There's something magical about biting into a creamy, minty treat during the holidays, and that’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Candy Cane No-Bake Layer Dessert Recipe with you. It’s rich, fresh, and surprisingly easy — perfect for festive gatherings or when you want a sweet escape without turning on the oven.

The image shows one thin layer of white cream spread evenly in a shallow clear dish, topped with crushed red and white peppermint candy pieces scattered all over the surface. The candies vary in size, with some small bits and some larger chunks, adding texture and color contrast to the smooth white cream. 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 Layer Dessert Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Candy Cane No-Bake Layer Dessert Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Candy Cane No-Bake Layer Dessert Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore this Candy Cane No-Bake Layer Dessert Recipe because it balances textures and flavors so perfectly, plus it’s a cinch to put together. You get that refreshing peppermint punch, creamy layers, and a satisfying cookie crust all in one festive dish.

No-bake convenience: This dessert comes together quickly with zero oven time, letting you focus on fun instead of fuss.
Layered textures: Crunchy Oreo crust, fluffy cream cheese and whipped topping, plus smooth pudding creating an irresistible harmony.
Festive peppermint flavor: Crushed candy canes add just the right amount of minty brightness without overpowering.
Perfect for crowds: It serves about 12 people, making it ideal for holiday parties or cozy family get-togethers.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each part of this Candy Cane No-Bake Layer Dessert Recipe plays a key role, combining textures and flavors that feel festive yet comforting. Let’s break down what you’re adding and why it all works together so well.

Flat lay of a neat stack of whole Oreo cookies with their dark chocolate and white filling clearly visible, a small white ceramic bowl of melted unsalted butter with a smooth golden sheen, a single uncracked brown egg with a clean shell, a block of cream cheese on a simple white ceramic plate showing its creamy texture, a small white bowl filled with fine white powdered sugar, a small white bowl containing fresh cold milk with a slight reflection on its surface, a generous mound of whipped topping piled in a white ceramic bowl showing airy peaks, a small white bowl holding crushed red and white candy canes with visible peppermint shards, a white ceramic dish filled with smooth white chocolate pudding, and a pinch of coarse sea salt displayed neatly on a white ceramic dish — all arranged symmetrically and proportionally, placed 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 sturdy, chocolatey crust that complements the peppermint beautifully. Using the classic kind keeps the base rich and familiar.
Unsalted butter: Helps bind the Oreo crumbs together to make a solid, sliceable crust. Melted butter spreads evenly for the perfect base.
Cream cheese: Adds a luscious, slightly tangy layer that cuts through sweetness, making the dessert balanced.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture evenly and dissolves smoothly for that silky texture.
Milk: Keeps the cream cheese mixture creamy and adds moisture to the pudding layer.
Whipped topping: Lightens both the cream cheese layer and tops the dessert with fluffy richness.
Crushed candy canes: Infuse that unmistakable peppermint flavor and a slightly crunchy texture that makes every bite festive.
White chocolate pudding mix: Adds a creamy, indulgent layer below the final whipped topping, enhancing the dessert’s decadent yet refreshing nature.

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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

One of the best parts about this Candy Cane No-Bake Layer Dessert Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often experiment with adding extra peppermint extract for a bigger minty punch or swapping out classic Oreos for chocolate-mint cookies when I want to get adventurous.

Variation: Once, I swapped out white chocolate pudding for chocolate pudding for a richer taste — it was a hit! You could also try layering with crushed peppermint bark for extra holiday flair.

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

A slice of dessert with three visible layers sits on a white plate with a white marbled background. The bottom layer is a dark, crumbly chocolate crust with rough texture. The middle layer is thick and white, smooth and creamy in texture. The top layer is white whipped cream with many small and larger red candy pieces sprinkled over it. A silver fork is holding a piece of the dessert, showing all three layers clearly. The scene also shows a woman's hand holding the fork. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Create That Crunchy Crust

I start by pulsing the Oreo cookies in my food processor until they’re fine crumbs — no big chunks here! Then I add the melted butter and a pinch of salt and pulse again just to combine. Press this mix firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch dish. To get an even base, I like using the bottom of a glass to really compact it. Then I chill it while I prep the layers—this sets the crust nicely.

