No-Bake Peppermint Oreo Icebox Cake

This no-bake dessert layers chocolate Oreos with peppermint whipped cream that softens into a cake-like texture as it chills.

It requires zero baking skills and tastes like a minty chocolate dream.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Completely no-bake
  • Only 5 ingredients
  • Must be made ahead, which frees up oven space
  • Light and creamy with bold peppermint flavor
  • Stunning layered presentation when sliced
  • Perfect for the holidays or any chocolate-mint lover

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (480ml) cold heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 package (14.3 oz) regular Oreo cookies (about 36 cookies)
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for topping

Optional Additions

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for a denser, cheesecake-like filling)
  • Mini chocolate chips for garnish
  • Chocolate sauce for drizzling

Steps

  1. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving several inches of overhang on all sides.
  2. Pour the cold heavy cream into a large mixing bowl.
  3. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add the powdered sugar and peppermint extract.
  5. Continue beating until stiff peaks form, about 1-2 minutes more.
  6. Be careful not to overbeat or the cream will become grainy.
  7. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream on the bottom of the prepared pan.
  8. Arrange a single layer of Oreos on top, breaking cookies as needed to fill gaps.
  9. Spread about 1/3 of the remaining whipped cream over the cookies in an even layer.
  10. Repeat with two more layers of Oreos and whipped cream.
  11. End with a final layer of whipped cream on top.
  12. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes evenly over the top layer.
  13. Fold the plastic wrap overhang loosely over the top.
  14. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  15. The cookies need this time to absorb moisture from the cream and soften into a cake-like texture.
  16. To serve, unfold the plastic wrap and invert the pan onto a serving platter.
  17. Remove the pan and peel away the plastic wrap.
  18. Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts.

Helpful Tips and Substitutions

Cold cream is essential for whipping since room temperature cream will not whip properly.

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes for even better results.

Regular Oreos work best, but you can use mint Oreos for extra peppermint flavor.

For a 9×13-inch pan version, double the recipe and adjust layers accordingly.

If you prefer a denser filling, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth before folding in the whipped cream.

Crush the candy canes in a sealed plastic bag using a rolling pin for quick, even pieces.

For a chocolate drizzle, melt 1/4 cup chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon coconut oil and drizzle over the top before adding candy canes.

The longer the cake chills, the softer the cookies become, so 24 hours produces an even more cake-like texture.

Serving Ideas

Slice into thick pieces and serve on individual plates.

Drizzle each slice with chocolate sauce for extra decadence.

Garnish with a small candy cane or fresh mint sprig.

Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a festive dessert.

This cake looks impressive on a holiday dessert table alongside pies and cookies.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This dessert must be made ahead, which makes it perfect for busy holiday schedules.

The cake needs a minimum of 8 hours to set, but 24 hours is even better.

Store assembled and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keep covered with plastic wrap to prevent the cream from absorbing refrigerator odors.

The assembled cake can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Freeze in the loaf pan until solid, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Add the crushed candy cane topping after thawing since it can become sticky if frozen.

Effortless and Impressive

Icebox cakes are an old-fashioned dessert that deserves a comeback.

The transformation from crispy cookies to soft, cake-like layers is almost magical, and the peppermint makes it feel festive.

Make it once and it will become part of your holiday rotation.

A good set of mixing bowls makes assembling layered desserts like this much easier.

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