Peppermint Cheesecake with Chocolate Crust
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Indulge in a festive treat with this Peppermint Cheesecake featuring a rich chocolate crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a special dessert anytime!
This Peppermint Cheesecake with Chocolate Crust combines the richness of cream cheese with the refreshing flavor of peppermint, all nestled in a decadent chocolate crust. Perfect for any occasion, it's a festive delight that will impress your guests.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously creamy cheesecake with a refreshing peppermint twist
- Rich chocolate crust adds a perfect contrast to the cheesecake
- A stunning dessert that's sure to be the highlight of your holiday table
- Easy to make ahead, freeing you up for more holiday fun
The Perfect Holiday Dessert
This Peppermint Cheesecake with Chocolate Crust is a delightful addition to any holiday table. The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a unique flavor profile that complements festive gatherings. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or simply indulging in a seasonal treat, this cheesecake is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
The beautiful marbling of the peppermint-infused cream cheese filling against the deep chocolate crust makes for an eye-catching dessert. It's not only delicious but visually stunning, making it the centerpiece of your dessert spread. With each slice, you'll find a perfect balance of flavors that encapsulate the essence of the holiday season.
Make Ahead Convenience
One of the best aspects of this Peppermint Cheesecake is its make-ahead convenience. Preparing this dessert a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a creamier texture and more pronounced peppermint taste. This is especially beneficial during the busy holiday season when you're juggling multiple tasks and events.
Simply follow the recipe, allow it to chill overnight, and when it's time to serve, just add your toppings. This saves you valuable time on the day of your gathering, letting you focus on enjoying the festivities rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
Customizing Your Cheesecake
Feel free to put your own spin on this Peppermint Cheesecake! You can experiment with different types of chocolate cookies for the crust or even add a layer of chocolate ganache on top for extra indulgence. If you're not a fan of peppermint, consider substituting it with other flavor extracts, such as vanilla or almond, to create a different yet equally delicious cheesecake.
For an extra festive touch, consider garnishing your cheesecake with seasonal fruits or chocolate shavings. This versatility makes the recipe not only suitable for holiday gatherings but also a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Crust
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the Topping
- Whipped cream
- Crushed peppermint candies
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well before preparing the crust.
Instructions
Prepare the Chocolate Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and peppermint extracts, mixing until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled chocolate crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for about 1 hour.
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Before serving, top with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies.
Enjoy your delicious peppermint cheesecake!
Tips for the Perfect Cheesecake
To achieve a smooth and creamy cheesecake, ensure that all your ingredients, especially the cream cheese, are at room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps and helps create a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
Avoid overmixing once you add the eggs, as this can incorporate too much air and lead to cracks during baking. Instead, mix just until combined to maintain the desired consistency while allowing the cheesecake to rise properly.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Peppermint Cheesecake, pair it with a cup of hot cocoa or a festive holiday cocktail for a truly indulgent experience. The warmth of the drink complements the coolness of the cheesecake, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Consider serving slices with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an added touch of elegance. These small details can elevate your presentation and make your dessert look even more inviting.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers, store your Peppermint Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to five days, allowing you to enjoy the deliciousness long after the holiday celebrations have ended.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cheesecake. Simply wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different crust?
Yes, you can use graham cracker crumbs or any other cookie of your choice for the crust.
→ How long can I keep this cheesecake?
The cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
→ Can I freeze the cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake. Wrap it tightly and store it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
→ What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe.
Peppermint Cheesecake with Chocolate Crust
Indulge in a festive treat with this Peppermint Cheesecake featuring a rich chocolate crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a special dessert anytime!
Created by: Ella
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chocolate Crust
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the Topping
- Whipped cream
- Crushed peppermint candies
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and peppermint extracts, mixing until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sour cream and flour until just combined.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled chocolate crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for about 1 hour.
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Before serving, top with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g