Is there anything better than a dessert that feels festive but doesn’t require you to turn on the oven? These Candy Cane Brownie Parfaits are my answer to the holiday hustle. They layer rich, fudgy brownie bites with fluffy peppermint whipped cream and crunchy candy cane bits for a treat that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. It’s the perfect make-ahead solution for your Christmas party or a cozy family night. So easy.
Top Reasons To Make It
First, these parfaits are a total crowd-pleaser. Kids adore the candy canes, and adults love the sophisticated mint-chocolate combo. Second, you can make every component ahead of time. Use store-bought brownies to save even more time, or bake your favorite boxed mix. And finally, they’re just so versatile. Serve them in fancy glasses for a party or simple mason jars for a casual family treat.
Ingredients
- 1 (18-20 oz) box brownie mix, plus ingredients to prepare it (or 4 cups of store-bought brownie bites, chopped)
- 2 cups heavy cream, very cold
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp pure peppermint extract
- 5-6 regular-sized candy canes, crushed (about 1/2 cup), plus more for garnish
- Optional: 2-3 drops red food coloring for a pink swirl
Instructions
- Bake the brownies according to the package directions for an 8×8 pan. You want them to be fudgy, not cakey, so lean toward the shorter bake time. Let them cool completely, then chop into small, bite-sized pieces.
- While the brownies cool, make the peppermint whipped cream. In a large, chilled bowl, combine the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This should take about 3-4 minutes. If you’re using the food coloring, gently fold it in at the end for a swirled effect.
- Gently fold about 1/4 cup of the crushed candy canes into the whipped cream. Be careful not to overmix, as the candy canes will start to bleed their color.
- Now, assemble your parfaits. In each glass, start with a layer of brownie pieces. Top with a generous dollop of the peppermint whipped cream. Repeat the layers, finishing with a swirl of cream on top.
- Garnish each parfait with a sprinkle of the remaining crushed candy canes. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to enjoy.
Tips For Success
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping the cream. It whips up faster and holds its shape better.
- Don’t crush the candy canes into a fine powder. You want little crunchy bits for texture!
- Honestly, if you’re not a huge peppermint fan, you can cut the extract down to 1 teaspoon. The candy cane garnish will still give you that holiday flavor.
- For the cleanest layers, use a piping bag to add the whipped cream. But a spoon works just fine, too—my kitchen is all about joyful messes, remember?
- Let the brownies cool completely before chopping. Warm brownies will make your whipped cream melt.
Variations & Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Use a can of full-fat coconut cream that’s been chilled overnight. Scoop out the solid cream and whip it with the powdered sugar and peppermint extract.
- Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free brownie mix. Most are excellent these days.
- Flavor Twist: Add a layer of chocolate pudding between the brownie and cream for an even richer treat.
- No Candy Canes? A sprinkle of chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate sauce works wonderfully.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These parfaits are a star among simple Christmas desserts all on their own. For a holiday party, set up a parfait bar with small glasses and let everyone build their own with different toppings like hot fudge, caramel sauce, or extra brownie chunks. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. And if you’re looking for other Christmas food ideas, they’re a sweet follow-up to savory Christmas appetizers like mini quiches or baked brie.
Storage & Reheating
Assembled parfaits are best enjoyed the day they’re made, as the candy canes will slowly dissolve into the cream. You can store the components separately for up to 3 days. Keep the whipped cream in an airtight container in the fridge and the brownie pieces at room temperature in a sealed container. Assemble just before serving. These do not freeze well because the whipped cream will become grainy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I make this dessert ahead of time? A: Absolutely! Bake and cube the brownies up to 2 days ahead. The whipped cream can be made 1 day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk before assembling.
- Q: What are some other easy Christmas treats? A: If you love these, you might also enjoy Christmas rice crispy treats drizzled with white chocolate or a simple gingerbread loaf. Both are fantastic, easy holiday treats.
- Q: My whipped cream won’t stiffen. What did I do wrong? A: The most common culprit is that your cream or bowl wasn’t cold enough. Pop it all back in the fridge for 20 minutes and try again!
