The Peppermint Crisp Milk Tart Bars combine two beloved flavors—creamy milk tart and the refreshing, minty zing of Peppermint Crisp chocolate. This dessert takes the best of both worlds and transforms it into a no-bake bar that is easy to make yet packed with flavor. With a crunchy biscuit base, a rich creamy filling, and the signature flavor of Peppermint Crisp, these bars are a must-try for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or an everyday treat.
In this article, we’ll take you through the steps of creating these delightful bars, share tips for success, explore variations, and answer some frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, these bars are perfect for everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Crisp Milk Tart Bars
There are several reasons why these Peppermint Crisp Milk Tart Bars will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire:
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: The combination of the creamy, comforting milk tart filling and the refreshing, minty crunch of Peppermint Crisp chocolates is simply irresistible. The creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the crisp chocolate pieces, making each bite exciting and satisfying.
- No-Bake Dessert: This recipe is perfect for those who want to create a delicious dessert without having to turn on the oven. The simple steps and minimal equipment make this an easy recipe to whip up.
- Perfect for Every Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a family gathering, or just craving a sweet treat, these milk tart bars are versatile and festive enough to fit any occasion. The beautiful minty flavor gives them a special touch for the holidays, but they’re just as wonderful for a summer dessert or an afternoon snack.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make these bars. With just a handful of pantry staples, including shortbread cookies, cream, milk, sugar, and of course, Peppermint Crisp chocolates, you can easily create something that tastes store-bought but is made from the comfort of your own kitchen.
- Make Ahead and Convenient: Since these bars are served chilled, they’re perfect for making ahead of time. Just prepare them, pop them in the fridge, and they’ll be ready to serve when you need them. The convenience of having a delicious dessert ready when you are makes this recipe a winner.
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing dessert to end a meal or a sweet treat to share, these Peppermint Crisp Milk Tart Bars will surely delight everyone at the table.
What You’ll Need
Creating these bars is simple, and you likely already have many of the ingredients in your kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
For the Base:
- 1 package shortbread cookies or digestive biscuits: These will create a crunchy, buttery base for the milk tart filling. Shortbread cookies are the classic choice, but digestive biscuits will also work if you prefer a more subtle flavor.
- ½ cup melted butter: The melted butter will bind the cookies or biscuits together, creating a rich and cohesive base.
For the Milk Tart Filling:
- 1 ½ cups milk: Full-fat milk is best for a rich, creamy texture.
- 1 cup cream: Heavy cream will add a luscious, velvety smoothness to the milk tart filling.
- 3 tbsp sugar: Sweetens the filling without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the creamy mixture.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch: Used to thicken the filling and give it that signature tart consistency.
For the Topping:
- 2 Peppermint Crisp chocolates, chopped: This minty chocolate will add a satisfying crunch and cool mint flavor that makes the dessert stand out.
- Ground cinnamon for garnish: A light dusting of cinnamon adds a warm and aromatic touch, balancing the minty freshness of the topping.
With these straightforward ingredients, you’ll have everything you need to make these delicious bars. You can find most of the ingredients at your local grocery store, and the Peppermint Crisp chocolate may be available at specialty or online stores if you don’t already have it on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Peppermint Crisp Milk Tart Bars is a simple and enjoyable process that doesn’t require any complicated techniques. Follow these easy steps to prepare a show-stopping dessert:
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by preparing the base of your bars. In a food processor or blender, crush the shortbread cookies or digestive biscuits until they form fine crumbs. You can also place the cookies in a resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin if you don’t have a food processor.
Once the cookies are crushed, transfer them to a mixing bowl. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is well combined and the crumbs are coated with butter.
Press the cookie mixture into the base of a 9-inch square baking dish (or a similar-sized dish). Use the back of a spoon to compact the crumbs into an even layer. Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while you make the filling.
Step 2: Make the Milk Tart Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to warm, but do not let it boil.
In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little bit of cold water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly add this slurry to the warm milk mixture while continuously whisking to avoid lumps.
Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency. Once it thickens, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the filling to cool for a few minutes before pouring it over the prepared base in your baking dish.
Step 3: Add the Peppermint Crisp
Once the milk tart filling has been poured onto the base, allow it to cool slightly at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then, sprinkle the chopped Peppermint Crisp chocolates evenly over the surface of the filling. Gently press the chocolate into the filling with a spoon or spatula to ensure it adheres.
Step 4: Chill the Bars
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the bars are fully set and chilled, remove them from the fridge and cut them into squares or rectangles. For an added touch of warmth and flavor, dust the bars with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Serve the bars chilled, and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy milk tart, refreshing peppermint, and crunchy biscuit base.
Tips for Success
- Chill the base before adding the filling: This helps to ensure the base stays firm and doesn’t crumble when you cut into the bars.
- Use full-fat milk and cream: For the richest, creamiest filling, make sure to use full-fat milk and heavy cream. This will give the bars their signature smooth and indulgent texture.
- Be careful when heating the milk mixture: Avoid overheating the milk mixture to prevent it from curdling. Stir constantly and remove from the heat once it reaches a thick, custard-like consistency.
- Allow the bars to set fully: Make sure to give the bars enough time to chill in the refrigerator so the filling can set completely. This will ensure the bars hold their shape when sliced.
Variations to Try
While the classic Peppermint Crisp Milk Tart Bars are delicious on their own, there are plenty of ways to customize them to suit your preferences:
- Add crushed nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or pecans would provide a great crunch and complementary flavor to the mint and cream.
- Use dark chocolate: If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, try using dark chocolate instead of Peppermint Crisp. The slight bitterness will balance well with the sweet filling.
- Add fresh mint: For an even fresher mint flavor, chop some fresh mint leaves and mix them into the filling or sprinkle them on top along with the Peppermint Crisp chocolate.
- Change the base: Instead of shortbread cookies, you could try using graham crackers or even chocolate cookies for a different flavor profile.
Storing and Reheating
These Peppermint Crisp Milk Tart Bars are best enjoyed chilled. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to make them in advance, they can be prepared up to 2 days ahead of time and kept in the fridge until ready to serve.
There’s no need to reheat these bars as they are served chilled. If you prefer to enjoy them at room temperature, allow them to sit out for a few minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of chocolate? Yes! If Peppermint Crisp isn’t available, you can use any type of chocolate with mint flavoring or regular milk chocolate. Dark chocolate also works if you prefer a less sweet option.
2. How do I make these bars gluten-free? To make the bars gluten-free, use gluten-free cookies or biscuits for the base. Ensure that the other ingredients you use, including the cornstarch, are also gluten-free.
3. Can I freeze these bars? Yes! These bars freeze well. After they’ve been chilled and set, slice them and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
The Final Word
Peppermint Crisp Milk Tart Bars are an indulgent yet refreshing treat that combines the comforting flavors of a classic milk tart with a minty, crunchy twist. They are easy to prepare, visually stunning, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them at a party, a family gathering, or simply enjoy them as an after-dinner treat, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful bars with your loved ones, and savor every minty, creamy bite!