Description
Delight in these festive No-Bake Chocolate Peppermint Squares featuring a crunchy vanilla wafer crust, creamy peppermint layer, rich instant chocolate pudding, and topped with whipped topping and crushed peppermint candy. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a cool, refreshing treat without turning on the oven.
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 vanilla wafer crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and sugar thoroughly. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9 x 9-inch pan to form the crust. Place in the refrigerator and chill until ready to assemble the layers.
- Make Peppermint Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and milk until smooth and silky. Add sugar and finely crushed peppermint candy or starlight mints, then beat well to combine. Gently fold in 1 1/4 cups whipped topping. Spread this peppermint cream mixture evenly over the chilled crust in the pan.
- Prepare Chocolate Layer: In another bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with 1 3/4 cups cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Spread the pudding layer evenly over the peppermint layer in the pan. Allow it to set for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add Final Topping: Spread the remaining 8 oz tub of whipped topping evenly over the set chocolate pudding layer. Sprinkle coarsely chopped peppermint candy cane over the top as a festive garnish.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours to allow all layers to firm up and flavors to meld. For an extra special treat, freeze the squares for 4 hours for an ice cream cake-like texture before serving.
Notes
- You can use 2 tubs (total of 16 oz) whipped topping or a larger 12-ounce container for convenience.
- Fine or coarse crushed peppermint candy can be used; adjust based on your preferred crunch.
- For a firmer, colder dessert experience, freeze instead of refrigerate.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for easy blending and smooth texture.
- This dessert needs advance preparation due to chilling/freezing time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: No-Bake Dessert,Chocolate Peppermint Dessert,Instant Pudding Dessert,Holiday Dessert,Easy Dessert,No Bake Chocolate Peppermint Squares
