Celebrate the holiday season with a delightful No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake that’s as festive as it is easy to prepare. This cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the invigorating zing of peppermint, all atop a crunchy chocolate cookie crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special treat after a cozy family dinner, this cheesecake offers a refreshing twist on traditional holiday desserts.
A Joyful Addition to Your Holiday Table
With no baking required, this cheesecake is not only a time-saver but also a showstopper that’s sure to impress your guests. Here’s how to ensure it turns out perfectly.
Pro Tips for Perfect No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake
- Crust First: Make sure the cookie crust is firmly pressed into the pan and chilled well to set, which provides a solid base for the creamy filling.
- Smooth Filling: Beat the cream cheese until absolutely smooth before adding other ingredients to avoid lumps in your cheesecake.
- Flavor Balance: Adjust the peppermint extract according to your taste preferences. Start with less and add more as needed; peppermint can be quite potent.
- Folding Technique: Gently fold the whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies into the cream cheese mixture to keep the filling light and airy.
- Chilling Time: Allow the cheesecake to chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly.
- Garnishing: Garnish with additional whipped cream and peppermint candies right before serving to keep the toppings fresh and visually appealing.
No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Recipe:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Chilling time: 4 hours or overnight
- Serving: 8-10 servings
- Equipment: 9-inch springform pan
This cheesecake is a refreshing treat perfect for ending any festive meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- Optional: additional whipped cream and peppermint candies for garnish
Directions:
- Prepare the Crust: Mix the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and peppermint extract, beating until well combined.
- Add Whipped Cream and Candies: Gently fold in the whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies into the cream cheese mixture until evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Spoon the filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill the Cheesecake: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until it is fully set.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with additional whipped cream and peppermint candies if using.
Festive and Fabulous
This No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake is not just a dessert; it’s a festive celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a special treat to share with family, this cheesecake is sure to bring holiday cheer to your table. Enjoy the creamy, minty freshness with each delicious bite!
