Description
No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake is the ultimate holiday dessert, combining the cool, refreshing flavor of peppermint with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake. With its easy preparation and stunning presentation, this dessert is perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or any festive occasion. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that requires no baking, making it a fuss-free addition to your seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- Chocolate Sandwich Cookie Crumbs: 2 cups (like Oreos, finely crushed)
- Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream Cheese: 16 oz, softened to room temperature
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp
- Peppermint Extract: 1/2 tsp
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 1/2 cups, whipped to stiff peaks
- Crushed Peppermint Candies: 1/2 cup
For the Topping (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Additional crushed peppermint candies
- Chocolate shavings or drizzle
Instructions
Preparing the Crust
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs with melted butter until evenly combined.
- Form the Crust: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an even layer. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
Making the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavoring: Mix in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, ensuring the flavors are evenly incorporated.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture to maintain the airy texture.
- Add Peppermint Crunch: Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies for a festive crunch.
Assembling the Cheesecake
- Fill the Crust: Spoon the peppermint cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
Adding the Toppings
- Decorate: Once set, top the cheesecake with whipped cream, additional crushed peppermint candies, and chocolate shavings or drizzle for an extra festive touch.
Notes
Here are three key notes from the article on No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake:
- Versatile and Adaptable: The recipe offers flexibility in ingredients, allowing for substitutions like graham cracker crusts, non-alcoholic peppermint flavoring, or dairy-free alternatives. These options make it accessible for different dietary preferences and occasions.
- Festive Presentation: The cheesecake’s vibrant peppermint flavor and optional toppings like whipped cream, crushed candies, or chocolate shavings make it visually appealing and perfect for holiday gatherings. Its no-bake preparation ensures a stress-free yet impressive dessert.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: This dessert is ideal for advanced preparation, as it requires refrigeration to set. It can be stored in the fridge for several days or frozen for longer periods, making it a practical choice for busy holiday schedules.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (minimum)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approximately 380 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake, Holiday Cheesecake Recipe, Peppermint Cheesecake Dessert, Festive No-Bake Desserts