Peppermint Crisp Fridge Tart Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and love a dessert that’s creamy, minty, and wonderfully crunchy, then you’re going to adore this Peppermint Crisp Fridge Tart Recipe. This iconic South African no-bake treat layers buttery biscuit base with a luscious peppermint-infused cream and irresistible Peppermint Crisp chocolate bars, creating a dessert that’s refreshing, indulgent, and incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a casual get-together, it brings smiles all around with each cooling, textured bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to this tart’s perfect balance. Each component has a special role, from the crunchy base to the smooth, mint-kissed cream and the crisp, sweet chocolate topping that gives the recipe its signature texture and flavor.
- 200g tennis biscuits or graham crackers: These create a firm but crumbly base that holds the tart together with a subtle sweetness.
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps bind the biscuit crumbs into a sturdy base.
- 397g can sweetened condensed milk: Brings natural sweetness and a creamy texture that melds beautifully with the whipped cream.
- 500ml fresh cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it lightens the condensed milk, giving the filling an airy, dreamy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Infuses that unmistakable cool, refreshing mint flavor that makes this tart unique.
- 4 Peppermint Crisp chocolate bars (about 200g), crushed: The star ingredient that adds delightful pockets of minty crunch throughout the dessert.
How to Make Peppermint Crisp Fridge Tart Recipe
Step 1: Create the Biscuit Base
Start by crushing the tennis biscuits or graham crackers into fine crumbs — you want a sandy texture that will press down nicely. Mix these crumbs thoroughly with the melted butter so they hold together when pressed. Firmly press this crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9×9-inch square dish or tart pan. The buttery base not only acts as foundation but adds a delicate richness that complements the creamy layers above.
Step 2: Whip the Cream and Combine Flavors
In a clean bowl, whip the fresh cream until it forms soft peaks — this means when you lift the whisk, the peaks should gently hold their shape without being stiff. Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk and the peppermint extract, stirring just until everything is combined into a silky, light filling without deflating the whipped cream. This minty cream mixture is what gives the tart its dreamy texture and cool flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the First Cream Layer and Chocolate
Pour half of the peppermint cream mixture evenly over the biscuit base, spreading it with a spatula or the back of a spoon to cover the surface smoothly. Then sprinkle half of the crushed Peppermint Crisp chocolate bars over the cream. These little shards of chocolate will add bursts of minty sweetness and satisfying crunch in every bite.
Step 4: Add the Final Cream and Chocolate Topping
Layer the remaining half of the cream mixture on top, spreading it evenly once again. Finish by sprinkling the remaining crushed Peppermint Crisp chocolate on the surface. Use a spatula to smooth the top gently, preparing the tart for chilling. The layered look might not be visible after chilling, but the delightful texture contrast definitely will be.
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Cover the dish with plastic wrap to keep the tart fresh and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling step is essential for the filling to set perfectly, allowing the flavors to meld and the base to firm up enough for neat slicing. Once chilled, your Peppermint Crisp Fridge Tart is ready to be sliced and enjoyed!
How to Serve Peppermint Crisp Fridge Tart Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little wow factor when serving, fresh mint leaves make an excellent garnish that enhances the peppermint flavor and adds a pop of green. You can also sprinkle a few extra crushed Peppermint Crisp chocolates on top for added crunch and visual appeal. These small touches elevate the tart, making it look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This tart is best enjoyed on its own or with a simple cup of tea or coffee, letting the peppermint mint shine. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. These pairings complement the tart’s mint and cream flavors beautifully without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, consider serving the tart in individual glass jars or clear cups to showcase its layers. Alternatively, cut into neat squares and arrange on a platter with alternating mint leaves and chocolate shavings. You could also turn it into mini tartlets using muffin tins for a fun, bite-sized treat that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Peppermint Crisp Fridge Tart covered in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert that holds its texture and flavor beautifully.
Freezing
Because of the fresh cream, freezing this tart is not ideal as it may affect the texture, making it watery when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge for the perfect creamy and crisp combination.
Reheating
This dessert is designed to be served cold, so reheating is not recommended. The magic of the Peppermint Crisp Fridge Tart comes from its cool and refreshing qualities, especially during warm days when you want a no-bake, chilled treat.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of biscuit for the base?
Absolutely! Tennis biscuits or graham crackers are traditional, but digestive biscuits or any mildly sweet plain biscuit will work well. Just make sure they crush easily and are not too strong in flavor so they don’t overpower the mint.
Is it possible to make this tart dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the fresh cream with coconut cream whipped until fluffy, and use a dairy-free condensed milk alternative. The result is still creamy and delicious, with a slight twist from the coconut flavor that pairs nicely with peppermint.
How long does the tart need to chill?
Ideally, refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours to let it set perfectly. For best texture and flavor, chilling overnight is even better and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I add chocolate to the base?
Definitely! Swapping out half the tennis biscuits for chocolate-flavored ones or spreading a thin layer of melted dark chocolate on the base before adding the cream gives the tart a decadent chocolate twist that’s absolutely delicious.
What is Peppermint Crisp chocolate?
Peppermint Crisp is a South African chocolate bar filled with thin, crunchy mint-flavored flakes. It melts smoothly but keeps a wonderful texture, adding that unmistakable mint crunch which is central to this fridge tart’s charm.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Peppermint Crisp Fridge Tart Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dessert favorites. It’s simple, no-bake, and packs so much refreshing mint flavor with every spoonful. Perfect for impressing friends or just treating yourself on a warm afternoon, this tart brings joy and delicious layers of cream and crunch in every bite — do yourself a favor and make one today!
