Peppermint Chocolate Delight Recipe

The Peppermint Chocolate Delight is a luscious dessert that perfectly combines the cool, refreshing taste of peppermint with the rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate. This delight is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and add a festive touch to any meal.

Photos of Peppermint Chocolate Delight Recipe

Some ingredients you may need to pick up at the supermarket include: peppermint extract, which will give the dessert a refreshing flavor; instant chocolate pudding for a quick and easy chocolate layer; and candy canes for a festive garnish.

Peppermint Chocolate Delight Ingredients

Vanilla wafers: These will form the crunchy base of your dessert. Butter: This binds the base together and adds a creamy texture. Sugar: To sweeten the dessert. Cream cheese: Adds a creamy and tangy element. Milk: Used in various stages for different purposes. Peppermint extract: Gives the dessert its refreshing peppermint flavor. Cool whip: For a light and fluffy topping. Instant chocolate pudding: For a quick and easy chocolate layer. Candy canes: For a cheerful and festive garnish.

One reader, Bil Riley says:

This peppermint chocolate delight recipe is a game-changer! The combination of creamy peppermint and rich chocolate is simply divine. It's easy to make and always a hit at gatherings. The refreshing peppermint flavor adds a delightful twist to the classic chocolate dessert. Highly recommended for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Bil Riley

Techniques Required for Peppermint Chocolate Delight Recipe

How to crush wafers and mix with butter: Place the vanilla wafers in a ziplock bag and crush them into fine crumbs. Then, add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are well coated.

How to make cream cheese layer: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and peppermint extract until well blended. Then, fold in half of the cool whip and mix well to create a smooth and creamy layer.

How to make chocolate pudding: Whisk the milk and instant chocolate pudding in a bowl until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Pour this over the cream cheese layer and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow it to set.

How to top with remaining cool whip: Spread the remaining cool whip over the chocolate pudding layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface evenly.

How to add crushed candy canes: Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the top of the dessert for a festive and minty finish.

How To Make Peppermint Chocolate Delight

Peppermint chocolate delight is a holiday-themed dessert with a cracker crumb base, layers of cream cheese and chocolate pudding, and a whipped topping.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking:

Chill Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Total: 2 hours 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2½cupsvanilla wafers
¼cupbutter,melted
½cupsugar
8ozcream cheese,softened
2tbspmilk
1tsppeppermint extract
3cupsmilk
12ozcool whip,thawed and divided, or whipping cream
7⅘ozinstant chocolate pudding
candy canes,crushed

Instructions

Begin by crushing wafers in a Ziploc bag. Add melted butter and mix until well coated. Press onto the bottom of 13×9-inch dish.
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, 2 tablespoons milk and peppermint extract until well blended. Fold in half of Cool Whip and mix well. Spread over crust.
Make pudding by whisking milk and instant pudding in a bowl. Pour over cream cheese layer and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes.
Top with remaining Cool Whip and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Add crushed candy canes right before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 354.20kcal
Fat: 21.01g
Saturated Fat: 11.83g
Trans Fat: 0.16g
Monounsaturated Fat: 6.19g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.08g
Carbohydrates: 37.64g
Fiber: 0.81g
Sugar: 25.62g
Protein: 4.90g
Cholesterol: 58.85mg
Sodium: 423.92mg
Calcium: 124.82mg
Potassium: 203.30mg
Iron: 0.56mg
Vitamin A: 184.12µg
Vitamin C: 0.01mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Peppermint Chocolate Delight Recipe

When crushing the vanilla wafers for the base of your peppermint chocolate delight, you can use a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass to get a fine, even crumb. This will ensure that your crust holds together well and provides a solid base for the other layers. Additionally, when adding the crushed candy canes on top, try to do this just before serving. The moisture from the cool whip can cause the candy canes to become sticky and lose their crunch if left for too long.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Peppermint Chocolate Delight

Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and equipment before you start cooking to save time and avoid any last-minute stress.

Multitask: Look for opportunities to multitask, such as chopping vegetables while waiting for water to boil or preheating the oven.

Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors, blenders, and slow cookers to streamline the cooking process and save time.

Clean as you go: Wash and put away dishes, utensils, and other items as you cook to keep your workspace organized and minimize cleanup time later.

Batch cooking: Consider making larger quantities of certain dishes and freezing the extras for quick and convenient meals in the future.

Opt for simple recipes: Choose recipes with fewer ingredients and minimal preparation to cut down on cooking time and complexity.

Follow a meal plan: Create a weekly meal plan to streamline grocery shopping and ensure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand.

