Peppermint Cream Sauce: A Taste of Christmas All Year Round
The aroma of peppermint always transports me back to Christmases spent with my grandmother. She’d have a candy dish overflowing with peppermint candies, and I remember sneaking a handful (or two!) whenever I thought she wasn’t looking. This Peppermint Cream Sauce captures that nostalgic flavor perfectly. The cool, refreshing peppermint combined with the creamy richness is an irresistible combination that’s just as welcome on a hot summer day as it is during the holiday season.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yields: 2 cups
- Serves: 32
- Dietary Type: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1⁄2 cups peppermint candies, finely crushed
- 1 1⁄2 cups whipping cream
- 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow cream
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Airtight container
- Measuring cups
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the finely crushed peppermint candies, whipping cream, and marshmallow cream.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Using a wooden spoon, stir the mixture constantly. It’s crucial to stir continuously to prevent the candies from sticking and burning to the bottom of the pan.
- Continue to cook and stir until the mixture is completely smooth. This typically takes around 10-15 minutes. The candies need to fully dissolve into the cream, and the marshmallow cream needs to meld seamlessly into the sauce. Ensure no lumps remain.
- Once the sauce is smooth, remove it from the heat.
- Pour the Peppermint Cream Sauce into an airtight container.
- Place the container in the refrigerator to cool completely. This chilling period allows the sauce to thicken slightly and for the peppermint flavor to fully develop.
- Serve over ice cream or cake.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Finely Crush the Peppermint: A food processor works best for crushing the peppermint candies into a fine powder. Alternatively, place the candies in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin or mallet. The finer the crush, the smoother the sauce will be.
- Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the sauce, as it can become too thick and even burn. Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly. The sauce is ready when the candies are completely dissolved.
- Adjust Peppermint Intensity: If you prefer a more subtle peppermint flavor, start with 1 cup of crushed peppermint candies and add more to taste. For a stronger peppermint kick, you can add a few drops of peppermint extract after removing the sauce from the heat, but be cautious as peppermint extract is potent!
- Prevent Sticking: To help prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
- Make Ahead: This sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce becomes too thick after chilling, you can gently reheat it over low heat, stirring in a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thin, you can try adding a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) to the sauce while it’s simmering.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
This Peppermint Cream Sauce is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic served warm or cold over your favorite ice cream, especially chocolate or vanilla. Drizzle it over chocolate cake, brownies, or cheesecake. It also makes a delicious topping for pancakes, waffles, or even stirred into hot chocolate.
For storage, keep the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the sauce for longer storage, up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Note that freezing may slightly alter the texture, but the flavor will remain delicious.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 58.5 kcal | N/A |
| Calories from Fat | 37 g | 64% |
| Total Fat | 4.2 g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.6 g | 12% |
| Cholesterol | 15.3 mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 9.2 mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5.2 g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 2.9 g | 11% |
| Protein | 0.3 g | 0% |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Variations & Substitutions
- Peppermint Bark Sauce: Swirl in melted dark chocolate after the sauce is smooth to create a peppermint bark-inspired sauce.
- Vegan Peppermint Cream Sauce: Substitute the whipping cream with full-fat coconut cream and the marshmallow cream with a vegan marshmallow cream alternative or a combination of corn syrup and agar-agar for a similar texture.
- Chocolate Peppermint Cream Sauce: Add a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder to the sauce while it’s simmering for a chocolatey twist.
- Different Candies: Experiment with other hard candies like butterscotch or cinnamon for a unique flavor profile.
- Add a Liqueur: A splash of peppermint schnapps or crème de menthe can add an extra layer of flavor (add after removing from heat).
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use peppermint extract instead of crushed candies?
A: Yes, but use it sparingly! Peppermint extract is very potent. Start with a few drops and add more to taste after the sauce is removed from the heat.
Q: Can I freeze this sauce?
A: Yes, you can freeze the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using. The texture may change slightly after freezing.
Q: My sauce is too thick. How can I thin it out?
A: Gently reheat the sauce over low heat, stirring in a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
A: Try adding a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) to the sauce while it’s simmering.
Q: Can I use low-fat cream?
A: While you can, using full-fat whipping cream will result in a richer, creamier sauce. Low-fat cream may not thicken as well.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint Cream Sauce is a delightful treat that’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a festive holiday topping or a refreshing summer indulgence, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your creations with friends and family. It also pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk. Happy cooking!