If you’re looking for a fun and festive dessert to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (or just to indulge in something green and creamy), look no further than this Shamrock Cream Pie! With its velvety smooth mint-flavored filling, crunchy cookie crust, and a pop of green color, this pie is the perfect combination of rich and refreshing. It’s like a minty dream come true, and trust me, it’s a total showstopper. Whether you’re serving it at a St. Patrick’s Day party or just treating yourself, this creamy pie will steal the spotlight.
Why You’ll Love Shamrock Cream Pie
Minty, Creamy, Dreamy
This pie is all about that rich, velvety mint filling that’s perfectly balanced with a light, cool flavor. It’s like a mint chocolate chip ice cream but in pie form—super smooth and refreshing.
Gorgeous and Festive
The bright green color is not just for show—it makes this pie a real eye-catching centerpiece! It’s a fun and festive treat that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any celebration where you want to add a little luck to the table.
Simple and No-Bake
This is a no-bake dessert, meaning you won’t be spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal effort, you can prepare a show-stopping dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious. No baking required, just chill and enjoy!
Customizable
Want to add a little extra flair? You can easily tweak the filling with extra flavors or decorations. A dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate chips, or even a few mint leaves can take this pie to the next level.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- Oreos: The perfect choice for a crunchy, chocolatey base. They provide that classic cookie crust flavor that pairs so well with the mint filling.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crumbs together to form a sturdy crust.
For the Filling:
- Cream Cheese: Adds richness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling, giving it that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Whipped Topping: Light and airy, giving the pie its creamy, fluffy consistency.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Provides structure and sets the filling without needing to bake it.
- Milk: Helps create a smooth, pourable filling.
- Mint Extract: Adds the refreshing mint flavor that’s the star of the show.
- Green Food Coloring: For that vibrant, festive green color that makes this pie stand out.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Nutrition Facts
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per slice (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Potassium: 85mg
- Calcium: 4% DV
- Iron: 2% DV
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Instructions
Ready to make your Shamrock Cream Pie? Here’s how:
Step 1: Make the Crust
In a food processor, crush the Oreos into fine crumbs. Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop and stir it into the crushed cookies. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan, forming a firm, even layer. Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and mix until combined. Then, add the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk, and continue to beat until smooth. Stir in the mint extract and a few drops of green food coloring until the filling reaches your desired shade of green.
Step 3: Fold in Whipped Topping
Gently fold in the whipped topping until everything is well combined and fluffy. The mixture should be thick, creamy, and perfectly smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Remove the pie crust from the refrigerator and spread the mint filling evenly over the crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even layer. Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours or until the filling is set.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Before serving, garnish the pie with whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate chips, or a few mint leaves if you like. Slice and enjoy the minty, creamy goodness!
How to Serve Shamrock Cream Pie
Festive Dessert for St. Patrick’s Day
Serve this creamy pie as a festive dessert for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The vibrant green color will be sure to get people talking and add a fun touch to your gathering.
With Whipped Cream and Chocolate Shavings
For an extra indulgent touch, top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a few chocolate shavings. It adds richness and a little extra flair!
As an Afternoon Treat
This pie makes the perfect afternoon treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s refreshing and satisfying, without being too heavy.
Additional Tips
Make It Ahead of Time
This pie needs to chill for at least 3 hours to set, so it’s the perfect dessert to make the day before you plan to serve it. Just store it in the refrigerator and pull it out when you’re ready to enjoy!
Add a Chocolate Drizzle
If you’re a fan of chocolate and mint together, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top of the pie for an extra layer of flavor. It’s a simple way to elevate the dessert and make it even more decadent.
Swap the Crust
If you prefer a different type of crust, feel free to swap out the Oreo crust for a graham cracker crust or even a shortbread crust. You can even make this pie gluten-free by using gluten-free cookies for the crust!
Don’t Over-Mix
When adding the whipped topping to the filling, be sure to fold it in gently. Over-mixing can cause the filling to lose its light, airy texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A1: Yes, this pie is perfect for making ahead of time. Just refrigerate it for at least 3 hours to allow the filling to set, and you can even make it the night before.
Q2: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
A2: Absolutely! You can use homemade whipped cream, but keep in mind that it may be a little less stable than whipped topping, so it’s best to serve it soon after making.
Q3: Can I use regular food coloring instead of green?
A3: While green food coloring gives it the perfect festive look, you can use any color you like if you’re making the pie for a different occasion.
Q4: Can I use a store-bought crust instead of making my own?
A4: Yes! You can use a pre-made graham cracker or Oreo crust if you want to save time.
Q5: How long will this pie last in the fridge?
A5: This pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert for a few days of enjoyment.
Q6: Can I freeze this pie?
A6: While you can freeze the pie, the texture of the whipped topping may change when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge, but you can freeze it if needed for up to 1 month.
Q7: Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?
A7: Yes, you can fold in some mini chocolate chips to the filling if you’d like to add a bit of chocolate flavor to the pie.
Q8: What kind of pie pan should I use?
A8: A standard 9-inch pie pan works best for this recipe, but you can use a smaller or larger pan depending on how thick you want your pie.
Q9: Can I make this pie in individual servings?
A9: Yes! You can make this pie in individual serving dishes or tart pans for a fun and personal touch.
Q10: Can I make this pie without mint extract?
A10: If you’re not a fan of mint, you can skip the mint extract and use vanilla extract for a more neutral flavor.
Conclusion
This Shamrock Cream Pie is the perfect dessert for adding a little bit of fun and festivity to your St. Patrick’s Day—or any day! With its creamy mint filling, chocolatey crust, and stunning green color, it’s as delicious as it is gorgeous. Plus, it’s so easy to make and no-bake, making it the perfect treat to whip up for any occasion. Enjoy every minty, creamy bite—you’re going to love it!
PrintShamrock Cream Pie
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this Shamrock Cream Pie! This no-bake dessert is the perfect blend of a creamy mint filling and a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a rich chocolate ganache. It’s festive, easy to make, and full of delightful minty flavor—perfect for any celebration!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Mint Cream Filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1–2 drops green food coloring (optional, for festive color)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
- Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture is evenly coated and resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Refrigerate the crust for at least 15 minutes to set.
Make the Mint Cream Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and beat until fully combined.
- Gradually add the heavy cream, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Add a drop or two of green food coloring, if desired, to achieve a festive shamrock green color.
- Pour the mint cream filling into the chilled graham cracker crust and spread it out evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.
Make the Chocolate Ganache:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (do not let it boil).
- Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes to melt.
- Stir until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
- Let the ganache cool slightly before drizzling it over the chilled pie.
Assemble the Pie:
- Once the mint cream filling is set, drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top of the pie, spreading it evenly to cover.
- Allow the ganache to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker crust, you can increase the amount of graham cracker crumbs and butter by 1/4 cup each.
- This pie can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- For a richer flavor, you can use dark chocolate for the ganache.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 8 slices per pie)
- Calories: 32
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg