Village Inn Candy Cane Pie Recipe

Candy Cane Pie is something I need to make every holiday season – Thanksgiving, Halloween, and of course, Christmas Day. My daughter waits all year for it.

When I was little, I felt the same way. The Village Inn Restaurant’s Candy Cane Pie was always a special part of our holidays.

We would stop by after shopping or decorating the tree and grab a slice of that creamy, minty pie.

But unfortunately they stop selling and that was make me too much sad. I missed that cool, peppermint flavor with chocolate cookie crust.

So, I learned how to make it at home. Now, it tastes just like the one I loved.

If you also miss their version, you can make this delicious pie yourself by following this easy Village Inn Candy Cane Pie Recipe.

What Does Village Inn Candy Cane Pie Taste Like?

The Village Inn Candy Cane Pie has a creamy, cool, and minty flavor with the right amount of sweetness.

It’s smooth and light, with tiny bits of crushed candy canes that give a gentle crunch.

The chocolate cookie crust brings a nice balance and a bit of richness that blends perfectly with the peppermint cream.

Each bite feels fresh and sweet, almost like peppermint ice cream but softer and creamier.

The light pink color from the crushed candy canes makes it look festive too. It’s cold, soft, and melts easily in the mouth.

This pie doesn’t taste heavy or overly sweet – it’s refreshing and perfect after a big holiday meal.

Village Inn Candy Cane Pie Ingredients

Here are all the things you need to make this pie. Some ingredients can be swapped with other options that work just as well.

Crust Ingredients:

• 36 Chocolate sandwich cookies: These cookies create the crunchy base. Any brand works well. For a lighter flavor, try vanilla sandwich cookies.
• ½ cup melted unsalted butter: Butter helps the crumbs hold together. Salted butter can be used too, but skip any extra salt in that case.

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream: This adds smooth texture and helps make the filling rich. Whipping cream can also be used.
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Brings the mint flavor that gives this pie its candy cane taste. Mint extract can work, but it’s stronger, so use a bit less.
• ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream and keeps it light. Granulated sugar isn’t ideal since it doesn’t dissolve as well.
• 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix: Helps the filling stay thick and creamy. White chocolate pudding mix is another good choice.
• ¾ cup whole milk: Combines with the pudding mix to form a smooth texture. 2% milk also works fine.
• 1½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin: Helps the pie set firmly once chilled. For a vegetarian option, use agar powder in place of gelatin.
• 1 tablespoon hot water: Needed to dissolve the gelatin fully. Warm but not boiling works best.
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese: Adds that creamy cheesecake-like taste. Low-fat cream cheese can be used, but the texture will be slightly softer.
• 6 tablespoons softened unsalted butter: Brings extra smoothness and flavor to the filling.
• ½ cup powdered sugar (again): This second addition sweetens the cream cheese layer and balances the mint flavor.
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips: Adds small bites of chocolate throughout the pie. Dark chocolate chips can also be used for a deeper flavor.
• ¼ cup crushed candy canes: Gives crunch and that signature peppermint touch. Crushed peppermint candies work too.

Topping Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream: Whipped into soft, fluffy topping for the final layer.
• ¼ cup powdered sugar: Keeps the topping light and sweet.
• 4 candy canes: Crushed or whole for decoration. Adds a beautiful red-and-white finish on top.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

1. Food Processor – Crushes the cookies quickly
2. Mixing Bowls – Several sizes for mixing different layers
3. Electric Mixer – Helps whip cream and mix the filling smoothly
4. Rubber Spatula – For folding and spreading
5. Measuring Cups & Spoons – To keep all amounts accurate
6. 9-inch Pie Dish – The perfect size for this recipe
7. Whisk – Useful for combining pudding and milk
8. Plastic Wrap or Lid – To cover the pie while freezing
9. Freezer-safe Container – Keeps leftovers fresh

How To Make Village Inn Candy Cane Pie

Step 1 | Make the Crust

Start by placing the chocolate sandwich cookies into a food processor. Pulse until they become fine crumbs. Transfer these crumbs to a mixing bowl.

Pour in the melted butter and stir until the texture looks like wet sand. Press the mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie dish, making sure to go up the sides a little.

Place the crust in the freezer to firm up while preparing the filling.

Step 2 | Whip the Cream

In a clean mixing bowl, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Add the peppermint extract and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form.

Be careful not to overmix. Set the whipped cream aside.

Step 3 | Prepare the Pudding

In another bowl, mix the instant vanilla pudding with whole milk. Whisk until it thickens, about two minutes. It should look smooth and creamy.

