Description
Peppermint Marshmallow Cream Pie
Santa’s favorite holiday dessert!
Ingredients:
1 premade shortbread crust
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup whipped topping
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies
1/2 cup mini marshmallows
Steps:
Beat cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy.
Stir in whipped topping, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
Fold in crushed candies and spread into the crust.
Garnish with marshmallows and extra candy pieces.
Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Description:
A dessert Santa won’t be able to resist! Tag a friend who loves peppermint. #SantaSweetPie
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect pie every time. First, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial for a smooth filling. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together for 2-3 minutes, until completely smooth and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Next, gently stir in the whipped topping, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract by hand until just combined. Over-mixing can deflate the filling. Finally, use a folding motion to incorporate the crushed peppermint candies, reserving a tablespoon for garnish. Spread the filling evenly into your premade crust.
Serving Suggestions
This pie is a festive showstopper. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with the mini marshmallows and reserved crushed candy immediately after spreading the filling so they adhere. Just before serving, add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Serve each slice with a dollop of extra whipped topping and a small candy cane on the side. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or black coffee to balance the sweetness.
How-to Summary
In short: Soften cream cheese, beat with sugar until fluffy, gently fold in whipped topping and extracts, mix in most of the crushed candy, spread into crust, top with marshmallows and reserved candy, and chill thoroughly for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pie ahead of time? Absolutely. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can I use a different crust? Yes. A chocolate cookie crust or graham cracker crust would be delicious alternatives to the shortbread crust.
My filling is runny. What happened? This is usually because the cream cheese wasn’t fully softened or the whipped topping was over-mixed, causing it to deflate. Ensure proper ingredient temperatures and fold gently.
How do I easily crush the peppermint candies? Place candies in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to crush them to your desired consistency.
Is there a substitute for peppermint extract? For a milder mint flavor, you can use 1 teaspoon of mint extract instead, but peppermint extract provides the classic, sharp holiday flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold cream cheese, which leads to a lumpy filling.
- Over-mixing after adding the whipped topping, resulting in a dense, flat texture.
- Not chilling the pie long enough; it needs a full 2 hours to set properly for clean slices.
- Adding the marshmallow garnish too late; they won’t stick to the set filling.
- Crushing the candies too finely, losing the delightful crunchy texture.
Conclusion
This Peppermint Marshmallow Cream Pie is the ultimate no-bake holiday dessert, combining creamy, minty, and crunchy textures in every bite. Its stunning red-and-white appearance makes it a festive centerpiece for any table. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a dessert that’s as magical to make as it is to eat. It’s sure to become a cherished seasonal tradition for your family and guests.
