Description
This No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake combines a rich, creamy peppermint-infused filling with a crunchy chocolate cookie crust. It’s an easy and festive dessert that’s sure to impress your guests during the holidays.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Crust:
- 2 cups (about 20) chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), finely crushed
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
- Red gel food coloring (optional)
For the Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Additional crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated and resemble wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to compact the crust.
- Place the crust in the refrigerator to set while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Continue to beat until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks. Be careful not to overwhip.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
- If desired, divide the filling into two equal parts. Add a few drops of red gel food coloring to one part and gently mix to achieve a pink hue.
- Fold in the 1/4 cup of crushed candy canes or peppermint candies into the filling.
- Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Remove the crust from the refrigerator.
- If using two colors of filling, spoon alternating dollops of the white and pink fillings onto the crust to create a marbled effect. Use a knife or spatula to gently swirl the fillings together for a marbled appearance.
- Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set.
- Serve:
- Once set, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving platter.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle additional crushed candy canes or peppermint candies over the top for garnish.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth filling.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, you can increase the peppermint extract to 1 1/2 teaspoons, but be cautious as peppermint extract is quite potent.
- This cheesecake can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.