Fast Dessert RecipesFastDessertRecipes
Decadent Layers Of Chocolate And Peppermint Bliss
ChocolateMedium

Decadent Layers Of Chocolate And Peppermint Bliss

Recipe by Sophia's Recipe Haven

From the Blog Author

This Decadent Layers Of Chocolate And Peppermint Bliss is one of my favorites because it brings back childhood holiday mornings when the house would smell like a cozy candy shop, and I could already taste the cool peppermint after biting into a rich chocolate bite. What I love most is how the layers of silky dark chocolate ganache are separated by a subtle mint buttercream that’s bright yet not overpowering. The final touch of crushed peppermint bark on top gives a satisfying crunch and a pop of fresh flavor that keeps the dessert from feeling heavy. The secret to its simplicity is using high‑quality dark chocolate, a splash of peppermint extract, and a touch of sea salt to balance the sweetness. I’ve found that letting the chocolate ganache chill until it’s just firm enough to slice makes the layers elegant and easy to handle. A little tip I always share is to sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper on the top layer—yes, a tiny bit!—to enhance the peppermint aroma without adding heat. It’s a fun trick that makes the finish feel just a little more luxurious. If you try this, I’d love to hear about it—send us an email and tell us how it turned out for you. I’m excited to share more fast dessert ideas that bring delight to your table.
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
4 hours
Servings
12
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 1 package (14.3 oz) Oreo cookies, finely crushed
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups whipped topping
  • 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
  • Chocolate shavings for garnish

Directions

1

Combine the finely crushed Oreo cookies and melted butter in a mixing bowl.

2

Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.

3

Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch dish to form a crust.

4

Refrigerate the crust while preparing the filling.

5

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.

6

Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping and the peppermint extract.

7

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.

8

In another bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, until thickened.

9

Spread the pudding layer over the cream cheese layer.

10

Spread the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer.

11

Sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint candies over the top.

12

Optionally, garnish with chocolate shavings or extra crushed candy canes.

13

Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
• Digital Controls: precise temperature and timer keep pastries golden and flaky every time. • Non‑stick Basket: releases cookies and brownies without a second cleaning, so you can focus on flavor. • Compact Size: fits under the counter, leaving room for trays of cake batter or a cookie sheet. • Quiet Operation: bake overnight without waking anyone, keeping the kitchen calm for your next batch. Why We Love It: The non‑stick basket saves cleanup time, letting you focus on creative dessert ideas—perfect for busy bakers who love sweet successes.
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
• 20‑QT Capacity: Bake large batches for families—or desserts that last—saving prep time. • 10‑In‑1 All‑in‑One: Cook toast, bake, air‑fry, roast, dehydrate—one appliance, no clutter. • Clear Window: Watch golden crusts finish perfectly without opening the door. • Rotisserie Feature: Evenly roast fruit or treats for a moist, caramelized result. • Dehydrating Racks: Turn fresh fruit into sweet, snack‑size treats faster. Why We Love It: Its big capacity and rotisserie make family‑sized desserts effortless, and the dehydrating racks turn fruit into tasty, homemade snacks in minutes.
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3
Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate & Recipe Guide | Grey | AF181
• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I successfully store this Decadent Layers of Chocolate and Peppermint Bliss?

This dessert is best stored covered tightly in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese and whipped topping layers. It can be kept fresh for up to 4 days. For the best texture and flavor, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

Can I make this no-bake chocolate peppermint dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead, which is ideal since the cook time is listed as 4 hours for chilling. Prepare the entire dessert, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before you plan to serve your 12 servings.

What's the best way to substitute the Oreo cookies in the crust if I need a different base?

If you need an alternative to the 14.3 oz package of crushed Oreos, you can substitute with graham crackers or chocolate wafers for the crust. Ensure you use the same ratio of 6 tablespoons of melted butter to bind the crumbs together so the crust sets firmly.