Substitute Ingredients For Peppermint Chocolate Delight Recipe

vanilla wafers - Substitute with graham crackers: Graham crackers can provide a similar crunchy texture and a slightly nutty flavor to the dessert.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe to achieve a similar creamy texture and flavor.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor to the dessert.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a tangy and creamy texture similar to cream cheese, while also adding a slight tartness to the dessert.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, adding a subtle nutty flavor to the dessert.
peppermint extract - Substitute with mint extract: Mint extract can provide a similar refreshing and minty flavor to the dessert.
milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a rich and creamy texture with a hint of tropical flavor to the dessert.
cool whip - Substitute with whipped cream: Whipped cream can be used as a substitute for Cool Whip, providing a similar light and airy texture to the dessert.
instant chocolate pudding - Substitute with chocolate mousse: Chocolate mousse can be used as a substitute for instant chocolate pudding, offering a rich and creamy chocolate flavor to the dessert.
candy canes - Substitute with chocolate shavings: Chocolate shavings can add a rich and decadent touch to the dessert, replacing the minty flavor of candy canes.

Presentation Ideas for Peppermint Chocolate Delight

Elevate the plating: Arrange the peppermint chocolate delight in a circular motion, creating a visually appealing presentation. Use a combination of smooth and textured surfaces to add depth to the dish.
Garnish with crushed candy canes: Sprinkle a generous amount of crushed candy canes on top of the dessert to add a pop of color and a festive touch. This will also provide a delightful crunch and a burst of peppermint flavor.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Drizzle a thin stream of chocolate sauce in a zigzag pattern across the plate to create an elegant and sophisticated look. This will add a touch of luxury to the dessert.
Utilize edible flowers: Garnish the dish with delicate edible flowers, such as peppermint leaves or microgreens, to introduce a fresh and vibrant element. This will enhance the overall visual appeal and provide a subtle hint of flavor.
Employ precision with portioning: Use a ring mold to carefully portion the peppermint chocolate delight into perfectly shaped rounds, ensuring a professional and polished presentation.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious and opulent touch, delicately place edible gold leaf on the dessert to create a stunning and extravagant appearance. This will elevate the dish to a new level of sophistication.
Incorporate a tempered chocolate garnish: Create a delicate chocolate garnish by tempering chocolate and shaping it into elegant curls or shards. Place these carefully on top of the dessert for a visually striking and refined finish.
Utilize a mirror glaze: Apply a glossy mirror glaze to the peppermint chocolate delight for a sleek and modern presentation. The reflective surface will add an element of intrigue and sophistication to the dish.

Essential Tools for Making Peppermint Chocolate Delight

Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, pureeing, and mixing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing ingredients for various recipes.
Whisk: Used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients to achieve a smooth and uniform texture.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients for precise and consistent results.
Spatula: Ideal for scraping bowls, folding ingredients, and smoothing batters.
Baking pan: Used for baking and roasting a variety of dishes, from cakes and brownies to savory casseroles.
Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out dough for pastries, cookies, and pies.
Knife set: A set of knives for various cutting and slicing tasks in the kitchen.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Hand mixer: Used for mixing, whipping, and beating ingredients, providing a convenient alternative to a stand mixer.
Pastry brush: Ideal for applying glazes, egg washes, and marinades to baked goods and other dishes.
Grater: Used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other ingredients to add texture and flavor to dishes.
Oven: Essential for baking, roasting, and broiling a wide range of dishes and baked goods.
Stovetop: Provides heat for cooking and preparing a variety of dishes on the stovetop.
Saucepan: Ideal for heating and cooking sauces, soups, and other liquid-based dishes.
Skillet: Used for sautéing, frying, and searing a variety of ingredients and dishes.
Baking sheet: Essential for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods, as well as roasting vegetables and meats.
Cooling rack: Used for cooling baked goods and allowing air circulation to prevent sogginess.
Pastry cutter: Ideal for cutting and blending butter or shortening into dry ingredients when making pastry dough or biscuits.
Piping bag and tips: Essential for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and pastries with frosting and decorative designs.

Storing and Freezing Peppermint Chocolate Delight

This peppermint chocolate delight can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors.
If you want to freeze this dessert, prepare it as directed but do not add the crushed candy canes on top. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label the dish with the date and contents.
When you're ready to serve the frozen dessert, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, add the crushed candy canes on top just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
If you have leftovers after serving, you can store individual portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. To thaw frozen portions, transfer them to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight before enjoying.
For best results, consume this peppermint chocolate delight within a week of making it, as the wafer crust may start to soften and the cool whip topping may lose its fluffy texture over time.

