There are few South African desserts as iconic—or as addictive—as Peppermint Crisp Tert. Sweet, creamy, minty, and crunchy, this no-bake fridge tart has graced family tables, braai nights, birthdays, and Sunday lunches for generations. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t just satisfy a sweet tooth—it brings back memories.
If you grew up in South Africa, chances are you’ve had more than one helping of this minty masterpiece made by a mom, ouma, or tannie with a generous hand and a full heart.
Ready to make your own? Let’s go!
🍫 What Makes It So Special?
Peppermint Crisp Tert is a layered dessert that combines:
- Crunchy Tennis biscuits (coconut-flavoured tea biscuits)
- Lush layers of whipped cream and caramel treat
- Generous shavings of Peppermint Crisp chocolate
The result? A heavenly combination of textures and flavours—cool, creamy, chocolatey, with that signature peppermint crunch.
🧁 Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
- 2 packets Tennis Biscuits
- 500 ml whipping cream (or Crème fraîche for a tangier version)
- 1 tin (360g) Caramel Treat (or Dulce de Leche)
- 150 g Peppermint Crisp chocolate (grated or crushed)
👩🍳 Method: Step-by-Step
1. Whip the Cream
In a large bowl, whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks. If you’re using Crème fraîche, just stir until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Caramel
Fold the caramel treat gently into the whipped cream until fully combined. Be careful not to knock too much air out—you want it light and fluffy.
3. Layer It Up
In a rectangular or square dish (roughly 20x20cm works well), start layering:
- First, a single layer of Tennis biscuits (break to fit as needed).
- Then a layer of the caramel-cream mixture.
- Sprinkle a layer of crushed Peppermint Crisp chocolate.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used—usually two full rounds of biscuits, cream mixture, and chocolate. Make sure the final top layer is cream and a good amount of chocolate sprinkled on top!
4. Chill and Set
Cover the dish with cling film or a lid and place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This gives the biscuits time to soften and the flavours to meld into creamy, minty perfection.
🌿 Optional Extras:
- Add mint leaves for garnish
- Drizzle with melted chocolate just before serving
- Layer in mini dessert glasses for individual servings
❤️ Why We Love It
- No baking required
- Can be made ahead of time
- Perfect for hot summer days
- Always disappears fast!
A True South African Treat
Whether you’re serving it at a braai, bringing it to a potluck, or just craving something nostalgic and indulgent, Peppermint Crisp Tert hits all the right notes. It’s the dessert equivalent of a hug from home.
So, whip it, layer it, chill it—and enjoy every spoonful.
Dis nou regtig lekker, né!