Peppermint Icebox Dessert
A creamy, minty icebox dessert with crunchy vanilla wafers and pecans, perfect for a cool treat at gatherings or family dinners with refreshing peppermint flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Roll vanilla wafers until fine crumbs.
- Mix the crushed wafers with softened margarine.
- Press half of the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan and pat down firmly.
- Whip the whipping cream until stiff.
- Add marshmallows (cut into small pieces if large), and fold into whipped cream.
- Add chopped pecans and crushed peppermint candies, stirring until thoroughly mixed.
- Spread the mixture over the vanilla wafer crumbs in the pan.
- Cover with remaining wafer crumb mixture.
- Chill thoroughly or overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the vanilla wafers with crushed chocolate wafers. If you prefer a lighter dessert, you can use low-fat cream cheese instead of margarine for the crust. When folding the marshmallows into the whipped cream, ensure they are well-coated to avoid clumping. For a unique twist, try adding a splash of peppermint extract for extra minty flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Peppermint Icebox Dessert chilled, garnished with additional crushed peppermint candies or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of cocoa or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside other holiday treats like Wendell'S Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so there's no need to reheat it. If it becomes too soft, simply return it to the fridge for a short while to firm up before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peppermint Icebox Dessert contains roughly 1354 calories, with 15g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (80% of the Daily Value), iron (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and potassium. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
Yes, you can substitute vanilla wafers with graham crackers or chocolate wafers if you prefer a different flavor. Just make sure to adjust the amount of margarine as needed to achieve the right consistency for the crust.
How can I make this dessert more festive?
To add a festive touch, consider incorporating crushed candy canes into the filling or using colored sprinkles on top. You can also layer the dessert in individual cups for a more elegant presentation, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Is there a way to make this dessert gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookies or a gluten-free cookie crumb blend. Ensure that the other ingredients, like marshmallows, are certified gluten-free to keep the entire dessert safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).