Peppermint Crisp Tart Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe

Okay, let’s dive into the delicious world of Peppermint Crisp Tart Ice Cream Sandwiches! This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a nostalgic trip for many, and an exciting discovery for others. The first time I decided to transform South Africa’s beloved Peppermint Crisp Tart into a frozen, hand-held delight, my family was skeptical. “Why mess with perfection?” my husband chuckled. But when I presented these perfectly chilled, crunchy, creamy, minty-chocolatey sandwiches on a hot summer afternoon, the skepticism melted away faster than the ice cream would have if they hadn’t devoured them so quickly. The kids, usually partial to store-bought ice pops, declared these their “new favorite ever,” and even my discerning mother-in-law, a Peppermint Crisp Tart purist, admitted they were “utterly divine.” The combination of the buttery, crumbly Tennis biscuits, the rich, sweet caramel, the cool, airy cream, and the iconic crunch and minty zing of Peppermint Crisp chocolate, all frozen into a convenient sandwich form, is simply irresistible. It’s become our go-to treat for braais, birthday parties, or just when we need a special pick-me-up.

The Ultimate Peppermint Crisp Tart Ice Cream Sandwiches: A Decadent Delight

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that combines the iconic flavors of a South African classic with the universally loved format of an ice cream sandwich. This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of textures and tastes that will leave everyone speechless and reaching for another. We’re talking layers of minty, chocolatey, caramelly goodness, sandwiched between crisp, buttery biscuits. It’s a no-bake wonder that’s perfect for any occasion, especially when you want to impress without spending hours in a hot kitchen.

Ingredients: Crafting Your Masterpiece

To create these sensational Peppermint Crisp Tart Ice Cream Sandwiches, you’ll need a handful of simple yet magical ingredients. Precision is key for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• Tennis Biscuits (or similar plain, rectangular tea biscuits): 2 packets (200g / 7oz each). You’ll need enough for the base, a middle layer (optional), and the “sandwich” tops and bottoms. Graham crackers or digestive biscuits can be used as alternatives, but Tennis biscuits provide that authentic South African flavor.
• Caramel Treat (Dulce de Leche): 1 can (360g – 385g / approx. 13.4oz). Ensure it’s the thick, spreadable kind. If you can only find sweetened condensed milk, you can make your own dulce de leche by boiling the unopened can (fully submerged in water) for 2-3 hours, but pre-made Caramel Treat is a huge time-saver.
• Fresh Cream (Whipping Cream or Heavy Cream): 500ml (approx. 2 cups), ensure it has at least 35% fat content for optimal whipping. Keep it well-chilled before whipping.
• Peppermint Crisp Chocolate Bars: 3 x 150g large bars (or about 6-8 standard smaller bars). This is the star ingredient, so don’t skimp! The unique texture of the brittle, mint-flavored crystals encased in milk chocolate is irreplaceable.
• Vanilla Extract (Optional): 1 teaspoon. This can enhance the creamy notes, but it’s not strictly traditional.
• A pinch of Salt (Optional): Just a tiny pinch mixed into the caramel can balance the sweetness.

Instructions: Step-by-Step to Frozen Bliss

Follow these detailed instructions to assemble your Peppermint Crisp Tart Ice Cream Sandwiches. The process is straightforward, mostly involving layering and chilling.

Phase 1: Preparing the Components

1. Prepare Your Pan: Line a 20cm x 30cm (approx. 8×12 inch) rectangular baking dish or freezer-safe container with two layers of cling film (plastic wrap), leaving a generous overhang on all sides. This will make it much easier to lift the frozen slab out later. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper.
2. Crush the Biscuits (for the filling layer): Take about half of one packet of Tennis biscuits (around 100g). Place them in a ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin until you have a mixture of fine crumbs and small, irregular pieces. You want some texture, not just dust. Set aside.
3. Chop/Crush the Peppermint Crisp: Roughly chop or bash two of the large Peppermint Crisp bars (or 4-5 smaller ones). You can do this by placing them in a ziplock bag and gently hitting them with a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet. Aim for a mix of small chunks and shards, not powder. The texture is key! Reserve the remaining bar for garnishing later.
4. Whip the Cream: In a large, chilled mixing bowl, pour the cold fresh cream. Using an electric mixer (or a whisk and some serious elbow grease), whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, or it will turn into butter. Stiff peaks mean that when you lift the beaters, the cream holds its shape and the peaks stand upright without collapsing. If using, whisk in the vanilla extract at this stage.
5. Prepare the Caramel: Open the can of Caramel Treat. If it’s very stiff, give it a good stir in its can or transfer it to a small bowl and whisk until slightly loosened. A tiny pinch of salt, if using, can be stirred in now.

