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Peppermint Mocha Parfaits

Peppermint Mocha Parfaits

Peppermint Mocha Parfaits are a festive, creamy layered dessert combining rich chocolate, bold coffee, and refreshing peppermint flavors. Easy to prepare with no baking required, this indulgent treat features luscious mocha layers, whipped cream, crunchy graham crackers, and peppermint accents, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup espresso or strong coffee, cooled
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips or 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar or preferred sweetener
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or 1 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1 cup graham crackers or cookie crumbs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Coffee-Chocolate Mixture: Brew a strong espresso or coffee and let it cool. Mix the coffee with cocoa powder (or melted chocolate chips) and granulated sugar until smooth to create a rich mocha base.
  2. Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream together with vanilla extract and powdered sugar until soft peaks form, creating a fluffy contrast layer.
  3. Crush the Peppermint Candies: Gently crush peppermint candies using a rolling pin or mortar and pestle, keeping some larger pieces for texture and decoration.
  4. Assemble the Parfaits: In serving glasses, start with a layer of crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs, then add a layer of whipped cream, followed by a spoonful of the coffee-chocolate mixture. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over this layer. Repeat layering until glasses are filled, finishing off with a peppermint topping.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the parfaits for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and layers to set. Serve chilled for the best taste experience.

Notes

  • Use quality freshly brewed espresso for deeper coffee flavor.
  • Chill bowls and whipping tools beforehand for fluffier cream.
  • Use a piping bag for neat and defined whipped cream layers.
  • Adjust sweetness after tasting the coffee-chocolate mixture and whipped cream before assembling.
  • Add peppermint garnishes last minute to keep freshness and crunch.
  • Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
  • Parfaits can be made a few hours in advance and stored chilled.
  • Leftovers keep fresh covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Freezing is possible but may affect whipped cream texture; thaw overnight in fridge before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: peppermint mocha, parfait, holiday dessert, coffee dessert, chocolate peppermint, no bake dessert