Peppermint Icebox Cake

Submitted by: jej
Last Updated: 5/18/2005

This simple recipe, both quick and easy, is one I saved from a little "community shopper" newspaper almost 40 years ago. Seems like a good way to use up a few of those Christmas candy canes, if there are any left. Enjoy. --jej

"Desserts should be pretty and good. A pretty good example of such a dessert is Peppermint Icebox Cake, all pink and minty -- an ideal way to top off a festive dinner or to make a plain one festive. It's a busy day life-saver, since it is made a day ahead and refrigerated overnight."

PEPPERMINT ICEBOX CAKE

Makes one 9x12-inch cake pan, serving 12.**

1 c. chopped walnut meats
32 marshmallows, cut up or 1/2 lb. miniatures
3-4 peppermint candy sticks, crushed
1/2 pint heavy cream, whipped

Mix nuts, marshmallows, and crushed stick candy, fold gently into whipped cream.

Pour into prepared vanilla wafer crumb crust (recipe below) and refrigerator overnight.

The "cake" should be served in 3-inch squares. **If thicker portions are desired, use a 9-inch square pan for the dessert. The smaller pan will serve 9 instead of 12.

VANILLA WAFER CRUMB CRUST

Prepare 9x12-inch pan by spreading the bottom thickly with butter. (A rubber spatula is a good tool for spreading the butter.)

Press 1-1/2 c. vanilla wafer crumbs into the butter.

[Roll wafers with something round (rolling pin, quart jar (be careful !!), a heavy tumbler, etc. The 'mess' will be contained if the wafers are put into a Baggie or other plastic bag before rolling. I do crackers like this, also, and only do a few at a time for ease and efficiency. Pour crumbs into a measuring cup and continue until you have the required amount.]

Bake crust 5 minutes, if you wish. Cool before filling.

Note:
1) If candy is fresh, it may be crushed in the same manner as the wafers.

2) Serving Variation: Additional stick candy mixture (walnut meats, crushed candy, and marshmallows) may be spooned into sherbet glasses for serving Chill filling in a bowl before adding to the individual glasses; top each portion wiht crushed vanilla wafers.

3) MY note: Seems like this would also make refreshing summer pies, as well. Depending on how 'high' each pie might be, I'd have 3-4 crusts ready. If time is tight, the chocolate Oreo ready-made crusts would be good, as well as the shortbread or cookie crusts. Sprinkle top with walnut/candy mixture.