Phase 2: Assembling the “Ice Cream” Slab

1. Combine Caramel and Cream: Gently fold the loosened Caramel Treat into the whipped cream using a spatula. Don’t overmix; you want to retain the airiness of the cream. Streaks of caramel are perfectly fine and visually appealing.
2. Fold in Peppermint Crisp and Crushed Biscuits: Gently fold the chopped Peppermint Crisp chocolate and the crushed Tennis biscuits (from step 2 in Phase 1) into the caramel-cream mixture. Again, mix until just combined to maintain a light texture.

Phase 3: Layering and Freezing

1. First Biscuit Layer (Base of the Slab): Arrange a single, neat layer of whole Tennis biscuits on the bottom of your prepared cling-film-lined dish. Pack them tightly, cutting them to fit if necessary to cover the entire base. This will become one side of your ice cream sandwiches.
2. Spread the Filling: Carefully spoon the Peppermint Crisp-caramel-cream mixture over the layer of biscuits. Spread it evenly using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, ensuring it reaches all corners.
3. Optional Middle Crumb/Chocolate Layer: If desired, you can sprinkle a thin layer of extra crushed biscuits or some more finely chopped Peppermint Crisp over the cream mixture for an added textural surprise within the ice cream.
4. Top with More Crushed Peppermint Crisp: Take the remaining Peppermint Crisp bar, crush it coarsely, and sprinkle it generously over the top of the cream mixture. This not only adds flavor and crunch but also looks fantastic.
5. Freeze: Cover the dish tightly with more cling film (or the overhanging pieces). Place it in the freezer for at least 6-8 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely firm and frozen solid. This extended freezing time is crucial for clean cuts.

Phase 4: Cutting and Assembling the Sandwiches

1. Remove from Pan: Once frozen solid, use the overhanging cling film to carefully lift the entire frozen slab out of the dish and onto a clean cutting board. Peel away the cling film.
2. Trim and Cut: Using a large, sharp knife (dipping it in hot water and wiping it dry between cuts can help make cleaner cuts), trim the edges of the frozen slab for neatness (the trimmings are a chef’s treat!). Then, cut the slab into squares or rectangles, roughly the size of two Tennis biscuits side-by-side or one large Tennis biscuit, depending on how you want to form your sandwiches. Aim for a size that will comfortably fit between two whole biscuits.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches: Take two whole Tennis biscuits. Place one of your frozen Peppermint Crisp Tart squares/rectangles on one biscuit. Gently press the other biscuit on top to form a sandwich.
4. Serve or Re-freeze:
   • Serve Immediately: If serving right away, enjoy the delightful contrast of crisp biscuit and frozen, creamy filling.
   • Re-freeze for Later: For best results and to allow the biscuits to meld slightly with the filling, place the assembled sandwiches back in the freezer on a tray lined with parchment paper for at least another 30 minutes to an hour. Once firm, you can transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or wrap them individually in cling film or wax paper for longer storage.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12-16 ice cream sandwiches, depending on the size you cut them.
• Calories per serving (approximate): Each Peppermint Crisp Tart Ice Cream Sandwich is a decadent treat. Estimating calories can be tricky due to variations in ingredient brands and exact serving sizes. However, a rough estimate would be around 350-450 calories per sandwich.
  • Disclaimer: This is a dessert meant for indulgence. The nutritional information is an estimate and should be considered as such. It’s high in sugars and fats, characteristic of such a rich treat.

Preparation Time

Understanding the time commitment helps in planning. This recipe is quick in active time but requires patience for freezing.

• Active Preparation Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes (this includes crushing biscuits, chopping chocolate, whipping cream, and assembling the layers).
• Freezing Time (Initial Slab): Minimum 6-8 hours, preferably overnight (12 hours for best results).
• Assembly and Final Freeze (Optional): 10-15 minutes for cutting and assembling, plus an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour for the assembled sandwiches to firm up in the freezer.
• Total Time (including freezing): Approximately 7-13 hours.

How to Serve: Presenting Your Frozen Masterpieces

These Peppermint Crisp Tart Ice Cream Sandwiches are delightful on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate their presentation and enjoyment:

• Classic Simplicity:
  • Serve them straight from the freezer on a chilled platter. Their inherent beauty needs little adornment.
• Party Perfect:
  • Arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for an impressive display at parties or gatherings.
  • Individually wrap them in decorative wax paper tied with baker’s twine for a charming, portable treat at picnics or braais (barbecues).
• A Touch of Elegance:
  • Drizzle the serving plate (or the top biscuit of the sandwich just before serving) with a little melted dark chocolate or extra caramel sauce for a more gourmet look.
  • Dust lightly with cocoa powder or powdered sugar.
• Accompaniments:
  • Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or rooibos tea to balance the sweetness and coldness.
  • A small scoop of plain vanilla ice cream or a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream can complement the rich flavors if you’re feeling extra indulgent (though they are rich enough on their own!).
  • Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries can add a tart counterpoint.
• Deconstructed Fun:
  • For a playful twist, serve a slice of the frozen “tart” filling with biscuits on the side, allowing guests to make their own mini-sandwiches or enjoy it like a slice of ice cream cake.

