Candy Cane Lush
Make a fun and festive dessert with our Candy Cane Lush! This no-bake treat has layers of peppermint cream, vanilla pudding, and crunchy cookie crust, perfect for any holiday celebration.
Candy Cane Lush
Candy Cane Lush is a festive dessert perfect for holiday gatherings or any winter celebration.
This holiday dessert layers creamy peppermint and smooth vanilla pudding on a chocolate cookie crust.
Whether you're hosting a party or just want a fun and tasty dessert, Candy Cane Lush is a great choice that everyone will love.
Ingredients for Candy Cane Lush
Chocolate cookie crumbs: These can be made by crushing about 22 Oreo cookies. Make sure the crumbs are fine so they form a solid crust.
Unsalted butter, melted: Make sure it's completely melted for even mixing.
Cream cheese, softened: Leave this out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using it. This makes it easier to mix and results in a smoother consistency.
Powdered sugar: This adds sweetness to the peppermint cream layer without making it grainy. Sift if there are lumps.
Peppermint extract: Be careful with measuring as it's quite strong.
Frozen whipped topping, thawed: This should be gently folded into the mixture to retain its fluffy texture. Thaw it in the fridge for a few hours before using.
Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: These add a nice crunch and extra peppermint flavor. Crush them just before use to prevent them from getting sticky.
Instant vanilla pudding mix: Avoid using cook-and-serve pudding.
Cold milk: Use whole or 2% milk for a creamier texture.
Red food coloring, optional: If you want to add a festive color to the vanilla pudding layer, use a small amount of red food coloring.
Frozen whipped topping, thawed (for topping): This is used as the final layer and should be spread evenly. Thaw as mentioned previously.
Crushed peppermint candies or candy cane pieces (for garnish): These can be added just before serving to retain their crunch.
How to Make Candy Cane Lush
Prepare the Crust
Start by adding the cookies to a food processor and pulse them until they look like fine crumbs.
Then, pour the melted butter into the crumbs and pulse again until it's all nicely mixed.
Press this cookie mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Place the dish in the fridge to chill while you work on the next layer.
Make the Peppermint Cream layer
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and peppermint extract until it's smooth.
Next, gently fold in the thawed frozen whipped topping and crushed peppermint candies until everything is well mixed together.
Take the casserole dish out of the fridge and spread this peppermint cream layer evenly over the chilled crust.
Put the dish back in the refrigerator to set while you make the next layer.
Prepare the Pudding
In another large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk.
Whisk for 2 minutes until the pudding starts to thicken. If you want, add some food coloring and blend until it looks mixed in.
Pour this vanilla pudding mixture over the peppermint cream layer in the casserole dish.
Return the dish to the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours so that all the layers can set.
Add the Topping
Just before you're ready to serve, spread the thawed frozen whipped topping over the vanilla pudding layer.
Sprinkle some additional crushed peppermint candies or candy cane pieces on top for a fun and festive look.
Slice and serve chilled, and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks to Make the Best Candy Cane Lush
Here are some tips to make making Candy Cane Lush easier and even yummier:
Quick Chill: Speed up the chilling process by placing the dish in the freezer for 10-15 minutes instead of using the refrigerator.
No Mixer? No Problem!: If you don’t have a mixer, use a whisk to blend the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract until smooth.
Food Coloring Fun: For a festive look, split the vanilla pudding into two bowls and add red food coloring to one. Layer the red and white puddings for a candy-cane striped effect.
Whipped Topping Tip: If you forget to thaw your frozen whipped topping, you can defrost it quickly by placing the container in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
Add Chocolate: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top layer of whipped topping for a chocolatey twist.
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftover candy cane lush, you should cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container.
Make sure to store it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
What to Serve with Candy Cane Lush
Hot Chocolate: Warm hot chocolate goes well with the flavors of candy cane lush.
Vanilla Ice Cream: I think vanilla ice cream pairs well with almost any dessert and this candy can lush is no exception.
Gingerbread Cookies
Eggnog: The creamy and spiced flavor of eggnog makes a perfect festive pairing with the Candy Cane Lush.
Sugar Cookies
More Delicious Holiday Desserts
- Grinch Oreo Truffles
- Rudolph Charcuterie Board
- Peppermint Fluff Dip
- Christmas Tree Cake Dip
- Gingerbread Fluff Dip
- More Dessert Ideas
Make sure to "PIN IT" for later and follow Gather in my Kitchen on Pinterest for all the latest easy and delicious recipes!
Candy Cane Lush
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs about 22 Oreo cookies
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
For the Peppermint Cream Layer:
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 ½ cups frozen whipped topping thawed
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
For the Vanilla Pudding Layer:
- 2 3.4 ounces each boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 ½ cups cold milk
- Red food coloring optional
For Topping:
- 1 ½ cups frozen whipped topping thawed
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy cane pieces for garnish
Instructions
- In a food processor, add the cookies and pulse until they resemble fine crumbs. To the cookie crumbs, add the melted butter and pulse until well mixed.2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs, ½ cup unsalted butter
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Place it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the next layer.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and peppermint extract until smooth. Gently fold in the thawed frozen whipped topping and crushed peppermint candies until fully incorporated.1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened, 1 cup powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon peppermint extract, 1 ½ cups frozen whipped topping, ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- Spread the peppermint cream layer evenly over the chilled crust. Return to the refrigerator to set while you prepare the next layer.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk for 2 minutes until the pudding starts to thicken. If desired, add the food coloring and blend just until mixed.2 3.4 ounces each boxes instant vanilla pudding mix, 3 ½ cups cold milk, Red food coloring
- Pour the vanilla pudding over the peppermint cream layer in the casserole dish. Return to the refrigerator. Refrigerate the Candy Cane Lush for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the layers to set.
- Just before serving, spread the thawed frozen whipped topping over the vanilla pudding layer in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with additional crushed peppermint candies or candy cane pieces for a festive touch.1 ½ cups frozen whipped topping, Crushed peppermint candies or candy cane pieces
- Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy the delightful layers of peppermint and vanilla in this festive and delicious dessert!
Notes
Please note that the nutritional content of this recipe will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values, consider using a recipe nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you've used.
