Peppermint Crisp Tart is a beloved dessert in South Africa, known for its indulgent layers of creamy caramel, minty chocolate, and crunchy biscuits. This no-bake treat is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving something sweet. The combination of rich, caramel-infused condensed milk, light whipped cream, and the refreshing taste of Peppermint Crisp chocolate makes this dessert irresistible.
A Brief History
The Peppermint Crisp Tart is a relatively modern dessert, but it has quickly become a staple in South African households. The key ingredient, Peppermint Crisp chocolate, was first introduced by Wilson-Rowntree in South Africa in the 1960s. This unique chocolate bar, filled with thin, peppermint-flavored cylinders, has a distinctive flavor that sets it apart from other mint chocolates. Over the years, the Peppermint Crisp bar has been used in various desserts, but its most famous application is undoubtedly the Peppermint Crisp Tart.
This tart is often associated with celebrations and family gatherings, as it requires minimal preparation and can be made ahead of time. Its simplicity and the fact that it doesn’t require baking make it a go-to dessert for many home cooks.
Ingredients:
To make a classic Peppermint Crisp Tart, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 500ml cream
– 1 Tbsp Chelsea Icing Sugar
– 395g can caramel condensed milk
– 300g Tennis biscuits or Arnott’s Nice Biscuits
– 70g Nestle Peppermint Crisp chocolate (or Aero Mint), roughly chopped
These ingredients are easy to find in most supermarkets, and they come together to create a dessert that’s both creamy and refreshing.
The Role of Each Ingredient:
Cream: The cream in this recipe is whipped until it forms stiff peaks, providing the tart with a light and airy texture. The cream also helps to balance the sweetness of the caramel condensed milk and the Peppermint Crisp chocolate, ensuring that the dessert isn’t overly sweet.
Chelsea Icing Sugar: A small amount of Chelsea Icing Sugar is added to the cream to enhance its sweetness and help it hold its shape. This ensures that the whipped cream remains stable and doesn’t collapse when layered in the tart.
Caramel Condensed Milk: This is the star of the show, adding a rich, caramel flavor to the tart. Caramel condensed milk is thicker and sweeter than regular condensed milk, making it perfect for this no-bake dessert. It’s spread over the biscuit layers, creating a sweet and sticky contrast to the crispness of the biscuits and the creaminess of the whipped cream.
Tennis Biscuits or Arnott’s Nice Biscuits: These biscuits form the base and layers of the tart. Tennis biscuits are a South African favorite, known for their coconut flavor, while Arnott’s Nice Biscuits are an Australian equivalent. Both options provide a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy layers of the tart.
Peppermint Crisp Chocolate (or Aero Mint): The Peppermint Crisp chocolate adds a refreshing mint flavor to the tart. It’s crumbled over the top and between the layers, giving the dessert a burst of minty freshness that complements the sweetness of the caramel condensed milk. If you can’t find Peppermint Crisp chocolate, Aero Mint is a good alternative, offering a similar minty taste with a bubbly texture.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Making a Peppermint Crisp Tart is incredibly simple, requiring no baking or cooking. Here’s how you can create this delightful dessert:
1. Prepare the Cream: Start by pouring the 500ml of cream into a large mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of Chelsea Icing Sugar and whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks. This will take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer, or a bit longer if you’re whipping by hand. The cream should be thick and able to hold its shape when you lift the beaters.
2. Layer the Biscuits: Choose a rectangular or square dish for assembling the tart. Begin by laying a single layer of Tennis biscuits or Arnott’s Nice Biscuits at the bottom of the dish. You may need to break some of the biscuits to fit them snugly into the corners.
3. Spread the Caramel: Open the can of caramel condensed milk and give it a good stir to make it smooth and spreadable. Spread a generous layer of caramel over the biscuits, ensuring that the entire surface is covered.
4. Add the Whipped Cream: Next, spread a layer of the whipped cream over the caramel. Use a spatula to smooth it out, creating an even layer.
5. Sprinkle the Chocolate: Take about half of the roughly chopped Peppermint Crisp chocolate and sprinkle it over the whipped cream layer.
6. Repeat the Layers: Repeat the process by adding another layer of biscuits, followed by caramel, whipped cream, and chocolate. Continue layering until you’ve used all the ingredients, ending with a layer of whipped cream.
7. Top with Chocolate: Finish the tart by sprinkling the remaining Peppermint Crisp chocolate over the top. This final layer of chocolate adds a beautiful touch and extra minty flavor.
8. Chill the Tart: Place the tart in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to meld together, and the biscuits will soften slightly as they absorb moisture from the cream and caramel.
Serving Suggestions
Peppermint Crisp Tart is best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, use a sharp knife to cut the tart into squares or rectangles. The layers should hold their shape, revealing the beautiful contrast between the biscuits, caramel, cream, and chocolate.
This tart is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. If you’re feeling adventurous, try garnishing the tart with a sprig of fresh mint or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Variations and Tips
While the classic Peppermint Crisp Tart is hard to beat, there are a few variations you can try to put your own spin on this dessert:
1. Different Biscuits: If you can’t find Tennis biscuits or Arnott’s Nice Biscuits, you can use any plain, slightly sweet biscuit. Digestive biscuits or graham crackers work well, though they won’t have the same coconut flavor as Tennis biscuits.
2. Alternative Chocolates: If you’re not a fan of mint, you can substitute the Peppermint Crisp chocolate with another type of chocolate. Try using milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
3. Add a Nutty Crunch: For a bit of extra texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, between the layers. The nuts add a pleasant crunch and pair well with the caramel and chocolate.
4. Layering in Glasses: For a more elegant presentation, you can layer the ingredients in individual glasses or jars instead of a large dish. This makes for a beautiful, single-serving dessert that’s perfect for dinner parties.
5. Make it a Frozen Treat: For a refreshing summer dessert, try freezing the tart for a few hours before serving. The cream and caramel will firm up, creating a semifreddo-like texture that’s perfect for hot days.
Conclusion
Peppermint Crisp Tart is a dessert that embodies the spirit of South African hospitality—simple, delicious, and made with love. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this tart is sure to impress. Its layers of caramel, cream, minty chocolate, and crunchy biscuits create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead, indulge in this classic treat, and enjoy the sweet taste of South Africa in every bite.