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

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
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