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A festive, multi-layered peppermint chocolate dessert slice with chocolate mousse, white cream, whipped cream, and crushed candy canes.

Delicious No-Bake Peppermint Chocolate Dessert

This stunning no-bake peppermint chocolate dessert layers a buttery vanilla crust, creamy mint filling, rich chocolate pudding, and whipped topping for a festive holiday treat — no oven required!
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Course: Dessert, Holiday
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups vanilla wafers, crushed
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp peppermint extract
  • 12 oz Cool Whip, thawed and divided (or whipped cream)
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 7.8 oz instant chocolate pudding mix (two 3.4 oz boxes)
  • crushed candy canes, for garnish

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls (large & medium)
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Rubber spatula or offset spatula

Method
 

  1. Crush vanilla wafers and mix with melted butter. Press into bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Chill for 15 minutes.
  2. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and 2 tbsp milk until smooth. Add peppermint extract and gently fold in half the Cool Whip.
  3. Spread peppermint layer evenly over chilled crust. Refrigerate while you prepare pudding.
  4. In a bowl, whisk cold milk with pudding mix for 2–3 minutes until thick. Gently spread over cream cheese layer.
  5. Spread remaining Cool Whip on top. Cover and chill dessert at least 2 hours or overnight.
  6. Before serving, sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

Adjust peppermint extract to taste for a bolder or milder mint flavor. Let each layer chill before adding the next for clean, beautiful slices. Swap in chocolate cookies for the crust or use homemade whipped cream if preferred.