No-Bake Chocolate Peppermint Squares Recipe
Delight in these festive No-Bake Chocolate Peppermint Squares featuring a crunchy vanilla wafer crust, a creamy peppermint layer with crushed candy canes, and a rich instant chocolate pudding topping. Finished with whipped topping and peppermint sprinkles, this cold dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, cooling treat without using the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Peppermint Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup finely crushed peppermint candy cane or starlight mints
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 1/4 cups whipped topping
Chocolate Layer
- 1 package (4-serving size) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 3/4 cups milk
Topping
- 8 oz whipped topping (1 tub)
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped peppermint candy cane
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Mix the vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, and sugar thoroughly. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9 x 9-inch pan to form an even crust. Refrigerate until ready to use to let it set.
- Make the peppermint layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with milk until smooth and silky. Add the sugar and finely crushed peppermint candy canes, then beat well until fully combined. Gently fold in 1 1/4 cups of whipped topping to maintain a light texture. Evenly spread this layer over the chilled crust.
- Prepare the chocolate layer: In a separate bowl, beat the instant chocolate pudding mix with 1 3/4 cups of milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Immediately spread this chocolate pudding layer over the peppermint layer in the pan. Allow it to set at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.
- Add the topping and garnish: Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the chocolate layer. Sprinkle with the coarsely chopped peppermint candy cane for a festive finishing touch.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the assembled squares for at least 4 hours to allow all layers to firm up and flavors to meld. For an extra special treat, freeze the dessert for 4 hours instead of refrigerating, creating an ice-cream cake-like texture.
Notes
- You will need two tubs (8 oz each) of whipped topping or a 12-ounce container, though not all of it is used.
- For best results, chill the crust well before adding layers to keep it firm.
- Freezing the dessert creates a delightful ice cream cake texture—perfect for a special holiday treat.
- If you don’t have peppermint candy canes, starlight mints are a suitable alternative.
Keywords: no-bake desserts, peppermint, chocolate, holiday dessert, Christmas treats, easy dessert
