Peppermint Crisp Tart History
Here in South Africa, we hold our desserts dear to our hearts, and the Peppermint Crisp Tart is a beloved classic. It is a no-bake dessert that hails from the heartland of Mzansi, getting its name from its key ingredient, the Peppermint Crisp chocolate bar. This candy bar is a true blue South African favourite that features a mint-flavoured crisp coated in rich milk chocolate. Combine this with a blend of cream and caramel, layer it between hearty Tennis biscuits, and you have the makings of a truly scrumptious peppermint crisp tart.
Tips & Tricks
My top tip for making this tart is to let it chill overnight. This allows the Tennis biscuits to soften and meld with the caramel and cream mixture, making it just heavenly to bite into. Don’t skimp on the Peppermint Crisp either; it’s the star of the show, after all. Just remember, patience is key with this tart – the longer it rests, the more magnificent the taste.
Best Occasions to Serve Peppermint Crisp Tart
Peppermint Crisp Tart can turn any gathering into a celebration. It is an indulgent treat making it perfect for birthdays, big family dinners, and festive occasions. Picture yourself on a hot Christmas day in the South African summer, slim slice of this chilled tart in hand – perfect, right?
Recipes & Sides That Go Well With Peppermint Crisp Tart
- Malva pudding: A sweet, spongy, apricot jam pudding of Cape Dutch origin that pairs well with the crisp tart.
- Koeksisters: A classic South African pastry – syrup-coated and braided, it adds a different texture.
- Melktert: Another beloved dessert, it offers a lighter, more subtle flavour that complements the tart.
- Vanilla ice cream: Always a hit with any dessert, and adds an extra cooling element to the tart.
Ingredient Alternatives for Peppermint Crisp Tart
- Any crisp chocolate bar can be used in place of Peppermint Crisp, consider Crunchie or 5 Star for alternatives.
- Ginger biscuits or Graham crackers could substitute Tennis biscuits.
- Whipping cream can be used instead of fresh cream.
Troubleshooting (Common Problems)
- The tart is too runny: Likely, it hasn’t been chilled long enough; try refrigerating for a few more hours.
- Biscuits remain hard: The caramel and cream mixture needs more time to soak into the biscuits – again, give it time.
- Peppermint crisp isn’t evenly distributed: Make sure to grate it finely and spread it evenly between layers.
Peppermint Crisp Tart Alternatives and Similar Recipes
- Milk Tart: A classic South African dessert, with a sweet pastry crust and a creamy custard filling.
- Caramel Fridge Tart: A chilled dessert, similar to the Peppermint Crisp Tart but without the chocolate mint element.
- Chocolate Eclair Tart: A no-bake tart with layers of biscuits, whipped cream and a rich chocolate topping.
- Jam Tart: A jam tart is another South African classic that can be found in most cuisines worldwide. Try it out for a fruitier alternative.