No-Bake Chocolate Peppermint Squares Recipe
Delight in these No-Bake Chocolate Peppermint Squares, a festive layered dessert combining a buttery vanilla wafer crust, a creamy peppermint cheese layer, and a rich chocolate pudding topping, crowned with whipped topping and peppermint candy for a perfect holiday treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 16 squares 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 (1 tub) whipped topping
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped peppermint candy cane
Instructions
- Prepare Crust: Mix the vanilla wafer crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and sugar together until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9 x 9-inch pan to form an even crust. Place in refrigerator to chill and set while you prepare the next layers.
- Make Peppermint Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with milk until smooth and silky. Add sugar and crushed peppermint candy; beat well until combined. Gently fold in 1 1/4 cups of whipped topping, mixing until evenly incorporated. Spread this creamy peppermint mixture evenly over the chilled crust in the pan.
- Prepare Chocolate Layer: In a separate bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with 1 3/4 cups milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Spread the pudding evenly over the peppermint layer. Allow the pudding layer to set for 5-10 minutes at room temperature.
- Add Topping: Spread the remaining 8 oz tub of whipped topping evenly over the chocolate layer. Sprinkle the top with the coarsely chopped peppermint candy cane for a decorative and flavorful finish.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours to allow all layers to set properly. For a special variation, freeze for 4 hours to create a texture similar to ice cream cake before serving.
Notes
- You will need two 8 oz tubs of whipped topping or one larger 12 oz container; not all will be used.
- For a firmer texture similar to ice cream cake, freeze the dessert for 4 hours instead of refrigerating.
- Crushing peppermint candy canes or starlight mints finely ensures a smooth peppermint layer.
- Use a 9 x 9-inch pan for best results to maintain appropriate thickness of layers.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to prevent lumps in the peppermint layer.
Keywords: no-bake dessert, chocolate peppermint squares, holiday dessert, layered dessert, peppermint candy, instant pudding dessert
