Chocolate Peppermint Lush

This chocolate peppermint lush is a creamy, no-bake, make-ahead dessert that’s ready to chill while you enjoy the holidays.

A Festive, No-Bake Holiday Treat – Chocolate Peppermint Lush

If you’re in the mood to keep holiday desserts easy, this chocolate peppermint lush checks all the boxes. It’s no-bake, make-ahead, and comes together with simple layers of creamy chocolate and mint on a buttery-Oreo crust. If you’ve got a packed holiday to-do list, this dessert is a lifesaver.

The textures are where it really shines. That light, mousse-like chocolate layer and the peppermint-y cream cheese layer are smooth and refreshing, while the crust gives just the right crunch. I’ve made sure every bite balances the rich and cool flavors without being too heavy.

What I appreciate most is that I can make it the day before and let it hang out in the fridge. When it’s dessert time, all I have to do is slice and serve. It’s low effort, but it always delivers big on flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe

• It’s make-ahead, so it’s one less thing to worry about during the holidays.
• Creamy chocolate and peppermint layers with a crunchy crust make every bite satisfying.
• No oven needed, which is perfect when there’s already too much cooking going on.

Ingredients

Each ingredient plays a key role in building the layers and flavors of this no-bake, make-ahead dessert.

• Oreo Cookies: These make up the base for a sweet and crunchy foundation.
• Unsalted Butter: Mixing this with the crushed Oreos helps bind the crust together. Salted butter is fine too.
• Cream Cheese: To get that rich and creamy layer that balances the sweetness, stick with a full-fat version.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer without any grittiness.
• Peppermint Extract: Adds an extra layer of peppermint flavor.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the dessert a festive pink hue, making it look as good as it tastes. You only need 2-3 drops to get the pink color. It’s also optional.
• Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip): Keeps the layers light and fluffy.
• Crushed Candy Canes or Starlight Mints: I fold them into the cream cheese layer for a minty crunch and sprinkle on top for decoration.
• Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix: Use this to make the smooth and chocolaty layer.
• Cold Milk: Necessary to set the pudding mix into a creamy layer. Whole milk gives the best flavor.

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Lush

Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Step One: Make the Oreo Crust

• Crush up your Oreos using a food processor or just smash them in a Ziploc bag with a rolling pin.
• Mix the crushed Oreos with melted butter in a big bowl.
• Press that mixture into a 9 x 13 baking dish and stick it in the fridge for about an hour to set up.

Step Two: Mix the Cream Cheese Layer

• Beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy.
• Pour in 1/4 cup of milk and beat it for another couple of minutes.
• Fold in some peppermint extract, a few drops of red food coloring, and half of the whipped topping. Stir until it’s all pink and combined.
• Toss in most of the crushed candy canes but save a couple of tablespoons for later.

Step Three: Build the Layers

• Spread the cream cheese mixture over the chilled Oreo crust. Put it back in the fridge while you work on the pudding layer.
• Whisk the pudding mix with the remaining cold milk in a big bowl until it’s nice and smooth.
• Grab the dish from the fridge and spread the pudding over the cream cheese layer.

Step Four: Top It Off

• Spread the rest of the whipped topping over the pudding layer.
• Sprinkle the reserved crushed candy canes and some extra Oreos on top.
• Cover the whole thing with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait.
• Slice it up and dig in.

Recipe Tips

Here are some simple tips to make sure your peppermint lush turns out perfectly every time.

• The finer the Oreo crumbs, the better the crust holds together. Use a food processor for a smooth base or crush them thoroughly with a rolling pin.
• Let each layer chill briefly in the fridge before adding the next. This keeps the layers distinct and makes spreading easier.
• If you prefer homemade whipped cream, make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks so it holds its shape in the dessert.
• Stale candy canes can lose their crunch and flavor, make sure yours are fresh.
• When mixing the whipped topping into the cream cheese layer, fold gently to keep the mixture light and airy.
• While 4 hours works, an overnight chill makes the layers set even better and enhances the flavors.
• Serve this alongside my pecan cream pie lush recipe for the ultimate dessert pairing.

Storage and Freezer 

Here’s how to store and freeze your chocolate peppermint lush dessert to keep it fresh and delicious.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze leftovers in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2-4 weeks. For best results, defrost in the fridge overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What can I use instead of red food coloring? You can skip the food coloring altogether. The dessert will still taste amazing, just without the pink hue.
• What’s the best way to crush the candy canes? Place them in a Ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin. This keeps the mess contained and gives you control over the size of the pieces.
• Can I use a different crust? Sure. Graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies make great alternatives if you don’t want Oreos.
• Can I skip the peppermint extract? Yes, you can leave it out. The dessert will still be delicious, but it won’t have that extra peppermint flavor.
• Do I have to layer it in a 9 x 13 dish? Not necessarily. You can use individual cups or jars for single-serve portions, which can be a fun way to serve it.

