Description
This Chocolate Peppermint Layer Dessert is a cool, creamy, no-bake holiday favorite made with four delicious layers. It starts with a buttery cookie crust, followed by a fluffy peppermint cream layer, a rich chocolate pudding layer, and a smooth whipped topping sprinkled with crushed peppermint. It’s simple to make, perfect for parties, and great for prepping ahead of time. A festive dessert everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- Crust:
- 2 cups shortbread cookie crumbs (or graham cracker crumbs)
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Peppermint Cream Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping
- Chocolate Layer:
- 2 boxes instant chocolate pudding mix (3.4 oz each)
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Topping:
- 2 cups whipped topping
- 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Mix the cookie crumbs, melted butter, and pecans until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press firmly into a 9×13 dish and chill for 10 minutes.
- Make the Peppermint Cream Layer: Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and peppermint extract. Fold in the whipped topping gently. Spread evenly over the chilled crust.
- Prepare the Chocolate Layer: Whisk the instant pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes, then let it rest for 5 minutes to thicken. Spread the pudding over the peppermint cream layer.
- Add the Final Layer: Spread whipped topping over the chocolate pudding. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Before serving, sprinkle with crushed peppermint and chocolate shavings.
Notes
No-bake desserts set best when chilled overnight. Use cold milk for the pudding layer to ensure proper thickening. Add crushed peppermint right before serving to keep it crisp.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg