During the holidays, it’s nice to serve a dessert that is not only delicious, but utilizes the flavors of the season. Candy Canes are an integral part of many Christmas celebrations, and they can be used to flavor many desserts. Peppermint Stick ice cream is only available from about November through the first part of January; most brands of this festive ice cream incorporate chunks of red and green candy cane pieces into vanilla ice cream. And while it’s good on its own, it’s especially good when used in this variation of the classic profiterole dessert (choux shells filled with ice cream and covered with warm fudge sauce and whipped cream), which is found on almost all restaurant menus in France.

Peppermint Stick Profiterole Dessert is perfect for a busy hostess, since the shells can be baked, filled with ice cream, and stored in the freezer up to a week ahead.

Once the choux puffs are baked, this dessert can be quickly put together at the last minute. To save time, sweetened real whipped cream comes in cans and eliminates the need to whip heavy cream. Remember though, canned whipped cream will deflate quickly, so squirt it on your profiteroles at the last possible minute. Please don’t ruin your Christmas Profiteroles by topping them with frozen whipped topping, which is mostly a mix of high fructose corn syrup and preservatives – yuk! You and your guests deserve the real thing.

Christmas Profiteroles

10 Servings

30 miniature choux shells
1 quart peppermint ice cream

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (use highest quality – not Nestles, if possible)
1 cup whipping cream

2 cups sweetened whipped cream
1/2 cup crushed candy canes

1. With a serrated knife, slice the choux shells almost all the way through the middle.


2. Soften the ice cream for a few minutes until it can be scooped easily.


3. Scoop balls the size of the choux shells and place one inside each of the shells.


4. Place the filled puffs on a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and place in the freezer. This can be done up to a week ahead.


5. Place the chocolate chips and whipping cream in a microwaveable container; microwave on high 3 minutes.
Let the mixture sit 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth and thick.

6. To serve, place three small ice cream-filled puffs on each serving plate.


7. Drizzle the puffs with the chocolate mixture, then top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 492 Calories from Fat 324
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 66% Protein 5% Carb. 29%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 36 g
Saturated Fat 21 g
Cholesterol 179 mg
Sodium 254 mg
Total Carbohydrate 35 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 7 g

Vitamin A 14% Vitamin C 1% Calcium 0% Iron 3%