More Peppermint Desserts for the Holidays

The best peppermint and minty holiday dessert recipes to make at home this season. It’s time to satisfy your minty sweet tooth and get into the holiday spirit.

• Peppermint Patty Brownies
• Peppermint Bark Hot Chocolate
• Andes Mint Brownies
• Cherry Tassies
• Candy Cane Frappe
• Dark Chocolate Peppermint Crackle Cookies
• Double Chocolate Peppermint Bark

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Print Recipe

No ratings yet

Chocolate Peppermint Lush

This Chocolate Peppermint Lush is a no-bake, make-ahead Christmas dessert featuring creamy layers of chocolate mousse and peppermint cream on a buttery crust, topped with crushed candy canes. It's an easy and festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Chilling Time8 hours hrs

Total Time8 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chocolate Peppermint Lush

Servings: 12

Calories: 537kcal

Author: Cathy Pollak

Equipment

• food processor or Ziploc Bag with Rolling Pin. To crush the Oreos for the crust.
• mixing bowls For mixing the crust, cream cheese, and pudding layers.
• baking dish 9x13 To assemble and chill the dessert.
• hand mixer or stand mixer. To beat the cream cheese and mix the pudding.
• whisk For blending the pudding mix and milk.
• offset spatula For spreading the layers evenly.
• Knife For slicing even portions.

Ingredients

• 40 Oreo cookies
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
• 8 oz. cream cheese softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 3 cups cold milk (whole milk preferred), divided
• 1/4 tsp. peppermint extract
• red food coloring
• 16 oz whipped topping thawed, divided
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes or other peppermint candies, divided
• 2 boxes (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding
• extra crushed Oreos for garnish

Instructions

• Crumble your Oreo cookies using a food processor or crush them in a Ziploc bag with a rolling pin.
  40 Oreo cookies
• Combine the crushed Oreos and melted butter in a large bowl.
  1/2 cup unsalted butter
• Spread the Oreo mixture into a 9 x 13 baking dish and refrigerate for an hour.
• In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Add 1/4 cup of milk and beat for 2 more minutes. Fold in peppermint extract, a few drops of red food coloring, and half of the whipped topping until just combined and the mixture is pink.
  8 oz. cream cheese, 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, 3 cups cold milk , 1/4 tsp. peppermint extract, red food coloring, 16 oz whipped topping
• Reserve 2 tablespoons of crushed candy canes for garnish and stir the rest into the cream cheese mixture.
  1/2 cup crushed candy canes or other peppermint candies, divided
• Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled Oreo base. Place the dish back in the refrigerator while you prepare the next layer.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk the dry chocolate pudding packets with the remaining cold milk until smooth.
  2 boxes (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding
• Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and spread the pudding layer over the cream cheese layer.
• Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.
• Garnish the top with the remaining crushed candy canes and Oreos.
  extra crushed Oreos for garnish
• Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Slice and serve.

Notes

Chilling Time: You will get the best "clean" slices if you let this lush chill overnight.

For optimal outcomes when preparing this chocolate peppermint lush, it's recommended to refer to the recipe details within the post. The recipe post commonly includes valuable notes, expert tips and frequently asked questions, that are not presented in the recipe card, often including how to make this recipe dairy-free, gluten free or vegan and ideas for healthy ingredient substitutions or variations.

The provided nutrition information is merely an approximation, as variations can arise depending on the specific ingredients/brands you select.

© noblepig.com. All content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing this recipe is encouraged and appreciated, but copying and/or pasting the full recipe to social media or other platforms is strictly prohibited.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Chocolate Peppermint Lush

Amount Per Serving (189 g)

Calories 537 Calories from Fat 279

% Daily Value*

Fat 31g48%

Saturated Fat 17g106%

Trans Fat 0.6g

Polyunsaturated Fat 2.3g

Monounsaturated Fat 9g

Cholesterol 45mg15%

Sodium 651mg28%

Potassium 356.8mg10%

Carbohydrates 61g20%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 32g36%

Protein 6.3g13%

Vitamin A 150IU3%

Calcium 122mg12%

Iron 1.4mg8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let me know how it turned out.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.