When the holidays roll around, there’s something about the blend of cool peppermint and creamy white chocolate that instantly feels like celebration. One evening, craving a festive treat that was both elegant and surprisingly simple to make, I whipped up this Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Tart—and it quickly became the star of every gathering. The rich, velvety filling balanced by crisp peppermint crunch creates a magical flavor duo that’s as comforting as it is dazzling. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or just want to indulge in a homey dessert that feels special, this tart hits all the right notes—without hours in the kitchen. Let me show you how to bring a little winter wonderland to your table this season!
Why try this Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Tart?
Unforgettable Flavor Combo: The blend of creamy white chocolate and refreshing peppermint is pure holiday magic. Effortless Elegance: Simple steps create a stunning, crowd-pleasing dessert. Textural Delight: Creamy filling meets crisp peppermint crunch for perfect balance. Festive Flair: Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. Time-Saving Treat: Ready without hours of prep, letting you enjoy the season more.
Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Tart Ingredients
For the Tart Crust
- Graham cracker crumbs – Use finely crushed crumbs for a crisp, buttery base that holds the tart together.
- Melted butter – Adds richness and helps bind the crumbs into a sturdy crust.
- Sugar – A touch of sweetness enhances the crust’s flavor without overpowering the peppermint.
For the White Chocolate Filling
- White chocolate chips – Choose high-quality chips for creamy, smooth melting and that classic sweet flavor.
- Heavy cream – Whipped to soft peaks, it creates the velvety texture that makes this tart irresistible.
- Cream cheese – Adds a slight tang and firmness to balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Vanilla extract – Boosts the white chocolate’s richness with a warm, aromatic note.
For the Peppermint Touch
- Peppermint extract – Use sparingly to infuse a refreshing holiday spirit without overwhelming the white chocolate.
- Crushed peppermint candies – Sprinkle on top for a crunchy, festive finish that also decorates your tart beautifully.
This Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Tart recipe uses simple, heartwarming ingredients to bring a sparkling touch to your holiday dessert table.
How to Make Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Tart
For the Crust:
- Preheat & Crush: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, stir graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until golden and evenly moistened.
- Press & Bake: Press crumb mixture firmly into a 9-inch tart pan until evenly distributed. Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, then cool completely on a wire rack.
For the Filling:
- Melt & Whisk: Heat heavy cream until just simmering, pour over white chocolate chips, let sit 1–2 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Mix & Chill: Beat cream cheese and vanilla to a silky texture. Fold in white chocolate mixture, then chill 30 minutes until slightly firm.
For the Peppermint Topping:
- Garnish & Serve: Evenly sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the chilled filling, let the bright red and white pieces glisten, then gently press for a festive crunch finish.
Optional: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for extra festive contrast.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Tart preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the tart crust up to 3 days in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator to maintain its crispness. The white chocolate filling can also be made ahead; just prepare it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving. When you’re ready to garnish, simply add the crushed peppermint candies on top right before serving to keep them crunchy and visually appealing. This way, you’ll have a stunning, festive dessert that is just as delicious as if it were made fresh on the day!
Expert Tips for Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Tart
- Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for premium white chocolate chips to ensure a silky, rich filling that melts smoothly without seizing.
- Avoid Overbaking Crust: Bake the crust just until golden to keep it crisp without drying it out or making it too hard to slice.
- Temper Peppermint Extract: Add peppermint extract sparingly; too much can overpower the white chocolate’s delicate sweetness.
- Chill Thoroughly: Let the filling chill until firm to achieve that perfect creamy texture and easy slicing.
- Crush Candies Uniformly: For a balanced crunch and beautiful presentation, crush peppermint candies into varied small pieces, not dust.
What to Serve with Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Tart?
When crafting the perfect holiday feast, pairing this tart with delightful accompaniments can elevate your festive experience.
-
Rich Coffee: A warm, robust coffee balances the sweetness of the tart, enhancing your dessert’s flavors beautifully.
-
Spiced Hot Chocolate: Cozy and comforting, a cup of spiced hot cocoa adds an indulgent touch that complements the creamy white chocolate.
-
Cranberry Sauce: Tangy and vibrant, a side of cranberry sauce brings a fresh tartness that contrasts seamlessly with the sweet richness of the dessert.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream offers a cool, smooth finish, creating a heavenly combination when served alongside the warm tart.