Interesting Fact About Peppermint Chocolate Delight

Peppermint chocolate delight is a delicious dessert that combines the refreshing taste of peppermint with the rich flavor of chocolate. It's a perfect treat for the holiday season and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Is Making Peppermint Chocolate Delight at Home Cost-Effective?

The peppermint chocolate delight recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as vanilla wafers, cream cheese, and instant chocolate pudding, are affordable and readily available. The use of candy canes may slightly increase the cost, but they can be optional. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly dessert option. Overall, this delightful dessert earns a solid 8 out of 10 for its taste, ease of preparation, and cost-effectiveness.

Is Peppermint Chocolate Delight Healthy or Unhealthy?

This peppermint chocolate delight recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not the healthiest dessert option. The main culprits are the high amounts of sugar, fat, and processed ingredients. The vanilla wafers, butter, sugar, cream cheese, cool whip, and instant chocolate pudding all contribute to the dish's high calorie, sugar, and fat content. Additionally, the recipe lacks any significant sources of fiber, vitamins, or minerals, making it a treat that should be enjoyed in moderation.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace the vanilla wafers with a whole grain cookie or graham cracker to increase the fiber content
Use reduced-fat cream cheese and cool whip to lower the overall fat content
Decrease the amount of sugar used in the cream cheese mixture, or replace it with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit
Make your own chocolate pudding using cocoa powder, cornstarch, milk, and a sweetener of your choice to avoid the processed ingredients found in instant pudding mixes
Top the dessert with fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries, to add vitamins, minerals, and fiber

Editor's Opinion on the Peppermint Chocolate Delight Recipe

This peppermint chocolate delight recipe is a delightful combination of creamy, minty, and chocolatey flavors. The vanilla wafer crust adds a lovely crunch, while the peppermint-infused cream cheese layer provides a refreshing twist. The smooth and rich chocolate pudding layer complements the minty flavors perfectly. The addition of crushed candy canes adds a festive touch and a satisfying crunch. Overall, this dessert is a perfect balance of sweetness and minty freshness, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Enhance Your Peppermint Chocolate Delight Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for balancing out the sweetness of the peppermint chocolate delight.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Tender carrots glazed in honey, adding a touch of natural sweetness to complement the rich flavors of the peppermint chocolate delight.

Grilled Pineapple Slices: Juicy pineapple slices grilled to perfection, offering a refreshing and tropical contrast to the indulgent peppermint chocolate delight.

Similar Recipes to Peppermint Chocolate Delight

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. The combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, and cream creates a rich and flavorful soup that will warm you up from the inside out.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli: Take your broccoli to the next level with this garlic parmesan roasted broccoli recipe. The crispy, cheesy coating adds a delicious twist to this classic vegetable, making it a hit with even the pickiest eaters.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Indulge in a tropical treat with this mango coconut chia pudding. The sweet, juicy mango combined with creamy coconut and nutritious chia seeds creates a refreshing and satisfying dessert that's perfect for any time of day.

Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Peppermint Chocolate Delight

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these delectable stuffed mushrooms, filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Caprese Skewers: Elevate your appetizer game with these colorful and flavorful caprese skewers. Fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze, are sure to delight your taste buds.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender chicken with rich alfredo sauce. Serve over fettuccine for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Whip up a quick and flavorful stir fry using thinly sliced beef and a colorful array of vegetables. Toss everything in a savory sauce and serve over steamed rice for a delicious and nutritious dinner.

Why trust this Peppermint Chocolate Delight Recipe:

This recipe is a delightful combination of peppermint and chocolate, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The use of vanilla wafers and cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture, while the addition of candy canes provides a festive touch. The step-by-step instructions ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. Trust the expertise behind this recipe, as it promises a delectable dessert that will impress and satisfy your taste buds.

Want to share your experience making this Peppermint Chocolate Delight Recipe? Join our Baking and Desserts forum to discuss tips, variations, and more!

FAQ:

What can I use as a substitute for vanilla wafers?

You can substitute graham crackers or chocolate wafers for the vanilla wafers in this recipe. Both options will provide a delicious base for the dessert.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of cool whip?

Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream as a substitute for cool whip. Just make sure to sweeten the whipped cream to your taste before using it in the recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve it. Just add the crushed candy canes right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Can I use a different flavor of pudding?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of pudding to customize the dessert. Chocolate pudding complements the peppermint flavor, but you can try using vanilla or white chocolate pudding for a different twist.

Can I omit the peppermint extract?

If you're not a fan of peppermint, you can omit the peppermint extract or substitute it with another flavor, such as almond or vanilla extract, to suit your taste preferences.