Candy Cane Pie Recipe

Ingredients

Crust

• 25 Oreo cookies
• 5 Tablespoons butter, melted

Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 6 drops red gel food coloring
• 1 ½ teaspoons peppermint extract
• 16 ounces Cool Whip, slightly thawed
• 5 candy canes, crushed (divided)

Instructions

1. Add the Oreo cookies to a food processor and pulse until the cookies are fine crumbles. Add the melted butter to the food processor and pulse again to create a mixture that looks like wet sand. Pour the Oreo mixture into a 9-inch pie pan and press it evenly onto the bottom and up the sides using the flat bottom of a cup or measuring cup. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the filling.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat again to ensure a lump-free texture.
3. Add the red gel food coloring and peppermint extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix well until the pink color is evenly blended. Add a few more drops of food coloring if necessary to achieve the desired peppermint pink shade.
4. Gently fold about half (8 ounces) of the Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula. Then fold in half of the crushed candy canes.
5. Remove the crust from the refrigerator and spread the pink filling evenly into the crust. Smooth the top and return the pie to the fridge for 1 hour to set.
6. After chilling, gently spread the remaining Cool Whip over the top of the pie, creating a smooth white layer. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top, then return the pie to the fridge for another hour to chill.
7. Slice and serve the pie cold for a refreshing peppermint-flavored treat.

Notes

• Gel food coloring works best for vibrant color; if using liquid food coloring, you will need to use more to achieve the desired candy-cane pink color.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and no lumps.
• Crushing candy canes can be done by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and using a rolling pin or similar tool.
• For best results, keep the pie chilled until ready to serve to maintain its texture and flavor.