Additional Tips for Peppermint Perfection

Unlock the full potential of your Peppermint Crisp Tart Ice Cream Sandwiches with these expert tips:

1. Quality is Key: Use good quality Peppermint Crisp chocolate and fresh, high-fat whipping cream. The flavor of these core ingredients really shines through. Authentic South African Tennis biscuits are highly recommended for the signature taste, but if unavailable, choose a plain, buttery, slightly malty rectangular biscuit.
2. Don’t Overwhip or Overmix: When whipping the cream, stop as soon as stiff peaks form. Overwhipping will result in a grainy, buttery texture. Similarly, when folding in the caramel and Peppermint Crisp, mix gently and just until combined to keep the mixture light and airy.
3. Chill Your Caramel (Slightly): If your Caramel Treat is at room temperature and seems very runny, chilling it in the fridge for 30 minutes before incorporating it into the cream can help maintain the whipped cream’s volume. However, don’t let it get too stiff, or it will be hard to fold.
4. Freeze Thoroughly for Clean Cuts: Patience is a virtue here. Ensure the slab is frozen completely solid before attempting to cut it. A very sharp, long knife, dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts, will make the process much smoother and give you neater edges.
5. Get Creative with Variations (Once you’ve mastered the classic!):
   • Different Biscuits: Experiment with ginger snaps for a spicy kick, chocolate biscuits for extra decadence, or even shortbread.
   • Caramel Swirl: For a more pronounced caramel flavor, reserve a few tablespoons of Caramel Treat and swirl it over the top of the cream mixture before adding the final Peppermint Crisp topping and freezing.
   • Extra Mint: For die-hard mint fans, a drop or two of peppermint extract can be added to the cream mixture, but use sparingly as it can be overpowering.
   • Chocolate Dip: For an ultra-luxurious version, dip one half of each assembled ice cream sandwich in melted milk or dark chocolate and let it set in the freezer.

FAQ Section: Your Peppermint Crisp Queries Answered

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about making Peppermint Crisp Tart Ice Cream Sandwiches:

1. Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
   A: Absolutely! These are perfect for making ahead. Once assembled and individually wrapped (or stored in an airtight container separated by parchment paper), they can be kept in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks, although they are best enjoyed within the first week for optimal biscuit crispness and flavor.
2. Q: What if I can’t find Peppermint Crisp chocolate bars?
   A: Peppermint Crisp is quite unique due to its brittle, crystalline mint filling. If you absolutely cannot find it, you could try a combination of good quality milk chocolate chopped up with crushed peppermint candies or mint-flavored chocolate Aero bars for a somewhat similar minty crunch, but the texture and taste will be different. Sourcing genuine Peppermint Crisp online might be your best bet for authenticity.
3. Q: My Caramel Treat (Dulce de Leche) is too thick/thin. What should I do?
   A: If it’s too thick, you can gently warm it for a few seconds in the microwave (transfer to a microwave-safe bowl first) or stir in a teaspoon of hot water or milk at a time until it reaches a more pliable consistency. If it’s too thin (less common for canned varieties), unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to thicken it quickly without altering the recipe. Ensure you’re using a good quality, thick Caramel Treat.
4. Q: How do I prevent the biscuits from getting soggy too quickly?
   A: The biscuits will inevitably soften slightly over time as they absorb moisture from the frozen filling, which is part of the charm for many. To minimize this:
   • Ensure the filling is frozen very solid before assembling the final sandwiches.
   • Assemble the sandwiches just before serving or freeze them immediately after assembly.
   • If storing for longer, wrapping them individually can help.
   • Some people enjoy the slightly softened biscuit texture that develops after a day or two in the freezer.
5. Q: Can I make a smaller batch?
   A: Yes, you can halve the recipe. Use a smaller dish (e.g., a loaf pan) for freezing the slab. Adjust ingredient quantities accordingly. It’s quite a rich dessert, so a smaller batch might be perfect for smaller households or if you’re just testing it out. Remember, any “scraps” or “imperfect” cuts from a smaller batch are still delicious!

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