Cream Peppermint Delight (Printable version)
Smooth peppermint cream blended with vanilla, chilled for a cool, refreshing finish.
# What you need:
→ Dairy
01 - 1 cup heavy cream
02 - 1/2 cup whole milk
03 - 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
→ Sweetener
04 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Flavor
06 - 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
→ Garnish
07 - Crushed peppermint candies or chocolate shavings
08 - Fresh mint leaves
# How To:
01 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream and sugar until soft peaks form.
02 - In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
03 - Gradually mix milk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract into the cream cheese until fully combined and smooth.
04 - Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it is evenly incorporated and light.
05 - Transfer the mixture into serving glasses or bowls, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set and chilled.
06 - Before serving, garnish with crushed peppermint candies, chocolate shavings, or fresh mint leaves as preferred.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It takes barely 15 minutes to prepare and requires no cooking, so you can have dessert ready while your main course is still hot.
- The peppermint flavor is bright and refreshing without being overpowering, making it the perfect palate cleanser after rich food.
- It's naturally gluten-free and works for vegetarians, so you don't have to explain or apologize when serving to friends with different diets.
02 -
- Don't skip the softening step for the cream cheese—cold cream cheese will lump and won't incorporate smoothly no matter how hard you beat it.
- The folding step is crucial; aggressive mixing deflates the whipped cream and turns your cloud-like dessert into something dense and heavy that defeats the whole purpose.
03 -
- Use an instant-read thermometer or feel the consistency of the cream as you whip—soft peaks means it still falls when you lift the whisk, but holds its shape for a second or two.
- If your peppermint extract seems too strong after mixing, don't panic; a splash more milk can mellow it out beautifully without ruining the texture.