Candy Cane Dessert

Table of Contents

1. Candy Cane Dessert Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Candy Cane Dessert
4. How to Serve Candy Cane Dessert
5. Storage
6. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
7. MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
8. JUMP TO RECIPE

Candy cane dessert is a luscious, easy, no-bake holiday dessert. The perfect holiday treat, this candy cane dessert is made with layers of crushed Golden Oreo crust, peppermint cream cheese, creamy vanilla, and fluffy whipped cream. Sweet and delicious, this layered dessert is a heavenly treat that is sure to please a crowd! 

It doesn’t get much more festive than the classic red and white candy cane stripes. For more festive candy cane recipes try making Candy Cane Pie, Candy Cane Fudge, and Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies. 

Candy Cane Dessert Ingredients

You will need:

Oreo Crust

• 540 grams golden Oreos (1 family-size package)
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Layer

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 16 ounces Cool Whip, thawed and divided
• ½ cup peppermint candy canes, crushed

Vanilla Pudding Layer

• 2¾ cups cold milk
• 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4-ounce boxes)

Whipped Topping

• Remainder of Cool Whip, thawed
• ¼ cup peppermint candy canes, crushed

Substitutions and Additions

GOLDEN OREOS: If you prefer, you can use chocolate Oreos or wafer cookies for the crust. 

POWDERED SUGAR: Also known as icing sugar or confectioner’s sugar, if you don’t have this, you can use half a cup of granulated white sugar instead. 

VANILLA PUDDING MIX: You could substitute this for white chocolate pudding mix if you prefer.

TOPPING: Add chocolate drizzle on top of this creamy dessert for a decadent garnish. 

How to Make Candy Cane Dessert

STEP ONE: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray. 

STEP TWO: Use a food processor to crush the candy canes until coarsely crushed and ¾ cup in volume. Set aside.

STEP THREE: Use a food processor to turn the Oreos into fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and mix. 

STEP FOUR: Press the mixture into the baking dish. Store in the freezer while you prepare the next layer. 

STEP FIVE: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer. 

PRO TIP: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature; otherwise, you will end up with lumps in your cheesecake mixture.

STEP SIX: Add the white sugar, powdered sugar, and Cool Whip to the cream cheese and mix until combined. Make sure not to over-mix the cream cheese layer.

STEP SEVEN: Stir ½ cup of the crushed candy canes into the cream cheese mixture. Set aside the remaining ¼ cup for the topping. 

PRO TIP: When stirring in the candy cane bits, don’t mix too much, or this layer will turn pink or green, depending on the color of the candy canes you use.

STEP EIGHT: Use a spatula to smooth this layer over the prepared crust. Put the baking dish back into the freezer while you prepare the next layer.

STEP NINE: Combine the dry pudding mix and milk and beat for two minutes until it starts to thicken.

STEP TEN: Use a spatula to evenly smooth the pudding layer over top of the cream cheese layer. Put it back into the freezer for ten minutes.

STEP ELEVEN: Smooth the remaining Cool Whip over the top of the dessert and sprinkle with the remaining crushed candy cane pieces.

STEP TWELVE: Place the dish into the refrigerator for at least six hours before slicing and serving. For the best layers, it should chill overnight.

PRO TIP: The long chill time allows all the flavors to mingle and blend together even more!

How to Serve Candy Cane Dessert

A delectable treat for family and friends, this fluffy layered dessert would be a huge hit at any of your festive events this holiday season. This no-bake dessert is great for serving holiday dinner guests or bringing to a potluck, get-together, or party. For an extra indulgent dessert, serve your candy cane dessert with a mug of peppermint white hot chocolate or some Bailey’s and Coffee Ice Cubes for the adults. 

Storage

IN THE FRIDGE: This easy dessert can be stored in the fridge covered in plastic wrap for three to four days.  

IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze this tasty winter treat for up to three months in an airtight container. You can serve this dessert frozen or thaw it in the refrigerator.

Candy cane dessert is a must-make for the holiday season. Sometimes known as candy cane lush, this is an irresistible, fluffy, creamy no-bake dessert that everyone will love! Delightfully simple to make, this homemade candy cane dessert has layers of sweet, creamy peppermint filling on a tasty cookie crust, and topped with fluffy whipped cream. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use a different type of crushed cookie base rather than the Golden Oreo cookies? 

Chocolate Oreos or a graham cracker crust would be fantastic alternatives to the Golden Oreos in this recipe.

Can I freeze this candy cane lush? 

You can freeze this sweet treat in an airtight container for up to three months.

How do you get the cream cheese to room temperature quickly? 

To get the cream cheese to room temperature quickly, cut it into cubes and place it on a plate for about 20 minutes.

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• Pumpkin Crunch Cake
• Cream Puff Dessert
• Coconut Cream Dessert
• Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake