No-Bake Chocolate Peppermint Squares Recipe
These No-Bake Chocolate Peppermint Squares combine a crunchy vanilla wafer crust with a creamy peppermint cream cheese layer and rich instant chocolate pudding, topped with whipped topping and festive crushed peppermint candies. Perfectly refreshing and easy to prepare, this dessert is ideal for holiday gatherings or any time you want a cool, sweet treat without using the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 9 to 12 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- 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 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup finely crushed peppermint candy cane or starlight mints
- 1 1/4 cups whipped topping
Chocolate Layer
- 1 package (4-serving size) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 3/4 cups milk
Topping
- 8 ounces whipped topping (1 tub)
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped peppermint candy cane
Instructions
- Prepare crust: Mix vanilla wafer crumbs, unsalted butter, and sugar thoroughly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9 x 9-inch pan. Place in the refrigerator to chill and set while you prepare the next layers.
- Make peppermint layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and milk until the mixture is smooth and silky. Add sugar and finely crushed peppermint candy and continue beating well to combine. Gently fold in 1 1/4 cups of whipped topping until evenly distributed. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust in the pan.
- Prepare chocolate layer: In another bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and 1 3/4 cups milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Spread this chocolate pudding evenly over the peppermint cream cheese layer. Allow it to set for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add topping and garnish: Spread the remaining 8 ounces (one tub) of whipped topping evenly over the chocolate layer. Sprinkle the top with coarsely chopped peppermint candy cane for a festive finish.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours to allow all layers to firm up and flavors to meld. For an extra special treat, freeze for 4 hours instead, to serve like an ice cream cake.
Notes
- You will need two tubs (8 oz each) of whipped topping or one larger 12-ounce container, though not all will be used.
- For a firmer texture, freeze the dessert for 4 hours before serving instead of refrigerating.
- Crushed peppermint candy can be substituted with starlight mints if preferred.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and smooth texture.
- This dessert is best served chilled or slightly frozen.
Keywords: no-bake dessert, peppermint dessert, chocolate pudding dessert, holiday treat, cream cheese dessert, easy no-bake recipe, peppermint candy, instant pudding dessert
