Mini Brownie Peppermint Parfaits

Step 1

Prep: Before you can begin the assembly process, there are three main tasks you need to complete.

Step 2

First, bake the brownies. You can use a 16-oz store bought boxed mix and baked them in a 10x15 jelly roll pan. Or you can use my favorite homemade brownie recipe, baked in a 9x13 pan. The brownies need to be less than 1-inch thin to work well for this recipe.

Step 3

Decide what parfait cup or glass you want to use. It's important to decide this BEFORE you cut your brownies to make sure they fit. You need 2 layers of brownie and about 1" layer of ice cream in each parfait cup, so aim for a cup/glass that's at least 3" tall, as the whipped cream layer can extend beyond the top of the cup.

Step 4

Once you have your brownies baked & the parfait cup decided on, measure how big the brownies need to be and make sure you have a cutting utensil for them. I use biscuit cutters that have a handle & come in a set, so you have size options!

Step 5

Cut the brownies into the size and shape needed for your parfait cups. You'll need 2 per cup, and most brownie recipes will yield around 20 circles, depending on size. Place the brownie circles on a tray and chill in the fridge until needed.

Step 6

Ice cream prep: Remove the ice cream from the freezer and open the carton to expose the block of ice cream. Using a large, thin knife, cut 1" slices of ice cream, one or two at a time (so they don't melt). Use the biscuit cutter and cut 10 rounds of ice cream, placing the rounds on another pan. You will not need all the ice cream for the parfaits but cutting the rounds from slices is so much easier than scooping and shaping! Place the remaining ice cream back in the carton and the ice cream rounds into the freezer until needed.

Step 7

Peppermint Whipped Cream: In a large bowl combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and extract, beat with an electric mixer on high for 4-5 minutes, until stiff peaks form. Then transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag with an open star tip and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 8

Assemble Parfaits: Assemble each cup by placing a brownie round in the bottom of each parfait cup. Then top with the round peppermint ice cream, followed by another brownie. After that pipe a swirl of whipped cream on top, fully covering the brownie. Sprinkle with peppermint candy cane pieces. Serve and enjoy!