Step 4 | Dissolve the Gelatin

In a small cup, mix the unflavored gelatin with hot water. Stir until the gelatin fully dissolves and no grains remain.

Step 5 | Blend the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and powdered sugar. Beat together until light and fluffy.

Add in the prepared pudding mixture and the dissolved gelatin. Mix well until smooth and even.

Step 6 | Fold in the Flavors

Gently fold in half of the whipped cream, mini chocolate chips, and crushed candy canes.

Mix carefully so the whipped cream stays fluffy. This step adds air to the filling, giving it a light texture.

Step 7 | Assemble the Pie

Take the crust out of the freezer and pour the filling into it. Spread evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top. Cover the pie with plastic wrap or a lid.

Step 8 | Freeze the Pie

Place the pie in the freezer for at least six hours or overnight. Freezing allows the layers to set firmly and blend their flavors.

Step 9 | Make the Whipped Topping

When ready to serve, prepare the topping. In a clean bowl, beat 2 cups of heavy cream with ¼ cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread this whipped cream over the frozen pie evenly.

Step 10 | Add Final Decorations

Crush or break candy canes into small pieces and sprinkle them on top. The bright red and white colors make the pie look festive.

Tips for Perfect Candy Cane Pie

• Soften Ingredients Before Starting: Leave cream cheese and butter on the counter for about 30 minutes before mixing. Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create a creamier filling without lumps.
• Crush Candy Canes Easily: Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush them. This method keeps pieces contained and creates even-sized bits.
• Prevent Whipped Cream from Deflating: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping cream. Cold tools help cream whip faster and hold its shape better.
• Check Gelatin Completely Dissolved: Look closely at the gelatin mixture before adding it to the filling. No tiny specks should be visible. Undissolved gelatin can create lumps in your pie.
• Let Pie Soften Before Slicing: Take the pie out of the freezer about 10 minutes before cutting. This makes slicing easier and gives a better texture when eating. The pie should be cold but not rock-hard.

Make Ahead Tips

This pie works great when made ahead of time. Prepare the whole thing up to three days before you need it.

Just keep it covered tightly in the freezer until serving time. Wait to add the whipped cream topping until right before serving, though. The topping looks and tastes best when fresh.

You can also prepare just the crust a week early and keep it frozen. Then add the filling a day or two before the event. This way, you can spread out the work and not feel rushed.

Having this dessert ready in the freezer means less stress during busy holiday times.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Serve slices on white or red plates to show off the festive colors. A small dollop of extra whipped cream on the side adds elegance.

Drizzle chocolate syrup in a zigzag pattern across each slice for a restaurant-style look. Place a whole mini candy cane on top of each serving as a garnish.

Serve with hot chocolate or coffee to balance the cold, sweet pie. For a special touch, dust the plate edges with cocoa powder before placing the slice.

This pie looks beautiful on holiday dessert tables surrounded by pine branches or small ornaments. Cut into thin slices since it’s quite rich and satisfying.

Storage and Shelf Life

1. Refrigeration: Cover pie with plastic wrap and store in fridge. This keeps the whipped topping firm and the filling creamy. Consume within 3-4 days for best taste.

2. Freezing: Wrap pie tightly in plastic or foil. Store in freezer up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge overnight before serving.

3. Freshness: Pie stays safe to eat and keeps flavors intact when handled properly. Crushed candy canes may soften slightly in the fridge, so add a few fresh ones on top before serving for extra crunch.

Village Inn Candy Cane Pie Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought crust instead of making one?

Yes, a pre-made chocolate cookie crust works fine. Just make sure it’s firm and not cracked. The homemade version tastes richer, but store-bought saves time and still gives great results.

2. How do I crush candy canes without making a mess?

Place them in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a cup to break them into small pieces. Crushing them this way keeps the pieces even and avoids sticky hands.

3. Why did my whipped cream deflate?

It may have been overmixed or too warm. Always chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping. Stop when stiff peaks form.

4. How do I know when the whipped cream is ready?

Look for stiff peaks that hold shape when you lift the beaters. It should stand up straight without falling. Start on low speed and go to medium.

Test by tilting the bowl; if it stays put, it’s done. Overbeating makes it grainy, so stop early if unsure.

This Village Inn Candy Cane Pie Recipe brings creamy peppermint and chocolate flavors together in a dessert that can be prepared at home.

Following the steps and tips ensures a light, firm, and festive pie. Try this recipe and share your results with photos or comments to show off the homemade candy cane pie.