A beautifully composed overhead shot of two elegant Peppermint Mocha Pudding Parfaits in minimalist clear ceramic bowls on a wooden cutting board. The parfaits are layered with dark mocha, lighter mint chocolate, and white whipped cream, topped with bright red crushed candy canes. Soft shadows fall from natural morning light from the east window. Fresh mint sprigs and whole coffee beans are artfully scattered on the marble countertop around the wooden cutting board, adding to the warm tones and authentic messiness.

Peppermint Mocha Pudding Parfaits: Easy Holiday Dessert

ByMaya
A mid-shot showcasing the layering process of Peppermint Mocha Pudding Parfaits. One partially assembled parfait in a clear ceramic bowl sits on the same wooden cutting board, with a spoonful of peppermint chocolate pudding gently added over a mocha layer. Small bowls of the prepared mocha and peppermint pudding mixes, along with a container of whipped cream and a small pile of crushed candy canes, are visible on the marble countertop with wood accents in the background. Natural morning light from the east window creates soft shadows, hinting at the authentic messiness of a busy kitchen.
Peppermint Mocha Pudding Parfaits

Peppermint Mocha Pudding Parfaits instantly transport me back to my college days, huddled in a cozy coffee shop with friends, sipping on those coveted seasonal lattes. There’s just something about that rich chocolate, bold coffee, and refreshing mint that truly screams holiday magic and cozy winter nights, isn’t there? For years, I chased that nostalgic feeling, often with ambitious baking projects that left me with more dirty dishes than actual joy.

But then, a few winters ago, I had a delicious revelation: what if I could capture those classic flavors and transform them into the simplest, most delightful no-bake treat imaginable? That’s precisely when these parfaits were born, offering all the coffee-shop charm with none of the fuss – and if you love that coffee kick in your desserts, you might also enjoy making a creamy whipped coffee dalgona dip!

My kitchen memory of that Peppermint Mocha Pudding Parfaits first successful batch, piled high in pretty glasses, felt like a small victory; it’s truly a recipe for when you want something impressive, but also want to enjoy the party (or just a quiet evening by the fire) without being tied to the oven. While these parfaits are my go-to for a festive treat, sometimes you might also crave the comforting warmth of a classic, indulgent dessert like a rich toffee pudding.

Peppermint Mocha Pudding Parfaits: Easy Holiday Dessert
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Peppermint Mocha Pudding Parfaits: Easy Holiday Dessert

Recipe by MayaCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

A festive, no-bake dessert featuring layers of rich mocha pudding, refreshing peppermint chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream, topped with crushed candy canes.

Ingredients

  • 1 (5.9 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix

  • 2 ½ cups cold milk (dairy or non-dairy)

  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder (or strong instant coffee)

  • ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract, for mocha layer

  • 1 (3.9 oz) package instant chocolate mint pudding mix (or regular chocolate pudding)

  • 1 ½ cups cold milk (for mint layer)

  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract, for mint layer (if using regular chocolate pudding)

  • 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed, or 2 cups homemade whipped cream

  • ½ cup crushed candy canes, for topping

  • Chocolate shavings, for garnish (optional)

Directions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the 5.9 oz chocolate pudding mix, 2 ½ cups cold milk, cocoa powder, and espresso powder until smooth and thick, about 2 minutes. Stir in ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Let stand for 5 minutes. This is your mocha pudding layer.
  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 3.9 oz chocolate mint pudding mix (if using regular chocolate pudding, add ½ tsp peppermint extract) with 1 ½ cups cold milk until smooth and thick, about 2 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. This is your peppermint chocolate pudding layer.
  • Prepare your serving glasses. You’ll need about 6-8 small parfait glasses or clear tumblers.
  • Spoon a layer of the mocha pudding into the bottom of each glass.
  • Top the mocha layer with a spoonful of the peppermint chocolate pudding.
  • Add a layer of whipped topping over the pudding, spreading gently.
  • Repeat the layers: another scoop of mocha pudding, then peppermint chocolate pudding, and finish with a generous dollop of whipped topping.
  • Cover the parfaits loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow them to set and flavors to meld.
  • Just before serving, sprinkle generously with crushed candy canes and chocolate shavings, if using.

Notes

    • The Whipped Topping Secret: For extra stability and a subtle tang, fold a tablespoon of softened cream cheese into your thawed whipped topping before layering. It helps prevent weeping and adds a lovely richness. Or, for a truly decadent touch, use homemade whipped cream sweetened with a touch of powdered sugar and a hint of vanilla.
    • Make-Ahead Magic: These parfaits are fantastic for making ahead! You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance. Just hold off on the crushed candy canes until right before serving, otherwise, they’ll dissolve and lose their delightful crunch. Store them covered loosely in the fridge.
    • Flavor Play: Can’t find chocolate mint instant pudding mix? No problem! Use a regular instant chocolate pudding mix and simply increase the peppermint extract in that layer to ½ teaspoon (or to taste). For an even richer mocha flavor, bloom the espresso powder in a tiny bit of hot hot water before adding it to the pudding mix.

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