Description
Creamy, festive, and perfect for winter entertaining, these Peppermint Mocha Pudding Parfaits combine rich chocolate pudding with a touch of espresso and cool peppermint. Topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, this easy recipe makes an elegant yet effortless holiday dessert. Great for quick desserts, easy dinner ideas, or cozy holiday food ideas, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for Christmas and beyond.
Ingredients
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon espresso powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 3/4 cups whole milk
3/4 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 1/2 cups whipped cream
1/4 cup crushed candy canes
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup or chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
1. In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, espresso powder, and salt.
2. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, then place over medium heat.
3. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble (about 7–10 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
5. Add vanilla and peppermint extracts; stir well.
6. Pour pudding into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap touching the surface.
7. Chill for at least 2 hours until fully set.
8. Prepare whipped cream and crush candy canes while pudding chills.
9. Spoon pudding into serving glasses, layering with whipped cream and candy canes.
10. Top with additional whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and optional chocolate syrup or shavings.
11. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Chill your serving glasses before layering to maintain texture and presentation.
Use a piping bag for cleaner whipped cream layers if you want a professional finish.
For a stronger mocha flavor, increase espresso powder to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parfait
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: peppermint mocha dessert, holiday parfait, no-bake Christmas dessert, chocolate pudding recipe, peppermint dessert, easy pudding parfait, quick Christmas dessert