Candy Cane Lush

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Candy cane lush is a creamy, no bake Christmas dessert with layers of whipped topping, fluffy peppermint cheesecake, and creamy pudding nestled on a graham cracker crust. It's easy to make ahead and perfect for holiday parties, Christmas dinners, or anytime you need a crowd pleasing dessert without adding another baking project to your busy holiday schedule.

Prep Time30

Chill Time4

Total Time4 30

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 530kcal

Author: Meaghan - The Quicker Kitchen

Ingredients

For the Crust

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter melted

For the Cheesecake Layer

1 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Red food coloring

For the Pudding Layer

1 3.4 oz pkg instant vanilla pudding mix
1 3/4 cups cold milk
2 cups whipped topping thawed
Red food coloring

For the Topping

2 8 oz tubs whipped topping thawed
crushed candy canes

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

To Make The Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x9-inch baking dish.
Refrigerate the crust while preparing the layers.

To Make The Cheesecake Layer

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese
Add the powdered sugar and peppermint extract, and mix until well combined.
1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Add a few drops of red food coloring until the desired shade of red is achieved.
Red food coloring
Fold in 2 cups of thawed whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2 cups whipped topping
Spread the red cheesecake layer evenly over the chilled crust
Spread the remaining whipped topping from the container over the top of the red layer.

To Make The Pudding Layer

In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes.
1 3.4 oz pkg instant vanilla pudding mix, 1 3/4 cups cold milk
Add a few drops of red food coloring until the desired shade of red is achieved.
Red food coloring
Spread the red pudding layer evenly over the cheesecake layer.

To Make The Topping

Spread the remaining container of Cool Whip evenly over the pudding layer.
2 8 oz tubs whipped topping
Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top for a festive touch.
crushed candy canes
Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

You can also make this dessert a day ahead so you can take pressure off of holiday entertaining. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve it.
The food coloring is optional. You could just top the dessert with crushed candy canes for a more subtly festive flair.
Have a little fun with it. You could substitute Oreos for the graham cracker crust for a chocolate peppermint situation.

Nutrition