Oh, the holiday season. A time for cozy gatherings, warm laughter, and of course, delicious treats! One of my absolute favorite desserts that brings festive cheer to any table is Candy Cane Lush. This dessert isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s a creamy, crunchy, minty indulgence that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Every bite is a little hug of holiday spirit, and the sound of crushed candy canes is like a jingle bell symphony!
I’ll never forget the first time I made this treat. It was a hectic holiday season, and the kids were bouncing off the walls with excitement. I decided to whip this up as a surprise for our family gathering. The moment it came out of the fridge and I saw those layers of creamy goodness topped with bright red and white crushed candy canes, I felt like a holiday hero! Everyone devoured it and even fought over the last piece. Talk about a winning recipe!
What’s in Candy Cane Lush?
Cream Cheese: The star of this dessert! It gives the filling that rich and creamy texture. Make sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best results—trust me, there’s no substitute for fully flavored decadence!
Powdered Sugar: This ingredient sweetens the cream cheese mixture beautifully while ensuring it stays smooth and creamy. Plus, it’s a cinch to mix!
Whipped Cream: Light, airy, and oh-so-delicious, whipped cream adds a mouthfeel that’s just divine. You can make it from scratch (which I highly recommend) or use store-bought for convenience.
Candy Canes: The holiday classic! They’ll give your dessert the crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers and pack that signature minty flavor.
Chocolate or Vanilla Cookies: This is your cookie crust base! I usually lean towards chocolate for a nice contrast with the white filling, but vanilla cookies work wonderfully if you prefer a classic touch. Just make sure they’re crushed evenly!
Is Candy Cane Lush Good for You?
Well, let’s put it this way—Candy Cane Lush isn’t exactly a health food, but it does bring joy, and isn’t that part of a balanced life?
Cream Cheese: While it’s creamy and comforting, cream cheese does have fats—keep that in mind, especially if you’re watching your intake.
Candy Canes: Sure, they’re sugary, but they also deliver a delightful holiday flavor that can brighten your mood! Just maybe don’t eat too many, or your dentist might want to have a word with you.
Overall, it’s a dessert meant for celebration, so enjoying it during the holidays is what makes it special. Just remember, moderation is key!
Ingredients
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 cups whipped cream (homemade is best, but store-bought works too!)
– 1 cup crushed candy canes, plus more for topping
– 1.5 cups chocolate or vanilla cookies, crushed
– ½ cup butter, melted
This recipe serves about 8 to 10 people. Perfect for family and friends!
How to Make Candy Cane Lush?
1. **Crush the cookies:** Grab your chocolate or vanilla cookies and crush them into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor or put them in a zip-top bag and smash them with a rolling pin for some stress relief!
2. **Make the crust:** In a bowl, mix the crushed cookies with melted butter until fully combined. This mixture should hold together when pressed.
3. **Press the crust:** Take your cookie mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a dish, creating an even layer. A glass dish works beautifully for this!
4. **Prepare the filling:** In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
5. **Fold in whipped cream:** Gently fold in the whipped cream and about half of the crushed candy canes until well-combined. This mixture should feel light and fluffy.
6. **Layer it up:** Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cookie crust.
7. **Top it off:** Add a layer of whipped cream on top of the cream cheese mixture. Then sprinkle on the remaining crushed candy canes for that festive touch!
8. **Chill:** Cover your dish and place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait that long. This helps everything set up nicely.
9. **Slice and serve:** Once set, slice into squares or scoop it out into bowls. Enjoy your deliciously festive dessert!
Sweet Tips for a Festive Treat
– **Variations:** If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out the candy canes for crushed peppermint cookies for a different flavor twist that’s just as delightful!
– **Serving suggestions:** This dessert looks stunning in a clear glass. Consider serving it in individual cups for a fun presentation.
– **Make-ahead magic:** Candy Cane Lush can be prepared a day in advance, so it’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Just keep it covered in the fridge.
I hope you give this Candy Cane Lush a try! It’s not only a delight to eat but also a joy to make—and I know you’ll love it just as much as I do. When you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Happy baking and happy holidays!
