Candy Cane Lush

Candy Cane Lush Dessert is a festive no-bake treat with vibrant layers of cheesecake, pudding, Cool Whip, and crushed candy canes, perfect for holiday parties and gatherings. Its stunning appearance, and make-ahead convenience make it a standout addition to any Christmas celebration.

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This recipe was photographed and updated 11/2024.

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Shopping list:

• graham cracker crumbs
• butter
• cream cheese
• powdered sugar
• peppermint extract
• cool whip
• red food coloring
• instant vanilla pudding mix
• milk
• sprinkles, crushed candy canes or peppermint candies, optional for topping

I can't believe we're only a couple weeks away from Christmas. Time sure does fly. The holiday season is a time of magic, joy, love, and, of course, indulgent treats. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that captures the festive spirit: Candy Cane Lush Dessert. 

This no-bake masterpiece starts with a graham cracker crust, followed by a minty and vibrant red cheesecake layer, a fluffy Cool Whip layer, a red-tinted pudding layer, and a generous topping of Cool Whip sprinkled with crushed candy canes.

This Candy Cane Lush Dessert is ideal for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or any festive occasion. Its bright colors and delicious layers make it a hit with both kids and adults. 

Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dessert, so you can spend more time enjoying the festivities. Both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious, it’s the perfect centerpiece for your holiday celebrations.

If you're a fan of minty desserts, then you'll want to try my Slice and Bake Peppermint Cookies or Peppermint Ganache Brownies!

Keep scrolling for the full printable recipe 💙

Recipe tips and substitution ideas:

• You can use store bought graham cracker crumbs or make your own using a food processor. This would also be great made with cookie or animal cracker crumbs.

• If you want more cheesecake flavor, use cheesecake pudding instead of vanilla. 

• I do not recommend using freshly whipped cream instead of cool whip. The layers will not hold up since cool whip is more stable.

• This can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. The crust may become soggy the longer it's refrigerated.

• You will need a total of 3 - 8 ounce containers of cool whip for this recipe. One of the containers will be used for the cheesecake and cool whip layers, the other two will be used for the top layer.

Our favorite kitchen equipment and supplies used with this recipe:

• OXO Good Grips 7-Piece Nesting Measuring Beaker Set
• OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Silicone Whisk Set
• Pyrex Glass, 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set
• Staub Ceramics 4-pc Baking Pans Set
• OXO Good Grips 3 Piece Silicone Spatula Set 

Yield 9 servings

Author Hot Eats and Cool Reads

Prep time

20 Min

Inactive time

4 Hour

Total time

4 H & 20 M

Candy Cane Lush

Ingredients

• crust:
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• cheesecake layer:
• 1 - 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 cup cool whip
• red food coloring
• cool whip layer:
• 2 cups cool whip
• pudding layer:
• 1 - 3.4 ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 3/4 cups cold milk
• red food coloring
• topping:
• 2 - 8 ounce containers cool whip, thawed
• sprinkles, crushed candy canes or peppermint candies, optional for topping

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust:
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking dish.
4. Refrigerate the crust while preparing the layers.
5. Prepare the cheesecake layer:
6. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
7. Add the powdered sugar and peppermint extract, and mix until well combined.
8. Fold in 2 cups of cool whip until the mixture is light and fluffy.
9. Add a few drops of red food coloring until the desired shade of red is achieved.
10. Spread the red cheesecake layer evenly over the chilled crust.
11. Cool whip layer:
12. Spread 2 cups of cool whip evenly over top of the cheesecake layer.
13. Prepare the pudding layer:
14. In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes.
15. Add a few drops of red food coloring until the desired shade of red is achieved.
16. Spread the red pudding layer evenly over the cool whip layer.
17. Add the topping:
18. Spread the containers of cool whip evenly over the pudding layer.
19. Chill and serve:
20. Cover and refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
21. Sprinkle crushed candy canes or sprinkles on top. Slice and serve chilled.

Hot Eats and Cool Reads is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe you try from this blog/website. You may not always have the same results I do due to variations in ingredients, humidity, altitude, cooking temperatures, typos, errors, omissions, or individual cooking abilities. 

You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful. I am not a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Each individual's dietary needs and restrictions are unique to the individual.

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