These Peppermint Patty Rice Cakes are dipped in creamy chocolate, sprinkled with crushed candy canes, and drizzled with white chocolate for the ultimate festive, better-for-you dessert. Sweet, minty, and crunchy, this easy rice cake dessert delivers all the flavor of a classic peppermint patty — without the heaviness.
If You Love Peppermint Patties, You’ll Want These This Winter
If you’re craving peppermint patties but want a lighter option, these chocolate-dipped rice cakes are the answer. They’re made with just a handful of ingredients and come together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for Christmas treat trays, after-dinner sweets, or when a chocolate craving hits.
Love holiday peppermint recipes? Try these next:
Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Gingersnaps or Peppermint Hot Chocolate for more cozy winter desserts.
Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Rice Cakes
These holiday rice cake desserts are:
- Made with just 4 simple pantry ingredients
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Sweet enough for dessert, light enough for a snack
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved
- No oven required — just melt, dip, and decorate
- Perfect for holiday treat trays, cookie swaps, and gifting
If you’re searching for a healthier peppermint dessert that still tastes indulgent, this is it.
Why Use Rice Cakes for Desserts?
Rice cakes make the perfect base for easy desserts:
- Naturally light and crunchy
- Low-calorie and gluten-free
- Neutral flavor that pairs well with chocolate and mint
- Great for portion-controlled sweet treats
From chocolate and nut butter to fruit and spice toppings, rice cakes transform into no-bake desserts in minutes.
Ingredients for Peppermint Patty Rice Cakes
- 8 unsalted rice cakes (Quaker recommended)
- 6 squares milk or dark melting chocolate
- 4 squares white melting chocolate (or white chocolate chips)
- 6 crushed candy canes
- Optional: ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
How to Make Peppermint Patty Rice Cakes
Step 1 — Melt the Chocolate
Melt chocolate according to package directions, or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each round until smooth.
Step 2 — Dip the Rice Cakes
Dip each rice cake into melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let rest for 5 minutes.
Step 3 — Add Toppings
Melt white chocolate. Sprinkle crushed candy canes over slightly wet chocolate, then drizzle with white chocolate. Add peppermint extract if desired.
Step 4 — Let Set
Allow rice cakes to firm up for 30 minutes before serving.
Ingredient Variations
Customize your peppermint rice cakes with these easy swaps:
- Use dark chocolate for richer flavor
- Swap candy canes for peppermint candies
- Dip halfway for a lighter coating
- Add extra peppermint extract for bold mint flavor
- Try salted rice cakes for a sweet-salty finish
Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate-Dipped Rice Cakes
- Don’t drizzle too heavily — it prevents candy canes from melting
- Add toppings while chocolate is tacky, not hot
- Use the back of a spoon to fill grooves evenly
- Chill briefly if your kitchen is warm for a clean finish
How to Store Chocolate-Dipped Rice Cakes
Store in an airtight container:
- Room temperature: 2–3 days
- Refrigerated: up to 1 week for firmer texture
Peppermint Rice Cakes FAQ
Do rice cakes get soggy with chocolate?
No! Once the chocolate sets, they stay crisp and crunchy.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — they’re perfect for prepping a day in advance.
Can I freeze rice cake desserts?
Freezing isn’t recommended; the texture and flavor can change.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your rice cakes and chocolate are certified gluten-free.
What chocolate works best?
Melting chocolate or candy melts give the smoothest finish.
Are these healthy?
They’re lighter than traditional candy bars and portion-controlled — a smarter sweet treat for the holidays.
Peppermint Patty Rice Cakes
Ingredients
- 8 unsalted rice cakes I like Quaker
- 6 squares of melting chocolate milk or dark chocolate
- 4 squares of white melting chocolate or white chocolate chips
- 6 peppermint candy canes crushed into small pieces
- Optional: teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions
- If using melting chocolate, follow the instructions on the package as most will have you keep the chocolate in the tray they provide. If using chocolate chips, add them to a microwave-safe bowl and heat at 20-second intervals stirring in between each. You can also add a bit of coconut oil to help smooth out the chocolate.
- Place rice cakes one at a time into the melted chocolate, shaking off any excess chocolate and placing them on a baking sheet covered with pieces of parchment paper. Allow to dry for 5 minutes.
- While the rice cakes are drying melt your white chocolate. Once the rice cakes are almost dry, sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top and then drizzle the white chocolate over the top of the cakes. You can also add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the melted white chocolate if you want a bit more peppermint.
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