Description
No-Bake Chocolate Peppermint Squares are a festive, creamy, crunchy holiday dessert made with three irresistible layers—vanilla wafer crust, fluffy peppermint cream, and rich chocolate pudding topped with whipped cream and candy cane crunch.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp sugar
Peppermint Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup finely crushed peppermint candy or starlight mints
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 1/4 cups whipped topping
Chocolate Layer
- 1 (4-serving) package instant chocolate pudding
- 1 3/4 cups milk
Topping
- 8 oz whipped topping
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped peppermint candy cane
Instructions
- Make the crust: Combine vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish. Chill while preparing the next layer.
- Peppermint layer: Beat softened cream cheese, sugar, milk, and crushed peppermint until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread evenly over the crust.
- Chocolate layer: Whisk together instant pudding mix and milk until thickened. Spread over the peppermint layer.
- Topping: Spread whipped topping over the pudding layer, then sprinkle chopped peppermint candy on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy lifting and clean slicing.
- Crush candy canes finely for the peppermint layer, but keep topping pieces chunky.
- Can be made 24 hours ahead of time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American