Description

These Peppermint Mocha Pudding Parfaits are a rich and creamy easy recipe that feels perfect for the holidays, cozy dessert nights, and festive food ideas. Layers of silky chocolate mocha pudding, fluffy whipped cream, and crushed peppermint make this a beautiful make-ahead treat for parties, dinner ideas, special occasions, and sweet cravings when you want an easy dessert with bakery-style flavor.

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3 tablespoons cornstarch

3 egg yolks

4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

1 cup whipped cream

1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

2 tablespoons chocolate syrup

1 tablespoon chocolate shavings

6 fresh mint leaves

Instructions

1. Whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch in a medium saucepan.

2. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.

3. Cook over medium heat, whisking often, until the mixture is hot but not boiling.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks.

5. Slowly whisk a few spoonfuls of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks to temper them.

6. Pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan and cook, whisking constantly, until the pudding thickens.

7. Remove from the heat and stir in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate, espresso powder, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth.

8. Divide the pudding into serving glasses or transfer to a bowl and cover the surface with plastic wrap.

9. Chill for at least 2 hours until cold and set.

10. Top with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, chocolate syrup, chocolate shavings, and mint leaves before serving.

Notes

Do not rush the stovetop stage or let the pudding boil hard, because overheating can make the eggs curdle and leave the texture grainy instead of smooth.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 parfait
Calories: 410
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: peppermint mocha pudding parfaits, holiday dessert, easy dessert, chocolate peppermint dessert, make-ahead dessert, festive dessert, dessert ideas, easy recipe, food ideas