-
Chai Tea: The aromatic spices of chai tea harmonize perfectly with the peppermint, creating a festive atmosphere during every bite.
-
Mixed Berry Salad: A light and refreshing berry salad adds a burst of vibrancy, balancing out the richness of the tart while keeping your palate excited.
-
Sparkling Wine: Celebrate with a glass of bubbly! Sparkling wine’s effervescence cuts through the sweetness, making each taste feel festive and special.
-
Peppermint White Chocolate Latte: Continue the flavor theme with a latte that mirrors the dessert, amplifying its delightful flavor profile in your holiday gathering.
Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Tart Variations
Feel free to get creative with this festive tart and make it your own!
-
Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and cream cheese with vegan cream cheese for a delicious plant-based option.
Using coconut cream adds a subtle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with white chocolate. -
Nutty Twist: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, into the crust for a crunchy surprise.
The added texture enhances the crust, giving it a delightful nutty flavor that complements the sweet filling. -
Mint Chocolate: Mix in a handful of dark chocolate chips with the white chocolate for a rich, decadent layer.
This variation brings a chocolatey depth that balances perfectly with the refreshing peppermint. -
Fruit Infusion: Add a layer of raspberry or strawberry purée under the filling for a fruity contrast to the creamy tart.
The vibrant berries add a delightful tang that freshens up the otherwise sweet dessert, making each bite burst with flavor. -
Spiced Variation: Blend in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg with the filling for a warm, spicy note that screams holidays.
These warm spices introduce a cozy twist, making it feel even more festive while enhancing the chocolate flavors. -
Boozy Add-In: For adults only, a splash of peppermint schnapps in the filling adds a delightful kick of flavor.
This twist doesn’t just amp up the mint, it makes for a grown-up treat that’s unforgettable at holiday gatherings. -
Gluten-Free: Swap graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free cookies or almond flour to make it accessible for all.
You’ll still achieve that perfect crumbly crust, and nobody will know the difference! -
Chocolate Drizzle: Top the tart with a generous drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.
This lovely contrast not only enhances the flavor but also adds a glam finish to the dessert presentation.
Play around with these variations to find your favorite flavor combinations and enjoy a sweet twist on this holiday classic!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Tart
Fridge: Store the tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days to preserve its creamy texture and refreshing flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the tart—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Tart overnight in the fridge for best texture before serving.
Reheating: If you prefer a warm filling, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but avoid overheating to maintain its creaminess.
Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Tart Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my white chocolate chips are good quality for this tart?
Look for white chocolate chips that are creamy and smooth with a mild, sweet aroma. High-quality chips typically contain cocoa butter rather than vegetable oils and will melt beautifully into a velvety texture without becoming grainy.
What’s the best way to store leftover Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Tart?
Absolutely store it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Keeping it chilled preserves the creamy filling and crisp peppermint without moisture softening the crust. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
Can I freeze this tart, and how should I thaw it?
Yes, freezing is a great option! Wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap first, then cover it with foil for up to 2 months to protect against freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge to maintain that luscious creamy texture. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent melting or sogginess.
What if my crust gets too hard or crumbly after baking?
If your crust feels too hard, it might have baked too long or at too high a temperature—next time, check at the 8-minute mark. If crumbly, try pressing the mixture more firmly into the pan before baking and ensure you use enough melted butter to bind the crumbs well. The perfect crust should be crisp but still tender enough to cut easily.
Is this tart safe for pets or people with peppermint allergies?
I recommend avoiding sharing this tart with pets, as peppermint extract and chocolate can be harmful to them. For those with peppermint allergies, you can omit the extract and peppermint candies or substitute with crushed candy canes without peppermint, or even fresh berries for a seasonal twist that everyone can enjoy safely.
Irresistible Christmas Peppermint White Chocolate Tart Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, stir graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until golden and evenly moistened.
- Press crumb mixture firmly into a 9-inch tart pan until evenly distributed. Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, then cool completely on a wire rack.
- Heat heavy cream until just simmering, pour over white chocolate chips, let sit 1–2 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Beat cream cheese and vanilla to a silky texture. Fold in white chocolate mixture, then chill 30 minutes until slightly firm.
- Evenly sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the chilled filling, let the bright pieces glisten, then gently press for a festive crunch finish.
