Description
This No-Bake Peppermint Dessert is a quick and festive treat perfect for the holidays or any time you crave a refreshing minty dessert. Made with creamy vanilla pudding, Cool Whip, peppermint extract, and crushed vanilla Oreos layered in individual cups, this dessert requires no baking and comes together in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Filling
- 6.8 oz vanilla pudding mix (2 boxes of 3.4 ounces each)
- 3 cups cold milk
- 8 oz Cool Whip
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red gel food coloring (to desired shade)
Base and Garnish
- 30 vanilla Oreo cookies, crushed
- ¼ cup peppermints, crushed (for garnish)
- 6 serving cups (5-6 oz each)
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth with no lumps remaining.
- Chill the pudding: Refrigerate the pudding mixture for 5 to 10 minutes to allow it to thicken.
- Combine ingredients: Gently fold the Cool Whip, peppermint extract, and red gel food coloring into the chilled pudding mixture until everything is well combined.
- Adjust color: Add more red gel food coloring gradually until you reach the desired festive red shade.
- Assemble the dessert cups: Begin by adding a couple tablespoons of crushed vanilla Oreo cookies to the bottom of each serving cup. Then add a couple tablespoons of the peppermint pudding mixture. Repeat layering until the cups are filled.
- Garnish: Sprinkle crushed peppermints on top of each cup to add texture and a minty crunch.
- Final chill: Place the assembled dessert cups in the refrigerator to chill until ready to serve. Enjoy this refreshing, no-bake peppermint delight!
Notes
- For best texture, ensure the pudding mix is completely lump-free before chilling.
- You can adjust the amount of peppermint extract to your taste preference.
- Keep the dessert refrigerated and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Red gel food coloring can be substituted with natural beet juice if preferred.
- If you prefer a less sweet option, use low-fat Cool Whip or reduce the pudding mix slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
