Why You’ll Love This Mini Peppermint Crisp Tarts
Mini Peppermint Crisp Tarts are a perfect fusion of creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures with a delightful minty twist. These tarts are a wonderful treat for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a family gathering, preparing a special dessert for a party, or simply craving a sweet indulgence to enjoy with a cup of tea. What makes this dessert so irresistible is its combination of rich caramel, refreshing peppermint, and the ever-popular crunch from Tennis biscuits.
Every bite of these mini tarts delivers a perfect balance of flavors. The Tennis biscuits provide a crispy base, while the caramel treat (dulce de leche) layer adds a sweet, creamy richness. The cream cheese and whipped cream filling brings in a smooth texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispiness of the biscuits and the minty Peppermint Crisp bars sprinkled throughout. The addition of the crushed Peppermint Crisp chocolate bars gives this dessert an extra burst of refreshing mint flavor and a nice crunch, making each tart a little bite of heaven.
Plus, these mini tarts are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal time to assemble. No baking is needed, making them a perfect no-fuss dessert that even beginner bakers can confidently create. Whether you’re preparing a special treat for a holiday or just want something sweet to satisfy your cravings, Mini Peppermint Crisp Tarts are sure to win everyone over with their deliciously unique flavors.
What You’ll Need
For these Mini Peppermint Crisp Tarts, the ingredients are simple, yet their combination creates a dessert that is anything but ordinary. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 200g Tennis biscuits (crushed) – These biscuits form the crunchy base for your tart. Tennis biscuits are often used in South African dessert recipes, known for their slightly coconutty flavor and crisp texture.
- 1 can (380g) caramel treat (dulce de leche) – The caramel treat gives the tarts a rich, velvety sweetness. Dulce de leche is a caramelized milk spread that brings a luscious depth of flavor to the tarts.
- 250ml cream – Heavy cream is needed to create the smooth, fluffy filling that holds the tarts together. It is whipped to form soft peaks and helps lighten the mixture.
- 250g cream cheese – The cream cheese adds a tangy element to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients. It also helps provide structure and creaminess to the filling.
- 2 Peppermint Crisp chocolate bars (crushed) – These bars, filled with a mint-flavored chocolate and crunchy peppermint pieces, give the tarts their signature refreshing minty kick and a satisfying crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these Mini Peppermint Crisp Tarts is incredibly straightforward. Here’s how you can create these delectable little tarts in just a few simple steps:
- Prepare the Biscuit Base:
- Begin by crushing the Tennis biscuits into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a food processor or simply putting them into a resealable plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.
- Once crushed, transfer the crumbs into a bowl. Mix in a small amount of melted butter (about 50g, or as needed) to help bind the crumbs together. This will create a firm, yet slightly crumbly base for your tarts.
- Spoon a tablespoon of the biscuit mixture into each compartment of a mini muffin tray or tartlet pan. Press the crumbs down firmly to form an even base layer. Make sure the base is compact to avoid it crumbling later.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and caramel treat together until smooth. Use an electric mixer for a quicker, creamier result, or mix by hand if you prefer.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cream until it forms soft peaks. Be careful not to overwhip the cream, as it can become too stiff.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese and caramel mixture, ensuring that it is well combined but still light and airy.
- Assemble the Tarts:
- Spoon the creamy filling onto each prepared biscuit base, ensuring an even layer. Don’t overfill—leave a bit of room at the top so there’s space for the Peppermint Crisp topping.
- Once all the bases are filled, sprinkle the crushed Peppermint Crisp chocolate bars on top of each mini tart. Make sure the minty chocolate is evenly distributed, and feel free to add extra chocolate if you love that peppermint flavor.
- Chill the Tarts:
- After assembling the tarts, place the tray in the refrigerator and let the tarts chill for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight if possible. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the tarts to set properly, making them easier to serve.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once chilled, remove the mini tarts from the muffin tray or tartlet pan. Serve them chilled for the best texture and taste. These mini peppermint treats are the perfect bite-sized indulgence for your guests!
Tips for Success
- Use a Quality Biscuit Base: While Tennis biscuits are recommended for their flavor and texture, you can substitute with any plain or lightly sweetened biscuit if you can’t find them. Digestive biscuits or graham crackers would also work well in a pinch.
- Don’t Overwhip the Cream: When whipping the cream, ensure you stop once soft peaks form. Overwhipping will cause the cream to become too stiff and could alter the texture of your tart filling.
- Chill for the Best Results: The key to making these tarts a success is patience. Let them chill for at least 2-3 hours to allow the cream cheese filling to set properly. Chilling them overnight will result in an even firmer texture, which is ideal for serving.
- Peppermint Crisp Substitution: If Peppermint Crisp bars are not available in your area, you can substitute them with any peppermint-flavored chocolate. Alternatively, you could use crushed candy canes for a similar effect.
Variations to Try
While Mini Peppermint Crisp Tarts are delicious as-is, there are several ways you can customize this recipe to suit your tastes or add variety:
- Chocolate Base: For a chocolate twist, try using crushed chocolate biscuits instead of the Tennis biscuits. This will give the base a richer, chocolatey flavor that pairs beautifully with the minty filling.
- Fruit Topping: Add a layer of fresh fruit such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries on top of the cream filling. The tartness of the fruit will balance the sweetness of the caramel and mint layers.
- Nutty Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts on top of the tarts along with the crushed Peppermint Crisp. The nuts will add an extra layer of crunch and depth of flavor.
- Alcohol-Infused Tarts: Add a splash of your favorite liqueur to the cream cheese filling for an adult twist. Baileys Irish Cream, crème de menthe, or even a bit of rum would pair nicely with the peppermint and caramel flavors.
Storing and Reheating
Mini Peppermint Crisp Tarts are best served cold, and fortunately, they store quite well in the refrigerator.
- Storing: After assembling and chilling your tarts, cover the tray with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop as they sit, making them even more delicious!
- Freezing: If you want to make these tarts ahead of time, you can freeze them. Place the assembled tarts on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Reheating: There’s no need to reheat these tarts as they are meant to be served cold. Simply remove them from the fridge shortly before serving for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of Peppermint Crisp?
- Yes! If Peppermint Crisp is unavailable, you can substitute with any mint-flavored chocolate or even crushed candy canes for that minty crunch.
- Can I make these tarts ahead of time?
- Absolutely! These tarts can be made the day before your event. Just make sure to chill them for at least 2-3 hours to allow them to set properly.
- How do I know when the tarts are ready to serve?
- The tarts are ready to serve when the filling has set and holds its shape. They should be firm yet creamy, and the biscuit base should not be soggy.
- What can I use as a substitute for cream cheese?
- If you’re looking for a lighter option or want to avoid cream cheese, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. Keep in mind that this may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
The Final Word
Mini Peppermint Crisp Tarts are a delightful treat that combines sweetness, creaminess, and a refreshing minty kick in every bite. With their crunchy biscuit base, creamy filling, and irresistible peppermint topping, these tarts are sure to become a crowd favorite. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just want to indulge in a sweet dessert, these mini tarts offer an easy, no-bake option that’s both delicious and visually appealing.
So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to be wowed by the flavor and texture of these Mini Peppermint Crisp Tarts! Happy baking (or rather, assembling)!