Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen during the holiday rush? Wouldn’t you love to whip up a festive dessert that captures the essence of Christmas within a mere 90 minutes? Say hello to the Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie! This delightful treat combines the refreshing flavor of peppermint with a rich, creamy filling, all nestled in a crunchy graham cracker crust. Perfect for your holiday gatherings, this recipe will lighten your holiday baking load while leaving your guests wanting more.
Ingredients Needed
To create your luscious Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust: This simplifies the process, delivering a sweet and crunchy base. Feel free to use a gluten-free option if needed.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Provides richness and a velvety texture; for a lighter version, you can substitute with whipped coconut cream.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened: Adds creaminess and tang. Neufchâtel cheese can be used for a lower-fat alternative.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling; you might experiment with powdered erythritol for a sugar-free version.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Key for that signature minty flavor; consider substituting with peppermint oil for an intense flavor.
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies: Introduces a delightful crunch. If you’re concerned about candy, try using sugar-free peppermint candies.
- Chocolate shavings or whipped cream for topping: Optional, but they provide a luxurious finish.
Timing
This recipe will take approximately 90 minutes, which is 20% less time than the average dessert preparation during Christmas. Here’s how the timing breaks down:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours (to set the pie)
So, set aside some time to decadently delight your taste buds without draining your holiday spirit!
How to Make Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie
Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. This foundation ensures the filling is creamy and not lumpy.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Flavor
Gradually add the powdered sugar and peppermint extract, mixing well. This step is crucial, as it will impact the sweetness and mintiness of your pie.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This gives the pie its airy texture—be cautious not to over-whip!
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Use a spatula for this to maintain airiness.
Step 5: Introduce Peppermint Candies
Stir in the crushed peppermint candies. These will add delightful bursts of flavor and a bit of crunch in every bite.
Step 6: Pour and Spread
Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust and spread it evenly. Take care to not overfill to prevent spills during chilling.
Step 7: Chill
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until set. Patience pays off with this cake!
Step 8: Top and Serve
Top with chocolate shavings or whipped cream before serving for an elegant touch.
Nutritional Information
A single slice (1/8 of the pie) offers approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 4g
These figures can vary based on ingredient substitutions made, but this information gives you a good general idea.
Healthier Alternatives For Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie
Want to make your Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie a bit lighter? Here are some suggestions:
- Use low-fat cream cheese and light whipped cream.
- Opt for natural sweeteners like maple syrup or stevia instead of powdered sugar.
- Consider adding Greek yogurt in place of some of the cream cheese for added protein.
Serving Suggestions
This pie is versatile and can be served in many festive ways:
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color!
- Serve with a side of white chocolate sauce.
- Pair with festive beverages like hot cocoa or spiced cider.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
To ensure your Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie is a hit, watch out for these pitfalls:
- Not softening the cream cheese: This will lead to a lumpy filling.
- Over-whipping the cream: Keep a close eye on it to avoid butter.
- Skipping the chilling time: Don’t rush this step; it’s key for the pie to set properly.
Storing Tips For Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie
If you have leftovers (which is often unlikely!), here’s how to store them:
- Keep the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Just be sure to allow it to thaw in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
The Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie is your ticket to a simple yet elegant holiday dessert that your guests will adore. With its creamy peppermint filling and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a staple in your festive lineup. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experiences or variations you made. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make this pie in advance?
You can prepare the pie the day before and keep it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese substitutes for a delicious dairy-free alternative.
What can I substitute for peppermint extract?
You can use peppermint oil for a stronger flavor or fresh mint leaves for a natural alternative.
Feel free to comment below with any more queries or share your variations on this festive treat!
Print
Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive dessert that combines refreshing peppermint flavor with a rich, creamy filling in a crunchy graham cracker crust, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- Chocolate shavings or whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Beat the cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and peppermint extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Stir in the crushed peppermint candies.
- Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust and spread it evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Top with chocolate shavings or whipped cream before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute with whipped coconut cream and consider using sugar-free options for the toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg