk, then mix again until silky—this usually takes about 2 minutes. Gently fold in one cup of whipped topping plus half of your crushed candy canes. This keeps the texture airy but still packed with festive peppermint flavor. Spread this mixture evenly over your chilled crust for the first delicious layer.

Step 3: Mixing the White Chocolate Pudding

In a clean bowl, whisk together the white chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until it thickens beautifully. Spread this over your cream cheese layer—the contrast between the creamy pudding and tangy cream cheese is what really makes this dessert shine.

Step 4: The Fluffy Finishing Touch

Now spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer like a fluffy snow blanket. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and chill in your fridge for at least 4 hours — or overnight if you can. The waiting is tough, but trust me, it’s worth it. When you're ready to serve, sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top for that gorgeous peppermint sparkle and extra crunch.

Top Tip

From my many holiday dessert sessions, I’ve learned that the trickiest part is getting the layers to set just right and balancing the peppermint intensity. These tips smooth the process and boost your results.

Use softened cream cheese: Ensure it’s room temperature before beating – this avoids lumps and makes for smoother filling.
Don’t over-pulse cookies: Pulse just until fine crumbs form but don’t grind into powder to maintain a good crust texture.
Chill properly: At least 4 hours is key — I’ve found overnight chilling makes the dessert slice beautifully and flavors meld perfectly.
Crush candy canes carefully: Use a rolling pin for slightly larger chunks, adding great texture without being gritty.

How to Serve Candy Cane No-Bake Dessert Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish the dessert with freshly crushed candy canes for that classic peppermint crunch and a little extra color pop. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprig of fresh mint also adds a lovely visual and flavor touch.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a hot cup of peppermint tea or freshly brewed coffee. For festive events, I serve it alongside spiced nuts or even a simple fruit salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a holiday potluck, I made individual servings in clear mini mason jars. That way, each guest got a personal portion showcasing the beautiful layers—it was a huge hit and super cute! Try layering in trifle bowls or serving on colorful holiday plates to match your season’s vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil and stored in the refrigerator. This way, it stays fresh for up to 3 days. I find it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, but don’t wait too long—those whipped toppings can start to weep.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen this dessert often, I recommend freezing it only after baking steps 1–3. Freeze in an airtight container, then thaw in the fridge overnight before adding the whipped topping and final candy cane sprinkle. This keeps the texture intact better than freezing the whole layered dessert.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t needed. If you find the whipped topping or cream cheese layers have firmed up too much in the fridge, just let the dessert sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the perfect softness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! While Oreo cookies give a chocolatey crunch, chocolate graham crackers or even crushed gingersnaps can work beautifully for a different flavor or texture.

How do I prevent the crushed candy canes from getting soggy?

Crushing your candy canes just before serving helps keep their crunch. Also, sprinkle them on right before serving rather than mixing all into toppings hours ahead. Clumping can happen if they sit too long in moist layers.

Can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies on cream cheese and whipped topping, but you can experiment with vegan cream cheese and coconut-based whipped toppings. Use dairy-free milk and pudding mixes made without dairy for similar results, although texture may vary.

How far ahead can I prepare this dessert?

You can assemble most of it up to the final whipped topping layer a day before serving. Add the topping and crushed candy canes fresh on serving day for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Candy Cane No-Bake Dessert Recipe has become my go-to for holiday gatherings because it’s as joyful to make as it is to eat. It brings that perfect peppermint spark and creamy comfort that makes festive moments memorable. I hope you give it a try and have as much fun layering and sharing it as I do—just like chatting with a friend over a warm cup of cocoa.