Chocolate peppermint lush is the no-bake Christmas dessert that disappears before the turkey is even cleared. It starts with a buttery Oreo crust, then a fluffy peppermint cream cheese layer, a thick chocolate pudding layer, and a cloud of whipped topping covered in crushed candy canes.
Every scoop is cool, creamy, chocolatey, and minty, like a frozen peppermint mocha in dessert form. You make it the day before, so it frees up your oven for the big meal.
If you love chocolate and mint together, try my peppermint bark, peppermint cheesecake, or peppermint Oreo truffle balls. I also have a peanut butter lush for non-mint fans.
JUMP TO
- Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Peppermint Lush
- What Is Chocolate Peppermint Lush?
- Ingredients
- Kitchen Equipment
- Ingredient Tips
- How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Lush
- Expert Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Lush
- Delicious Variations
- What to Serve with Chocolate Peppermint Lush
- Storage Instructions
- Can You Make It Ahead?
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Estimated Nutrition
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Peppermint Lush
Lush desserts are a holiday must, and this one is extra festive.
No Oven
Everything sets in the fridge.
Make-Ahead
It tastes even better the next day.
Feeds a Crowd
One 9×13 pan gives 15 squares.
Pretty Layers
Dark, white, and red look great on a dessert table.
What Is Chocolate Peppermint Lush?
A lush is a layered, no-bake dessert from the Midwest and South, also called a “dessert lasagna”. It usually has a cookie or nut crust, a sweet cream cheese layer, a pudding layer, and whipped topping.
This chocolate peppermint version uses Oreos for the crust and adds peppermint extract plus crushed candy canes for Christmas.
Ingredients
Oreo Crust
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Oreo cookies, finely crushed | 30 | Crunchy chocolate base |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 6 tablespoons | Binds the crust |
Peppermint Cream Cheese Layer
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 ounces | Tangy creaminess |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup | Sweetness |
| Peppermint extract | ½ teaspoon | Mint flavor |
| Whipped topping (from 16-ounce tub) | 1 cup | Fluffiness |
Chocolate Layer
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Instant chocolate pudding mix | 2 boxes (3.9 oz each) | Chocolate layer |
| Cold whole milk | 3 cups | Sets the pudding |
Topping
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Whipped topping | Remaining | Light top layer |
| Crushed candy canes | ½ cup | Crunch and color |
| Chocolate shavings or mini chips | ¼ cup | Garnish |
Kitchen Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Food processor or zip-top bag and rolling pin
- Hand mixer
- Whisk
- Offset spatula
Ingredient Tips
Soft Cream Cheese
Room temperature cream cheese makes a smooth, lump-free layer.
Cold Milk
Instant pudding sets best with very cold whole milk.
Crush Candy Canes Last
Add them just before serving so they stay crunchy and do not bleed.
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Lush
Step 1: Make the Crust
Mix the crushed Oreos with the melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the baking dish. Chill 15 minutes.
Step 2: Cream Cheese Layer
Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract until smooth. Fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Spread over the crust.
Step 3: Chocolate Layer
Whisk the pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thick. Rest 3 minutes, then spread over the cream cheese layer.
Step 4: Top
Spread the rest of the whipped topping over the pudding.
Step 5: Chill
Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with crushed candy canes and chocolate shavings right before cutting into squares.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Lush
Press the Crust Hard
Use a measuring cup to pack it so the squares hold.
Let Pudding Set
Thick pudding keeps the layers neat.
Clean Knife
Wipe the knife between cuts for pretty slices.
Delicious Variations
Mint Oreos
Use mint Oreos in the crust for double mint.
White Chocolate
Use white chocolate pudding for a snowy look.
Homemade Whipped Cream
Whip 2 cups heavy cream with ¼ cup powdered sugar instead of whipped topping.
Andes Topping
Sprinkle chopped Andes mints on top.
What to Serve with Chocolate Peppermint Lush
Serve cold squares after Christmas dinner with coffee or a peppermint mocha.
It is great for potlucks because it travels well in its dish.
Storage Instructions
| Storage Method | How Long | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 4 days | Covered tightly |
| Freezer | 2 months | Wrap well, thaw overnight in fridge |
| Room Temperature | 2 hours max | Dairy dessert |
Add fresh crushed candy canes to leftovers since they soften in the fridge.
Can You Make It Ahead?
Make it up to 2 days ahead. Add the candy cane topping right before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Warm Cream Cheese Lumps
Cold cream cheese makes a lumpy layer.
Runny Pudding
Use cold whole milk and let it thicken.
Topping Too Early
Candy canes melt and turn sticky.
Estimated Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 33g |
| Sodium | 330mg |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
Estimate for 1 of 15 squares.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chocolate peppermint lush?
A no-bake layered dessert with an Oreo crust, peppermint cream cheese, chocolate pudding, whipped topping, and crushed candy canes.
How long does lush need to chill?
At least 4 hours, but overnight gives the cleanest layers.
Can I freeze chocolate peppermint lush?
Yes. Wrap it well and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes. Stabilized homemade whipped cream works, but whipped topping holds longer.
Why are my candy canes melting on top?
They absorb moisture in the fridge. Sprinkle them on right before serving.
Conclusion
Chocolate peppermint lush is creamy, chocolatey, minty, and made without an oven.
Make it the night before Christmas and enjoy the easiest dessert of the season.
PrintChocolate Peppermint Lush: No-Bake Layered Christmas Dessert
A no-bake layered Christmas dessert with an Oreo crust, fluffy peppermint cream cheese, chocolate pudding, whipped topping, and crushed candy canes.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 15 squares 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Oreo Crust:
30 Oreo cookies, finely crushed
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Peppermint Cream Cheese Layer:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
1 cup whipped topping (from 16-ounce tub)
Chocolate Layer:
2 boxes (3.9 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
3 cups cold whole milk
Topping:
Remaining whipped topping
½ cup crushed candy canes
¼ cup chocolate shavings or mini chips
Instructions
Mix the crushed Oreos with the melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the baking dish. Chill 15 minutes.
Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract until smooth. Fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Spread over the crust.
Whisk the pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thick. Rest 3 minutes, then spread over the cream cheese layer.
Spread the rest of the whipped topping over the pudding.
Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
Sprinkle with crushed candy canes and chocolate shavings right before cutting into squares.
Notes
Chill at least 4 hours.
Add candy canes just before serving.
Use pure peppermint extract.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
