Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mousse Tart Recipe
This Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mousse Tart features a rich chocolate graham cracker crust filled with a smooth white chocolate peppermint mousse, topped with a glossy dark chocolate glaze. Perfectly balancing creamy textures with refreshing peppermint and deep chocolate flavors, this elegant dessert is ideal for holiday celebrations or anytime you want a festive indulgence.
- Author: Caleb
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Chocolate Crust
- 1 cup chocolate graham crackers, finely ground (about ten 5″ x 2 1/4″ graham crackers)
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
Peppermint Mousse
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 4 ounces white chocolate chips
- 2 1/2 tablespoons milk, half and half, or cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3–4 drops pure peppermint oil (or more if using extract, depending on strength)
Dark Chocolate Glaze
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 1/2 ounces bittersweet or dark chocolate (70% cocoa recommended)
- 2 teaspoons light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons very warm water
- Prepare the Chocolate Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the finely ground chocolate graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar until evenly mixed. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9.5″ wide by 1″ high tart pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool on a rack for at least 15 minutes.
- Bloom and Dissolve Gelatin: Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. After blooming, microwave it for 15 to 30 seconds until just dissolved. Be careful not to boil the gelatin.
- Melt White Chocolate and Combine Ingredients: Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals until fully smooth. Heat the milk or cream until just steaming (about 30 seconds), then whisk it into the melted white chocolate until smooth. Add the dissolved gelatin and 3-4 drops of pure peppermint oil to the mixture, whisking until fully combined. Allow this mixture to cool to 85°F or lower but avoid letting it harden.
- Whip Cream and Combine with Chocolate Mixture: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until medium-stiff peaks form. Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to lighten it, then add the remaining whipped cream and fold carefully until fully incorporated.
- Fill Tart Shell and Chill: Spoon the peppermint mousse into the cooled chocolate crust and smooth the surface with an offset spatula. Refrigerate the tart for several hours or overnight to allow it to set firmly.
- Prepare the Dark Chocolate Glaze: Once the mousse has set, bring 1/4 cup heavy cream to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Stir in the bittersweet or dark chocolate until the mixture is smooth. Add the light corn syrup, stir well, then add the warm water and stir again until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Glaze the Tart: Pour the glaze evenly over the chilled mousse tart, tilting and rotating the tart to coat the top completely so no white shows through. Let the glaze set at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Serve and Store: Serve the tart on the day it is finished for the best texture and flavor. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Before unwrapping, let the tart sit at room temperature for a few minutes to prevent condensation on the glaze.
Notes
- Use pure peppermint oil for the best mint flavor; peppermint extract can be used but may require adjustment in quantity.
- Do not overheat gelatin or white chocolate to prevent curdling or graininess.
- Ensure mousse mixture is cooled to about 85°F before folding in whipped cream to maintain airy texture.
- The tart is best eaten the day it’s finished but will keep well for several days refrigerated.
- Bring the tart to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
Keywords: dark chocolate mousse tart, peppermint dessert, chocolate peppermint tart, holiday chocolate tart, white chocolate mousse, chocolate glaze tart