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Christmas Parfaits are layered with brownie, peppermint white chocolate pudding, and fresh whipped cream. A rich, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert!
Table of Contents
Layers of Brownies and Peppermint Pudding
These Christmas Parfaits are so easy to make and so yummy! You just can’t beat the combination of chocolate and peppermint. I am always looking for something new to serve to family and friends during the holidays, and this recipe is perfect! This dessert took me less than 15 minutes to make up and it tastes like something much more fancy! When you get all the flavors in one bite – the fudge-y chocolate, the cool peppermint, and the creamy homemade whipped cream – it really tastes like a dessert from an upscale restaurant!
If you love peppermint, try our Peppermint Bark Brownies, or our Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Want more parfaits/trifles? Try our Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle! Any of these delicious desserts will be a great addition to your Christmas menu!
Ingredients In Christmas Parfaits
- Brownie mix – prepared and cut into tiny squares
- White chocolate instant pudding mix or cheesecake instant pudding mix
- Milk
- Peppermint extract
- Whipping cream (or whipped heavy cream)
- Powdered sugar
- Peppermints – crushed for garnish
Alternative Ingredient Ideas
If you’re not a fan of certain layers of the parfait, here are some other ideas for layers or toppings to sprinkle on the parfait:
- Chocolate syrup
- Fresh raspberries
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Chocolate shavings
- Mint sprigs
- Vanilla or peppermint ice cream
Tips for Making this Recipe
For the brownies, you can use any recipe you’d like – boxed or homemade brownies from scratch. I like the more fudge-y brownie mixes, but you can use any recipe. You could even get store-bought brownies or brownie bites if you are pressed for time.
Make sure that you do not over-whip the whipped cream, it will get really runny. Mix it just until the stiff peaks form.
I would not recommend eating the pudding and peppermint mixture by itself, it will taste VERY peppermint-y, but once it is mixed in with all the other flavors, it is perfect!
If you are feeding a large crowd, you could also make this in a large trifle bowl for guests instead of individual parfait glasses. You can also use crushed up candy cane pieces instead of the round peppermint candy.
If you are looking for other parfait and trifle recipes, try our Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle or our Triple Chocolate Trifle.
Read Next: Christmas Dessert Ideas
Other Holiday Recipes You’ll Love
Between treats for the neighbors, holiday parties, and get togethers with friends and family, there are so many opportunities during this time of year to try new delicious recipes! Check out some of our family favorite recipes below and leave us a comment telling us one of your favorite holiday recipes!
- Caramel Popcorn
- Easy Chocolate Cake with Cherry Topping
- Raspberry Hot Chocolate
- Moose Munch Popcorn
- White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Swirls
- Cupcake Christmas Tree
- English Toffee
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
- Chocolate Orange Cookies
- White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Brownies
- Andes Mint Cookies
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re crunched for time, Cool Whip has a better consistency for this recipe, but it really tastes best when you take the time to make it out of the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar.
The best order to stack the layers is pudding, brownie, then whipped cream. This configuration of the parfait sits the best and gives the best flavor combo. Make sure the very top layer is whipped cream so then the crushed peppermint candies stick.
Yes, above the instructions for the recipe there is an icon that will let you show images or hide images.
Christmas Parfaits
Equipment
- Hand Mixer
Ingredients
- 1 brownie mix prepared
- 5 ounces white chocolate instant pudding mix or cheesecake instant pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 drops red food coloring (optional)
- 1 pint whipping cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Peppermints crushed for garnish
Instructions
- Cut prepared brownies into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine pudding mix, milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring (optional). Let sit for 5 minutes.
- While pudding is setting up, combine whipping cream and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Whip until stiff peaks form.
- In small parfait glasses, layer brownie pieces, pudding, and whipped cream. Top with crushed peppermint pieces.
Notes
Recipe Tips:
- For the brownies, you can use any recipe you like – boxed or from scratch. I like the more fudge-y brownie mixes, but you can use any recipe. You could even get store-bought brownies or brownie bites if you are pressed for time.
- Make sure that you do not over-whip the whipped cream, it will get really runny. Mix it just until the stiff peaks form.
- I would not recommend eating the pudding and peppermint mixture by itself, it will taste VERY peppermint-y, but once it is mixed in with all the other flavors it is perfect!
- If you are feeding a large crowd, you could also make this in a large trifle bowl instead of individual parfait glasses.
- You can also use crushed up candy cane pieces instead of the round peppermints.
Can you make this early in the day and store in refrigerator after it is,assembled
Yes, that will work great!
The perfect easy, tasty recipe to get me excited about the holidays! Can’t wait to whip this up!
why am i not eating this right now? it looks so good I can’t wait to try it!
Love the presentation, the flavors and the combinations to this Brownie Parfaits. I just want to grab a bite. Delicious and creamy and yum.
These look so festive and delicious! Parfaits make everything so much more fun! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Such a beautiful dessert you got there. Love the association to the peppermint!