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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Festive and Fun: The combination of brownies and peppermint creates a holiday-inspired dessert that’s perfect for Christmas or any celebration.

  • Creamy and Decadent: The peppermint mousse adds a light, creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the rich, fudgy brownies.

  • Easy to Assemble: No need to bake a full cake or pie—this dessert is simple and easy to assemble with minimal prep time.

  • Perfect for Individual Portions: The mini parfaits make it easy to serve individual portions, ideal for parties or gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Brownies:

  • 1 box brownie mix (or homemade brownies)

  • Ingredients called for on the brownie mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)

For the Peppermint Mousse:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

  • 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (or peppermint bark)

  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for garnish)

For Assembly:

  • Crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)

  • Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Brownies:

  1. Bake the Brownies: Prepare the brownies according to the instructions on the box or your homemade recipe. Allow them to cool completely.

  2. Cut into Small Pieces: Once cooled, cut the brownies into small cubes or bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Make the Peppermint Mousse:

  1. Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

  2. Mix the Cream Cheese: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth and creamy.

  3. Combine the Whipped Cream and Cream Cheese: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and smooth. Stir in crushed peppermint candies for added flavor and texture.

Assemble the Parfaits:

  1. Layer the Parfaits: In mini glasses or dessert cups, layer the brownie cubes, followed by a spoonful of peppermint mousse. Repeat the layers until you’ve filled the glass, ending with a layer of mousse on top.

  2. Garnish: Top the parfaits with additional crushed peppermint candies and mini chocolate chips (if using). You can also add a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess and decoration.

  3. Chill: Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6-8 mini parfaits (depending on the size of the glasses or cups)

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes

  • Chilling Time: 2 hours

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

  • Vegan Version: Use dairy-free whipped cream and vegan cream cheese, along with dairy-free brownies, to make this parfait vegan-friendly.

  • Chocolate Peppermint: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for a richer, chocolatey twist to the peppermint flavor.

  • Other Flavor Extracts: Swap the peppermint extract for other holiday-inspired flavors, like almond or vanilla, to create a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store any leftover parfaits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Freezing: Freezing these parfaits is not recommended due to the whipped cream and mousse texture, which may change when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought brownies instead of making them from scratch?

Yes! Store-bought brownies or even brownie bites can save time, making this recipe even easier to prepare.

Can I make the mousse ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the peppermint mousse a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the parfaits when you’re ready to serve them.

How can I make these parfaits more festive?

Add a sprinkle of edible glitter, colored sprinkles, or a small candy cane on top for a more festive presentation.

Can I use whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought whipped topping for the homemade whipped cream in the mousse if you prefer. It will still give the mousse a light, airy texture.

How do I know when the parfaits are ready to serve?

Allow the parfaits to chill for at least 2 hours. This helps the layers set and enhances the flavors. The mousse will firm up and the parfaits will be easier to serve.

Conclusion

Mini Brownie Peppermint Parfaits are a delicious and festive dessert that combines the richness of brownies with the refreshing taste of peppermint mousse. With their creamy texture and festive flavor, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just craving a sweet treat, these parfaits are the perfect indulgence! Enjoy!

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Mini Brownie Peppermint Parfaits

Mini Brownie Peppermint Parfaits

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  • Author: Alice
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 mini parfaits
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Mini Brownie Peppermint Parfaits are a perfect combination of fudgy brownies and creamy peppermint mousse, ideal for holiday celebrations or any special occasion. This festive dessert is simple to assemble, offering individual portions of decadence with the refreshing twist of peppermint. A must-try for any chocolate and mint lover!

Ingredients

  • For the Brownies:

    • 1 box brownie mix (or homemade brownies)

    • Ingredients called for on the brownie mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)

  • For the Peppermint Mousse:

    • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

    • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

    • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

    • 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (or peppermint bark)

    • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for garnish)

  • For Assembly:

    • Crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)

  • Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Brownies:

    • Bake the brownies according to the instructions on the box or your homemade recipe. Allow them to cool completely.

    • Cut into small cubes or bite-sized pieces and set aside.

  • Make the Peppermint Mousse:

    • Whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

    • Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth and creamy.

    • Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and smooth.

    • Stir in crushed peppermint candies.

  • Assemble the Parfaits:

    • In mini glasses or dessert cups, layer the brownie cubes, followed by a spoonful of peppermint mousse. Repeat layers until the glass is filled, ending with mousse on top.

    • Garnish with crushed peppermint candies, mini chocolate chips, and whipped cream if desired.

  • Chill:

    • Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set.

Notes

Vegan Version: Use dairy-free whipped cream, vegan cream cheese, and dairy-free brownies for a vegan-friendly treat.Flavor Variations: Swap peppermint extract for other extracts like almond or vanilla for different flavor profiles.Festive Touch: Add edible glitter, colored sprinkles, or a mini candy cane for a morefestive presentation

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