Bakers Square Candy Cane Pie Recipe: Easy Holiday Dessert

There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, and one of the highlights for dessert lovers has to be the legendary Bakers Square Candy Cane Pie. If you’ve ever visited Bakers Square around Christmastime, you know this pie is the stuff of winter dreams: a cool, creamy peppermint filling studded with crunchy candy canes, nestled on a chocolate cookie crust, all topped with fluffy whipped cream and more peppermint crunch.

It’s festive, nostalgic, and absolutely irresistible. For those who can’t make it to Bakers Square — or simply want to bring that same sweet, minty joy to their own table — this detailed recipe will walk you through making a delicious homemade version.

Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or just looking for an easy, show-stopping treat, this pie will quickly become a new holiday tradition in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Candy Cane Pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the season. The combination of cool peppermint, rich chocolate, and creamy filling is both refreshing and indulgent.

It’s easy to make ahead, perfect for parties, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a recipe that invites creativity—add your own festive twists or keep it classic.

If you enjoy making unique holiday desserts, you’ll also love exploring other creative recipes, like Best Vegan Christmas Cake Recipes for Festive Baking or Australian Vegetarian Christmas Recipes for Festive Feasts for even more seasonal inspiration!

Ingredients

Equipment

• 9-inch pie plate (deep dish preferred)
• Food processor (for crushing cookies)
• Mixing bowls (at least 2 large)
• Electric mixer (hand or stand)
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan (if using gelatin)
• Plastic wrap or pie cover
• Rolling pin (if crushing cookies by hand)
• Knife and cutting board (for chopping candy canes)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chocolate cookie crust:

   In a food processor, pulse the chocolate sandwich cookies until you have fine crumbs. If you don’t have a processor, place cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

   Transfer crumbs to a bowl and mix in the melted butter until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate.

   Place the crust in the freezer while you make the filling.

2. Bloom and melt the gelatin (optional for stability):

   If you want your pie to slice perfectly and hold up well at room temperature, use gelatin. In a small saucepan, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water.

   Let it stand for 5 minutes, then gently heat over low, stirring until dissolved. Cool slightly before using.

   If you prefer a soft-set, mousse-like pie, you can skip the gelatin step.

3. Whip the heavy cream:

   In a chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks. Set aside.

   (Reserve 1 cup for topping, if desired.)

4. Make the peppermint cream cheese base:

   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the peppermint extract (start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste), vanilla extract, and a few drops of red food coloring, if using.

   Mix until well combined.

5. Incorporate the gelatin:

   If using, slowly pour the cooled, dissolved gelatin into the cream cheese mixture while mixing on low speed. Blend thoroughly.

6. Fold in the whipped cream:

   Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.

7. Add the peppermint crunch:

   Fold in 1 cup of crushed candy canes or peppermint candies. The peppermint bits will add texture and flavor.

8. Spread the filling into the crust:

   Spoon the filling into your prepared cookie crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

9. Decorate and serve:

   Just before serving, top your pie with dollops of whipped cream and a generous sprinkle of crushed candy canes. Slice and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Make Ahead: This pie is perfect for preparing a day in advance. It actually tastes better after chilling overnight.
• Crust Alternatives: Use a pre-made chocolate cookie crust for convenience, or try a graham cracker crust for a slightly different flavor.
• Vegan Version: Substitute vegan cream cheese, coconut whipped cream, and plant-based butter for a dairy-free treat. For more plant-based holiday inspiration, check out Best Vegan Christmas Cake Recipes or Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals.
• Flavor Twist: Add a layer of chocolate ganache beneath the peppermint filling or drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra-decadent touch.
• Add-ins: Fold in mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for extra texture.
• Whipped Topping: Swap homemade whipped cream for a store-bought non-dairy whipped topping if you need to save time.
• Texture Tip: For a smoother filling, sift your powdered sugar and finely crush your peppermint candies.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and may vary depending on the specific brands and substitutions you use.

Serving Suggestions

• For the holidays: Present the pie on a festive platter surrounded by extra candy canes or chocolate curls for a cheerful centerpiece.
• Party Platter: Slice the pie into bite-sized bars and arrange on a dessert tray for easy serving at gatherings.
• With Hot Chocolate: Pair each slice with a mug of peppermint hot chocolate for the ultimate winter treat.
• As a Frozen Dessert: Freeze slices for a cool, ice-cream-like pie—just let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
• Make it a Trio: Serve alongside other holiday favorites like Chocolate Chippy Pumpkin Bread Mix Vegan Recipe or Chocolate Smoothie Bowl Recipe Vegan for a showstopping dessert table.

Conclusion

Whether you’re recreating a beloved Bakers Square tradition or introducing your family to a new holiday favorite, this homemade Candy Cane Pie is sure to become a star of your festive table. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, minty, and chocolatey—all the flavors that make the holidays feel special.

The best part? You don’t need to be a pastry chef to make it!

Each step is simple, and the results are spectacular. So gather your loved ones, share a slice, and savor the sweet, cool taste of Christmas.

If you love this pie, don’t forget to explore more creative seasonal desserts and meals, like Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe or 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals, to make every gathering delicious and memorable.

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