If you’re looking for a dessert that’s creamy, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make, this Peppermint Tart is the perfect recipe. Popular in South Africa and loved for its rich peppermint flavor, this no-bake dessert combines layers of tennis biscuits, caramelized milk, whipped cream, and peppermint chocolate to create a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
The combination of crunchy biscuits, smooth cream, and minty chocolate creates a dessert that is both indulgent and refreshing. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, holiday celebration, braai, or weekend dinner, Peppermint Tart is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Best of all, this recipe requires no baking, making it ideal for beginner cooks and busy home bakers who want a delicious dessert with minimal effort.
Recipe Overview
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: South African
- Servings: 10–12
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 420 calories per serving
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Tart
- No baking required
- Rich and creamy texture
- Refreshing peppermint flavor
- Perfect make-ahead dessert
- Great for holidays and parties
- Beginner-friendly recipe
- Uses simple ingredients
- Always a crowd favorite
What Is Peppermint Tart?
Peppermint Tart is a classic South African refrigerator dessert made with layers of Tennis biscuits, caramelized condensed milk, whipped cream, and peppermint crisp chocolate. The dessert is chilled until firm, allowing the flavors to meld together into a rich and creamy treat.
Its combination of crunchy biscuit layers and smooth peppermint filling makes it one of South Africa’s most iconic desserts.
Ingredients
For the Peppermint Filling
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 can caramelized condensed milk (dulce de leche)
- 2 bars peppermint crisp chocolate, crushed
For the Layers
- 2 packets Tennis biscuits
Optional Garnish
- Extra crushed peppermint chocolate
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh mint leaves
Kitchen Equipment
You’ll need:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- 9×13-inch serving dish
- Measuring cups
Recipe Video Guide
How to Make Peppermint Tart
Step 1: Whip the Cream
In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Fold the caramelized condensed milk into the whipped cream. Mix gently until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Add the Peppermint Chocolate
Stir in most of the crushed peppermint crisp chocolate. Reserve a small amount for garnish.
Step 4: Create the First Layer
Arrange a layer of Tennis biscuits in the bottom of the serving dish. Cover the biscuits with a layer of peppermint cream mixture.
Step 5: Repeat the Layers
Continue alternating biscuit and cream layers until all ingredients are used. Finish with a cream layer on top.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Sprinkle with reserved peppermint chocolate. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm. Slice and serve chilled.
Expert Tips for the Best Peppermint Tart
A few simple techniques can make your Peppermint Tart even more delicious and visually appealing.
- Use cold heavy cream for easier whipping.
- Fold the caramelized milk gently to keep the mixture light and airy.
- Crush the peppermint chocolate into a mix of fine and chunky pieces for better texture.
- Allow the tart to chill overnight for the best flavor and firmness.
- Use a glass serving dish to showcase the beautiful layers.
- Keep the dessert refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Add extra peppermint chocolate on top just before serving.
- Slice with a sharp knife for clean portions.
Delicious Variations
Chocolate Peppermint Tart
Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the biscuit and cream layers.
Mint Oreo Tart
Replace some of the Tennis biscuits with mint-flavored sandwich cookies.
White Chocolate Peppermint Tart
Mix white chocolate shavings into the cream filling.
Coffee Peppermint Tart
Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the caramel mixture for a mocha flavor.
Individual Dessert Cups
Layer the ingredients in small glasses for single-serving portions.
What to Serve with Peppermint Tart
This dessert pairs wonderfully with:
- Fresh strawberries
- Hot coffee
- Cappuccino
- Espresso
- Vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate sauce
- Fresh mint leaves
- Hot chocolate
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Thawing
Transfer to the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
Make Ahead
Peppermint Tart is an excellent make-ahead dessert and often tastes even better the next day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overwhipping the Cream
Overwhipped cream can become grainy and difficult to fold.
Not Chilling Long Enough
The tart needs sufficient chilling time to set properly.
Using Warm Ingredients
Warm ingredients may prevent the dessert from holding its shape.
Overmixing
Overmixing can deflate the whipped cream and reduce the light texture.
Uneven Layers
Spread each layer evenly for the best presentation.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16 g |
| Sugar | 30 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint Tart is a classic South African dessert that combines creamy caramel filling, crunchy biscuits, and refreshing peppermint chocolate into one irresistible treat. Its no-bake preparation makes it easy enough for beginners while still being impressive enough for special occasions.
Whether served at a holiday gathering, family dinner, birthday celebration, or weekend braai, this dessert is guaranteed to disappear quickly. Make it ahead, chill it well, and enjoy a rich, refreshing dessert that never goes out of style.
You may also like: Vetkoek Mince Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Peppermint Tart ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling overnight.
What are Tennis biscuits?
Tennis biscuits are a popular South African coconut-flavored tea biscuit commonly used in desserts.
Can I freeze Peppermint Tart?
Yes. Freeze it for up to one month in an airtight container.
Can I use another type of biscuit?
Absolutely. Graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or vanilla cookies can work as substitutes.
Why isn’t my tart setting?
It may need more chilling time, or the cream may not have been whipped sufficiently.
Can I make individual portions?
Yes. Layer the ingredients in dessert cups or glasses for easy serving
Recipe Card
Peppermint Tart
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form.
- Be careful not to overwhip.
- Fold the caramelized condensed milk into the whipped cream.
- Mix gently until smooth and fully combined.
- Stir in most of the crushed peppermint crisp chocolate.
- Reserve a small amount for garnish.
- Arrange a layer of Tennis biscuits in the bottom of the serving dish.
- Cover the biscuits with a layer of peppermint cream mixture.
- Continue alternating biscuit and cream layers until all ingredients are used.
- Finish with a cream layer on top.
- Sprinkle with reserved peppermint chocolate.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.
- Slice and serve chilled.
