Oreo crust
- 540 grams Golden Oreos (1 family-size package)
Crushed Golden Oreos form a sweet, buttery vanilla base that pairs well with peppermint and vanilla pudding; similar candy cane lush desserts rely on a full family‑size package for a sturdy crust. - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Binds the cookie crumbs and firms up in the fridge, creating a sliceable crust. The butter‑to‑cookie ratio mirrors other Oreo lush and layered dessert crusts.
Cream cheese layer
- 1/2 cup peppermint candy canes, crushed
Provides festive mint flavor and crunch within the creamy layer; using crushed candy canes here is standard in candy cane lush recipes. - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
Creates a tangy, stable base that helps the dessert hold its layers when sliced. - 1/4 cup white sugar
Adds sweetness and helps smooth the cream cheese. - 1 cup powdered sugar
Further sweetens and thickens the cream cheese mixture; powdered sugar blends smoothly without grittiness, as used in many lush-style desserts. - 16 ounces Cool Whip, thawed and divided into 2 cups and the remainder
Folded into the cream cheese for lightness and used again on top for a fluffy, snowy finish, just like in other candy cane lush and chocolate delight desserts.
Vanilla pudding layer
- 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4‑ounce boxes)
Give a smooth, velvety middle layer that sets quickly with cold milk, a common component of peppermint pie and lush recipes. - 2 3/4 cups cold milk
Slightly less than the box directions so the pudding layer is thicker and sliceable, following the technique in candy cane lush and layered desserts.
Whipped topping
- 1/4 cup peppermint candy canes, crushed
Sprinkled over the top for a crunchy, minty finish and pretty red‑and‑white speckles. - Remainder of Cool Whip, thawed
Forms the final cloud-like layer that covers the pudding, as in other lush desserts.
Step-by-step instructions
1. Make the Golden Oreo crust
Crush the Golden Oreos in a food processor until you have fine crumbs, or place them in a zip‑top bag and crush with a rolling pin. Candy cane lush and layered Oreo desserts commonly use either method.
Transfer crumbs to a mixing bowl and stir in the melted butter until all crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13‑inch baking dish, forming an even crust. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to pack it tightly, as recommended for Oreo crusts so they hold together when sliced.
Place the dish in the freezer or refrigerator while you prepare the next layer to help the crust set.
2. Prepare the peppermint cream cheese layer
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, white sugar, and powdered sugar with a mixer until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This creaming step is standard in layered desserts like chocolate delight and candy cane lush.
Gently fold 2 cups of the Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and fluffy. Stir in 1/2 cup of the crushed candy canes, reserving the remaining 1/4 cup for topping.
Spread the peppermint cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled Oreo crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Return the dish to the freezer for about 10–15 minutes while you make the pudding layer, a brief chill used in lush recipes to keep layers distinct.
3. Make the vanilla pudding layer
In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mixes and 2 3/4 cups cold milk for about 2 minutes, until the mixture thickens. Using less milk than the box amount ensures a firmer layer, as candy cane lush recipes recommend.
Let the pudding sit for a few minutes to continue thickening, then gently spread it over the peppermint cream cheese layer in an even layer. Use a light hand to avoid disturbing the layer underneath, following the hint often given in lush recipes.
Place the dish back in the freezer for about 10 minutes to help the pudding firm before adding the final topping.
4. Add the whipped topping and candy cane crunch
Spread the remaining Cool Whip evenly over the pudding layer, creating swirls on top if you like. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup crushed candy canes over the surface for a festive finish, mirroring other candy cane pie and lush presentations.
5. Chill and serve
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight for best results. Candy cane lush and layered desserts stress a long chill so the layers set and slices hold their shape.
To serve, slice into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean layers.
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