Step 2: Whip Up The Creamy Peppermint Layer

Next up is beating softened cream cheese until it’s silky smooth — this step is key because lumps can ruin the texture. I add powdered sugar and milk, mixing for about two minutes to get a perfect blend. Then I gently fold in a cup of the whipped topping and half a cup of crushed candy canes. This makes the layer light and minty. I spread it evenly right over the chilled Oreo crust.

Step 3: Mix and Spread the White Chocolate Pudding

In a separate bowl, I whisk together the white chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for about two minutes until thick and glossy. This pudding layer goes straight over the cream cheese layer — smooth it out for an even finish. The contrast between creamy pudding and the mint cream cheese layer really makes this dessert special.

Step 4: Top It Off and Chill

The final step before chilling is to spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding. This seals in the layers and adds fluffy sweetness on top. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then chill it for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better for flavors to meld.

Step 5: Add the Festive Finishing Touch

Just before serving, I sprinkle the dessert with the remaining crushed candy canes. It gives a pop of color, crunch, and that unmistakable festive peppermint aroma. Then, it’s ready to wow your guests (or just yourself)!

Top Tip

Having made this Candy Cane No-Bake Layer Dessert Recipe many times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference in presentation and flavor. These tips helped me turn a simple dessert into a holiday tradition in our home.

Chill Time Is Crucial: Don’t rush the chilling step—letting it set thoroughly is what makes slicing clean and layers distinct.
Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Taking cream cheese out early avoids lumps and gives you a super smooth, creamy layer every time.
Even Crushing: Crushing candy canes just before serving keeps their crunch intact; if crushed too early, they can lose crispness.
Use a Food Processor: It saves time and ensures everything is finely blended — especially with Oreos and candy canes.

How to Serve Candy Cane No-Bake Layer Dessert Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish with a few whole mini candy canes or even some festive red and white sprinkles to amp up the holiday vibe. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a snowy touch that’s super charming visually.

Side Dishes

To keep the dessert spotlighted, I like pairing it with simple sides like hot cocoa or peppermint-spiced coffee. It balances the sweetness perfectly without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun idea I tried was layering this dessert in individual clear parfait glasses for holiday parties — guests loved seeing the layers! You can also serve it with crushed candy cane rimmed glasses or alongside peppermint bark for extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers tightly wrapped in the fridge — this dessert keeps its best texture for up to 3 days. If you notice the crushed candy canes soften in the fridge, just add fresh ones before serving again.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dessert once by wrapping it really well in plastic wrap and foil, then thawing it overnight in the fridge before serving. The texture remains surprisingly good, though fresh crushed candy canes on top help revive the crunch.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you want to bring it to room temperature for a softer bite, just let it sit out for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! While Oreos give a classic look and flavor, you can swap in chocolate wafer cookies or peppermint-flavored cookies for a twist. Just make sure you crush them finely for a good crust.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?

The easiest trick is to microwave the cream cheese for 15-20 seconds, then stir it well. Make sure it’s soft but not melted to keep your layers firm and creamy.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it’s perfect for making a day ahead because chilling enhances the flavors and helps the layers set. Just cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.

Can I substitute whipped topping with whipped cream?

You can! Homemade whipped cream will make the dessert fresher and less sweet, but it might not hold its shape as well over time. For longer-lasting firmness, store-bought whipped topping is a dependable choice.

Final Thoughts

This Candy Cane No-Bake Layer Dessert Recipe is one I keep coming back to each winter because it’s festive, fuss-free, and loved by everyone who tries it. Whether you’re making it for a party or just your family’s sweet tooth, it feels like a little holiday magic in every bite. Give it a try and let me know if it doesn’t become your new favorite go-to holiday dessert!