The Candy Cane Lush Layered Dessert is a festive and visually stunning treat that captures the joyful spirit of the holiday season. This delightful dessert is a layered masterpiece, artfully combining the classic flavors of peppermint and rich, creamy indulgence.
The foundation of this dessert often features a crumbly and buttery crust, usually made with crushed cookies or graham crackers. This base provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy layers that follow. The next layer typically consists of a velvety blend of cream cheese, whipped cream, and powdered sugar, creating a luscious and smooth texture.
To infuse the dessert with a holiday twist, crushed candy canes or peppermint extract are often incorporated into the creamy layers, imparting a refreshing and festive peppermint flavor. The contrasting colors of white and red within the layers mimic the iconic candy cane, adding a visual appeal that makes this dessert a standout on any holiday table.
Additional layers may include a silky chocolate or vanilla pudding, further enhancing the decadence of the Candy Cane Lush. The dessert is usually crowned with a final layer of whipped cream and garnished with crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for a touch of elegance.
As a no-bake dessert, the Candy Cane Lush is not only delicious but also convenient for holiday gatherings. Its vibrant colors, enticing layers, and minty freshness make it a crowd-pleaser, inviting everyone to indulge in the festive spirit with each delightful bite.
Ingredients:
- 36 vanilla Oreo cookies
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 16 ounces whipped topping (2 8-ounce tubs)
- 6.8 ounces white chocolate instant pudding mix (2 3.4-ounce boxes)
- 2 1/2 cups cold milk
- 3/4 cup crushed candy canes
- More candy canes for garnish
Instructions:
- Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper to make slicing easier, but it is not necessary.
- In your food processor, crush all the cookies into crumbs.
- Place the cookies into a large bowl and add the melted butter. Stir until well blended.
- Press the cookie crumbs into the bottom of a 9×13 glass baking dish.
- In a large bowl using an electric mixer, combine the cream cheese, peppermint extract, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Fold in 1 container of whipped topping.
- Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the cookie mixture.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry pudding mixes and milk until combined. Add in the crushed candy canes.
- Spread the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with the remaining container of whipped topping.
- Sprinkle more crushed candy canes or whole mini ones on top.
- Refrigerate for 4 hours or freeze.
- Slice and serve!