Peppermint Crisp Tart Recipe South Africa

Starting out in the kitchen can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to begin.

That’s where the Peppermint Crisp Tart comes in. It’s a straightforward, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for anyone new to cooking.

In this post, I’m going to walk you through making this delicious South African classic, step by step.

You’ll learn about the simple ingredients you need, like Tennis biscuits, whipping cream, caramel treat, and Peppermint Crisp chocolate bars.

I’ll break down each step, from layering the biscuits to whipping the cream and assembling the tart.

At the end, you’ll have a tasty dessert that’s sure to impress, and you’ll gain confidence in the kitchen. Let’s get started and make cooking easy and enjoyable for you.

Peppermint Crisp Tart

Peppermint Crisp Tart is a no-bake dessert that combines the refreshing zest of peppermint with the creamy texture of caramel and the crunchiness of biscuits.

It’s a layered affair that offers a symphony of flavours and textures with each bite.

Perfect for beginners, this recipe doesn’t require any advanced cooking skills, just a love for sweet treats and the willingness to try something new.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the preparation, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need. This will ensure that the process goes smoothly without any hitches.

1 packet (200g) of Tennis biscuits: These are coconut-flavoured biscuits, a staple in South African pantries. If you can’t find Tennis biscuits, any coconut-flavoured biscuit will do.
2 cups (500ml) of whipping cream: This will form the creamy base of our tart.
1 can (360g) of caramel treat: This sweet, thick caramel is a time-saver for desserts. Ensure it’s well stirred before use.
2-3 Peppermint Crisp chocolate bars: These are peppermint-flavoured chocolates with a unique crisp texture, essential for that minty flavour and crunchy texture.
A small handful of mint leaves (optional): For garnish, adding a fresh pop of colour and flavour.

Tools and Equipment

You won’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets for this recipe, just a few basic items:

A rectangular dish: Preferably around 30cm in length, for assembling the tart.
An electric mixer or a whisk: To whip the cream to perfection.
A spatula or a spoon: For spreading the layers.
A grater or a food processor: For grating the Peppermint Crisp bars.

Step-by-Step Guide

Preparation:

Start by laying out all your ingredients and tools. This is called ‘mise en place’, a French term that means “everything in its place”.
It’s a crucial step in cooking, ensuring that you have everything you need at hand.
Lightly grease your dish with a bit of butter or a non-stick spray. This makes serving the tart easier.

Layering the Biscuits:

Begin by placing a layer of Tennis biscuits at the bottom of your dish.
You might need to break some biscuits to fit the edges.
This layer will serve as the base of your tart.

Whipping the Cream:

Pour the whipping cream into a large bowl.
Using your electric mixer or whisk, whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks.
This means that when you lift the beaters or whisk out of the cream, the peaks should hold their shape and not droop.

Combining Cream and Caramel:

In another bowl, mix the caramel treat until it’s smooth.
Then, gently fold the whipped cream into the caramel.
Be gentle to keep the mixture light and airy.

Assembling the Tart:

Spread a layer of the cream and caramel mixture over the biscuits in your dish.
Make sure it’s even and smooth.
Grate one of the Peppermint Crisp bars over this layer, covering it with a thin layer of chocolate.

Repeating the Layers:

Add another layer of biscuits on top of the first creamy layer, followed by another layer of the cream and caramel mixture, and then another layer of grated Peppermint Crisp.
Continue this process until your dish is filled, finishing with a layer of the cream mixture.

The Final Touch:

Grate the remaining Peppermint Crisp bars over the top layer for a decadent finish.
If you like, sprinkle some fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and freshness.

Chilling:

Cover your dish with cling film and refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
This allows the biscuits to soften and the flavours to meld together, creating a wonderfully creamy, crunchy, and minty dessert.

Tips and Variations for Perfecting Your Peppermint Crisp Tart

Now that you’ve got the basic recipe down, let’s delve into some tips and tricks that will help you elevate your Peppermint Crisp Tart, as well as some variations to suit different tastes and occasions.

Tips for Success

Let It Set: Patience is key! Allowing your tart to chill and set properly in the fridge is crucial. It not only helps the layers to firm up but also makes slicing much easier.
Even Layers: Aim for uniform layers by spreading each layer of cream and caramel mixture smoothly and evenly. This not only makes for a prettier tart but also ensures a balanced mix of flavours and textures in every bite.
Crunchy Texture: For an added crunch, consider adding a layer of crushed Peppermint Crisp bars between the biscuit layers. This introduces an extra textural element that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers.
Serving Tip: Dip your knife in hot water before slicing the tart. This makes cutting through the layers cleaner and easier, ensuring each piece looks as good as it tastes.

Variations to Explore

Chocolate Biscuit Base: For chocolate lovers, swap out the Tennis biscuits for a chocolate-flavoured biscuit. This will add a deeper chocolate flavour to your tart.
Individual Servings: Instead of making one large tart, consider layering the ingredients in individual glass cups or jars. This is especially great for parties and makes for a lovely presentation.
Vegan Version: To make a vegan version of this dessert, use coconut cream instead of whipping cream, a vegan caramel alternative, and a vegan peppermint chocolate. Many stores offer plant-based versions of these ingredients, making it easy to adapt the recipe.
Seasonal Flavours: For a festive twist, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream and caramel mixture. This can give the tart a warm, spicy note that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Fresh Mint Infusion: If you enjoy the refreshing taste of mint, consider infusing the cream with fresh mint leaves before whipping. Simply heat the cream with mint leaves until warm (not boiling), then cool and strain. This will imbue the cream with a subtle, fresh mint flavour that complements the peppermint chocolate.

Has this guide helped you in your culinary journey?

We’d love to hear about your experience with making the Peppermint Crisp Tart, any variations you tried, and how it was received by your friends and family.

Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to explore and share the wonders of cooking.