Get ready to fall in love with this delightful No-Bake Peppermint Dessert Recipe that magically blends creamy, minty flavors with a vibrant splash of red to brighten any occasion. This dessert is quick to prepare, requiring no oven time, and offers a whimsical combination of smooth vanilla pudding, fluffy Cool Whip, and crushed vanilla Oreo cookies, all tied together with the irresistible essence of peppermint. It’s the perfect treat for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a refreshing, festive indulgence without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this No-Bake Peppermint Dessert Recipe plays a star role, making the assembly simple yet incredibly satisfying. From the creamy pudding that forms the base to the crunchy cookie bits and refreshing peppermint, these ingredients come together in perfect harmony to create texture, color, and flavor that sing with every spoonful.
- Vanilla pudding mix (6.8 oz, or 2 boxes): This is the creamy foundation of the dessert, providing rich vanilla flavor and a silky texture.
- Cold milk (3 cups): Needed to whisk the pudding mix smooth, ensuring it sets just right for that luscious mouthfeel.
- Cool Whip (8 oz): Adds fluffy lightness and balances the dessert with airy creaminess.
- Peppermint extract (½ teaspoon): Infuses the dessert with that signature cool, minty flavor that makes this dish unmistakably festive.
- Red gel food coloring: Creates the vibrant, eye-catching red hue that makes this dessert pop visually.
- Vanilla Oreo cookies (30, crushed): Offers a delightful crunch and subtle cookie flavor contrast beneath the creamy layers.
- Peppermints (¼ cup, crushed, for garnish): Provides a festive finishing touch that adds texture and peppermint bursts to every bite.
- Serving cups (6, 5-6 oz each): Perfect for individual portions and charming presentation.
How to Make No-Bake Peppermint Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together Pudding Mix and Milk
Start by combining the vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk in a large mixing bowl. Whisk with enthusiasm until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. This step is crucial because a smooth pudding base ensures the dessert will have that perfect creamy texture everyone loves.
Step 2: Chill the Pudding Mixture
Pop the pudding mixture into the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes. This brief chill helps the pudding thicken slightly, making it easier to fold in the next ingredients and giving the final dessert a nice, firm yet creamy consistency.
Step 3: Fold in Cool Whip, Peppermint Extract, and Red Food Coloring
Now, gently fold in the Cool Whip to keep the mixture light and airy. Add the peppermint extract to infuse that refreshing, cool flavor that defines this dish. Finally, introduce red gel food coloring a little at a time, adjusting until you reach a striking shade of red that brightens the dessert and makes it irresistible.
Step 4: Layer Cookies and Pudding in Cups
Grab your serving cups and begin layering—start with a couple tablespoons of crushed vanilla Oreo cookies at the bottom, then add a couple tablespoons of the peppermint pudding mixture on top. Repeat this layering until each cup is filled, creating a visually appealing striped effect with contrasting textures.
Step 5: Garnish with Crushed Peppermints
Sprinkle the tops of each cup generously with crushed peppermints. This final touch delivers a delightful crunch and bursts of peppermint flavor right as you take your first bite, making the presentation festive and inviting.
Step 6: Chill Until Ready to Serve
Place the cups back in the refrigerator and chill until you are ready to serve. This chilling helps all the flavors meld together beautifully and enhances the dessert’s refreshing coolness.
How to Serve No-Bake Peppermint Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
Aside from the crushed peppermints already sprinkled on top, you can decorate with fresh mint leaves or a small swirl of whipped cream to amp up the festive appearance. Candy cane shards also make a charming addition that amps up the peppermint vibe and adds color and texture.
Side Dishes
This dessert stands delightfully on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with light sides such as a citrusy fruit salad or a plate of buttery shortbread cookies, which complement the peppermint’s brightness without overpowering it. A warm cup of cocoa also makes an excellent cozy accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dessert in clear mason jars or mini trifle bowls to showcase the festive red and white layers. You can also use holiday-themed serving cups or add a festive ribbon around each cup for gift-giving or party favors. This No-Bake Peppermint Dessert Recipe invites you to get creative and make it uniquely yours.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be a rare occasion!), cover the cups tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the dessert into an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated and consume within 2 to 3 days for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While freezing is not ideal for desserts with Cool Whip as it can affect the texture upon thawing, you can freeze individual layers of pudding and cookie crumbles separately if desired. Just thaw completely in the fridge before assembling for the freshest taste and texture.
Reheating
This recipe is best enjoyed chilled and doesn’t require reheating. Serving it straight from the fridge ensures the peppermint flavor remains crisp and the pudding maintains its perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?
Absolutely! Homemade pudding can bring an extra layer of freshness to the No-Bake Peppermint Dessert Recipe, just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape when layered.
What if I don’t have red gel food coloring?
You can use regular red food coloring, but gel tends to provide a stronger color without affecting the pudding’s consistency. Alternatively, try natural colors like beet juice for a subtle red tint.
Can I substitute peppermint extract with something else?
If peppermint is not your favorite, vanilla or almond extract could be interesting alternatives, though the signature peppermint flavor is key to this recipe’s charm.
How far in advance can I prepare this dessert?
You can prepare and assemble the dessert up to a day ahead. Just keep the cups covered and refrigerated to maintain freshness and texture.
Is this dessert suitable for kids?
Yes! The No-Bake Peppermint Dessert Recipe is kid-friendly, but be mindful of the peppermint extract’s strength and adjust the amount if needed for younger palates.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully festive and comforting about this No-Bake Peppermint Dessert Recipe that it quickly becomes a favorite to pull out whenever you want a crowd-pleasing treat with minimal effort. Its combination of creamy texture, peppermint brightness, and beautiful presentation makes it a joy to share. I hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do — it’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles and a little holiday magic to any table!
Print
No-Bake Peppermint Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This No-Bake Peppermint Dessert is a festive and refreshing treat perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a cool, minty sweetness. It combines creamy vanilla pudding, fluffy Cool Whip, and crushed vanilla Oreos layered beautifully in individual serving cups, topped with crushed peppermint candies for a delightful crunch and a pop of holiday color. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that requires no baking.
Ingredients
Pudding Mixture
- 6.8 oz vanilla pudding mix (2 boxes of 3.4 oz each)
- 3 cups cold milk
Whipped Mixture
- 8 oz Cool Whip
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red gel food coloring (to desired shade)
Layers and Garnish
- 30 vanilla Oreo cookies (crushed)
- ¼ cup crushed peppermints (for garnish)
- 6 serving cups (5–6 oz each)
Instructions
- Prepare Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Chill Pudding: Place the pudding mixture in the refrigerator to chill and thicken for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the Cool Whip, red gel food coloring, and peppermint extract into the chilled pudding mixture until fully combined.
- Adjust Coloring: Add more red gel food coloring gradually until you achieve the desired vibrant red shade.
- Assemble Dessert Cups: Add a couple of tablespoons of crushed vanilla Oreo cookies to the bottom of each serving cup, followed by a couple of tablespoons of the peppermint pudding mixture. Repeat layering until the cups are filled.
- Garnish: Sprinkle crushed peppermints on top of each dessert cup for a festive finish and added crunch.
- Final Chill & Serve: Refrigerate the assembled desserts until ready to serve. Enjoy your refreshing no-bake peppermint treat!
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of peppermint extract to taste for more or less mint flavor.
- Use red gel food coloring as it provides a rich color without altering the pudding’s consistency.
- For a variation, try adding a layer of crushed chocolate cookies instead of vanilla Oreos.
- This dessert is best served chilled and within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
