No-Bake Chocolate Peppermint Squares Recipe
Introduction
No-Bake Chocolate Peppermint Squares are a festive and easy-to-make treat perfect for the holidays or any time you crave a cool, creamy dessert. Combining layers of peppermint cream cheese, rich chocolate pudding, and whipped topping, this dessert delights with refreshing minty flavor and smooth textures without any oven time.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 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
- 1 package (4-serving size) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 8 oz whipped topping (1 tub)
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped peppermint candy cane
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix the crust ingredients (vanilla wafer crumbs, butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar) thoroughly. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9 x 9-inch pan and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Step 2: For the peppermint layer, beat the softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth and silky. Add 1/3 cup sugar and the finely crushed peppermint candy, then beat well. Gently fold in 1 1/4 cups whipped topping. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Step 3: Prepare the chocolate layer by beating the instant chocolate pudding mix and 1 3/4 cups milk for 2 minutes. Spread the pudding evenly over the peppermint layer. Allow it to set for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Top the dessert with the remaining 8 oz tub of whipped topping. Sprinkle the coarsely chopped peppermint candy cane evenly over the top.
- Step 5: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours to allow layers to firm up. For a special twist, freeze the squares for 4 hours for an ice cream cake-like treat.
Tips & Variations
- Use crushed starlight mints as an alternative to peppermint candy canes for a slightly different mint flavor.
- Press the crust firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling when cutting the squares.
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts to the crust mixture or sprinkled on top before serving.
- If you don’t have vanilla wafer crumbs, graham cracker crumbs work well as a substitute.
Storage
Store the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If frozen, let the squares thaw slightly before cutting to maintain clean slices. Reheat is not recommended as this dessert is best served chilled or frozen.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these squares ahead of time?
Yes, this no-bake dessert stores well in the refrigerator for a couple of days and can also be frozen for up to a week for an ice cream-like treat.
What can I use if I don’t have instant pudding mix?
You can substitute with homemade chocolate pudding or other instant pudding flavors for a different twist, but the texture and set time may vary.
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No-Bake Chocolate Peppermint Squares Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
No-Bake Chocolate Peppermint Squares are a festive and easy-to-make dessert featuring a crunchy vanilla wafer crust layered with a creamy peppermint cheese filling, topped with rich chocolate pudding and whipped topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these squares combine refreshing peppermint flavors with chocolatey decadence without any baking required.
Ingredients
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
- 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 oz whipped topping (1 tub)
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped peppermint candy cane
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Mix the vanilla wafer crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and sugar well until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9 x 9-inch pan to form an even crust. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Make the peppermint layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with milk until smooth and silky. Add sugar and finely crushed peppermint candy or starlight mints, then beat again until well combined. Gently fold in 1 1/4 cups of whipped topping. Spread this peppermint cream mixture evenly over the chilled crust in the pan.
- Prepare the chocolate layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and 1 3/4 cups milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Spread the pudding evenly over the peppermint cheese layer. Allow this to set for 5-10 minutes.
- Add the final topping: Spread the remaining 8 oz tub of whipped topping on top of the chocolate layer. Sprinkle with the coarsely chopped peppermint candy cane for a festive finish.
- Chill the dessert: Place the pan in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 4 hours to set completely.
- Optional freezing: For a special treat, instead of refrigerating, freeze the squares for 4 hours to enjoy them like an ice cream cake.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smooth peppermint layer.
- Use crushed peppermint candy canes or starlight mints based on preference; crushed finely for the layer, and coarsely for topping garnish.
- Do not overmix the whipped topping into the peppermint cheese layer to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
- If freezing, allow the squares to thaw for a few minutes before slicing for easier serving.
- Use a 9 x 9-inch pan for best results and even layers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: no bake, chocolate peppermint squares, peppermint dessert, holiday dessert, chocolate pudding dessert, cream cheese dessert
