Edy's Peppermint Pie Recipe

Edy's Peppermint Pie Recipe

Ingredients

  • 20 Oreo cookies (regular or mint) or any other chocolate sandwich creme-filled cookies
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 quart Edy's Slow-Churned Peppermint Ice Cream
  • 1 (8 ounce) frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
  • Small candy canes, as needed
  • Chocolate syrup or hot fudge sauce (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Start by placing the cookies in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the cookies turn into fine crumbs.

Step 2: Transfer the cookie crumbs into a bowl and stir in the melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated.

Step 3: Press the cookie mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Use your fingers to ensure it's compact and even. Place the crust in the freezer and let it firm up for about 15 minutes.

Step 4: While the crust is chilling, remove the ice cream from the freezer and allow it to soften in the refrigerator for approximately 15 minutes.

Step 5: Once softened, scoop the ice cream into the chilled cookie crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to cover the base.

Step 6: Take the whipped topping and pipe or spoon it around the border of the pie for a decorative finish.

Step 7: Place small candy canes on top of the pie for a festive touch. Feel free to break them into smaller pieces if desired.

Step 8: Freeze the pie for at least 3 hours or until the ice cream has fully set and firmed up.

Step 9: When serving, drizzle the pie with chocolate syrup or hot fudge sauce if you like a bit of extra indulgence.

Cooks Note

If you're short on time, you can substitute the homemade cookie crust with a store-bought chocolate cookie crust for a quicker preparation.

Origin Story: Edy's Peppermint Pie is a delightful, festive dessert that has become a staple of holiday gatherings. It combines the cool, minty flavor of peppermint ice cream with the richness of whipped topping, all nestled in a crunchy Oreo cookie crust. While the exact origin of this pie is unclear, it is widely believed to have been created by Edys Ice Cream company, a brand known for its creamy frozen desserts. The dessert likely emerged in the 1990s, a time when no-bake pies and easy-to-make frozen treats were rising in popularity, particularly during the holiday season. Edy's Peppermint Pie is beloved for its simplicity, refreshing taste, and its ability to offer a delicious alternative to the more traditional baked pies that dominate festive tables.

Regional Characteristics: While this peppermint pie is enjoyed nationwide, it is particularly popular in colder regions of the United States during the winter months. The pie's minty flavor is often associated with the Christmas season, making it a favorite at holiday dinners across the country. In some areas, variations on the original recipe are made by swapping in different ice cream flavors or adding extra toppings like crushed candy canes, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. Some regions also substitute the Oreo crust for a graham cracker crust or a traditional pie shell, adding their own local twist to the treat.

Distinguishing Features: What sets Edy's Peppermint Pie apart from similar dessert pies is its use of peppermint ice cream, which gives it a smooth, creamy texture while still delivering a strong peppermint flavor. The combination of this with the Oreo cookie crust is both crunchy and creamy, offering a pleasing contrast in every bite. Unlike other cold, frozen desserts that can sometimes be too sweet, the peppermint ice cream in this pie provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the whipped topping. This makes the dessert an ideal treat after a heavy holiday meal. Compared to similar desserts, such as mint chocolate chip pies or traditional ice cream cakes, Edy's Peppermint Pie has a simpler flavor profile that emphasizes the coolness of mint without being overwhelming.

Where Its Typically Served: Edy's Peppermint Pie is most commonly served during the winter months, especially around the holidays. Its festive appearance, with crushed candy canes sprinkled on top and a rich, creamy texture, makes it a go-to dessert for Christmas dinners, New Years Eve parties, and other holiday gatherings. It is also a popular choice for potlucks or family gatherings where people enjoy easy-to-serve, crowd-pleasing dishes. The pie is often featured alongside other holiday favorites like pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and fruitcakes, offering a cool, refreshing option amidst the heavier desserts.

Fun Facts:

  • The combination of peppermint and chocolate is a holiday favorite, with variations appearing in everything from hot cocoa to cookies and even cakes.
  • The pie can be customized to suit different preferences: for example, some people swap out the chocolate cookie crust for a graham cracker crust, or add layers of chocolate syrup or hot fudge between the ice cream and whipped topping.
  • While Edys Peppermint Pie is easy to make, it's also perfect for making ahead of time. It can be stored in the freezer for several days, ensuring that dessert is ready to serve whenever guests arrive.
  • The peppermint ice cream used in the pie can be replaced with other ice cream flavors, such as chocolate or vanilla, for a variation on the classic recipe.
  • Though this pie is often associated with the Christmas season, its refreshing flavor makes it an excellent choice for summer as welljust swap out the peppermint for another favorite flavor like strawberry or raspberry.

FAQ about Edy's Peppermint Pie Recipe

Store the Peppermint Pie in the freezer to keep it firm. It's best to keep it covered with plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn. You can store it for up to 2 weeks, but for the freshest taste, consume it within a week.

Yes, you can make the Peppermint Pie a day or two in advance. Prepare the pie as directed, and freeze it. Just ensure it's covered tightly to prevent any freezer odors from affecting the flavor.

Yes, you can substitute the Peppermint Ice Cream with other flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or even coffee ice cream. Just keep in mind that the minty flavor will be lost if you opt for a non-mint ice cream.

Yes, store-bought whipped topping like Cool Whip works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to use a full 8-ounce container to ensure the pie has the right amount of creaminess.

If you don't have a food processor, you can place the Oreo cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you reach a fine crumb consistency. Alternatively, you can use a blender or a coffee grinder.

Yes, you can substitute the Oreo cookies with other chocolate sandwich cookies, such as Chips Ahoy or any other similar cookie. You can also use a graham cracker crust for a different flavor base.

To prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy, make sure you freeze the crust thoroughly after pressing it into the pan. The firm crust will hold up better when filled with ice cream and whipped topping.

Absolutely! You can add toppings like crushed peppermint candies, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the flavor and appearance of the pie.

If the ice cream isn't softening in the refrigerator after 15 minutes, let it sit out at room temperature for a few minutes to soften further. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds to help speed up the process.

Once served, the pie should be consumed within 1-2 hours as it can start to melt. If there are leftovers, refreeze the remaining portions immediately.

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