This Peppermint Mousse is a perfect holiday dessert that captures the winter holiday season’s flavors. It’s light, refreshing, and has a wonderful hint of mint. You can also get creative with the presentation by layering the mousse with crushed chocolate cookies or garnishing it with a sprig of fresh mint.
TIP: There are all kinds of mint you could use instead of peppermint. The trick is finding the extracts. For DYIers, you can make your own extract at home. Take one cup of fresh, cleaned mint leaves and grind or mash them. Put the leaves in a pint-size jar. Add 1 ½ cup vodka. Cover and leave it for two months. Strain out the leaves.
Here are a few flavors you might enjoy:
- Apple mint
- Chocolate mint
- Orange mint
- Pineapple mint
- Spearmint
Holiday Peppermint Mousse
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (chilled)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- Whipped cream and additional crushed peppermint candies for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, reserving a small amount for garnish.
- Spoon the peppermint mousse into individual serving glasses or bowls.
- Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of additional crushed peppermint candies.
- Place the mousse in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Check to be sure it’s set.
- Serve chilled.