Peppermint Cheesecakes are a festive, no-bake dessert that combines creamy, luscious cheesecake with a refreshing hint of peppermint—perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you want a cool, minty treat. These individual cheesecakes feature a crisp, chocolatey crust and a smooth, airy filling infused with peppermint extract, topped with crushed candy canes for a delightful crunch. Easy to make and irresistibly festive, they’re sure to become a holiday favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Cheesecakes
No-bake convenience: Ready to enjoy without turning on the oven.
Refreshing peppermint flavor: A cool, minty twist that’s perfect for the holidays.
Creamy and smooth: Light, airy cheesecake filling melts in your mouth.
Chocolatey crust: A rich base that perfectly complements the minty filling.
Festive toppings: Crushed candy canes add color, texture, and extra sweetness.
Perfect individual servings: Great for parties, gifting, or easy portion control.
Quick to prepare: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make it a breeze.
Treat yourself and your guests to these Peppermint Cheesecakes — a cool, creamy, and festive no-bake delight that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients for Peppermint Cheesecakes
Peppermint and creamy cheesecake join forces in this easy, no-bake holiday dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:
Crushed graham crackers: These form the base of your cheesecake, providing a sweet and crunchy texture.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the crust together, adding richness and flavor.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness enhances the crust and balances the flavors.
Cream cheese: The star of the show! It gives the cheesecake its creamy, smooth texture.
Powdered sugar: This sweetener dissolves easily, ensuring a silky filling.
Vanilla extract: A classic flavor that complements the peppermint beautifully.
Peppermint extract: This is what gives your cheesecakes that refreshing holiday zing.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to perfection, it adds lightness and fluffiness to the filling.
Crushed peppermint candies: These not only add flavor but also a festive crunch. Save some for garnish!
Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips: Optional, but they add a delightful touch of decadence.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! For instance, using chocolate graham crackers can give your crust a delicious twist. If peppermint isn’t your thing, swap the extract for vanilla for a classic cheesecake flavor.
How to Make Peppermint Cheesecakes
Creating these peppermint cheesecakes is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to impress. Let’s dive into the process!
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by combining the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Mix until everything is well combined and resembles wet sand. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your dessert cups or a springform pan. Make sure it’s even and compact. This crust will provide a delightful crunch to your cheesecakes. Chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to set while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until everything is well combined and fluffy. This filling is where the magic happens! The combination of cream cheese and peppermint creates a rich, flavorful base that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving that light, airy texture in your cheesecakes. Once whipped, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream; you want to keep that fluffiness. This will give your peppermint cheesecakes a delightful lightness that balances the richness of the filling.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Now it’s time to fold in the crushed peppermint candies, saving a bit for garnish later. Gently mix until the candies are evenly distributed throughout the filling. Spoon this delicious mixture over the chilled crust in your dessert cups or springform pan. Smooth the tops with a spatula for a polished look. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, take your cheesecakes out of the fridge and get creative with the garnishing! Sprinkle the reserved crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive touch. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips. These little details elevate your dessert and make it visually stunning. Slice, serve, and watch as your guests delight in every bite of these peppermint cheesecakes!
Tips for Success
Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Use a rubber spatula to fold in the whipped cream gently; this keeps it airy.
Chill the cheesecakes overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Experiment with different toppings like crushed Oreos or seasonal fruits.
For a stronger peppermint flavor, add a bit more peppermint extract to taste.
Equipment Needed
Mixing bowls: Use any size you have on hand; a large bowl is ideal for the filling.
Electric mixer: A hand mixer works great, but a stand mixer can save time.
Spatula: A rubber spatula is perfect for folding ingredients without deflating the whipped cream.
Dessert cups or springform pan: Any small cups will do if you don’t have a springform pan.
Refrigerator: Essential for chilling your cheesecakes to perfection.
Variations
For a chocolate lover’s twist, use chocolate graham crackers for the crust.
Try adding a layer of chocolate ganache on top for an extra indulgent treat.
Substitute the peppermint extract with orange or almond extract for a unique flavor profile.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust.
Add a swirl of raspberry or strawberry puree to the filling for a fruity touch.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your peppermint cheesecakes with a warm cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a cozy treat.
Serve alongside festive cookies or a fruit platter for a balanced dessert spread.
For a stunning presentation, use clear dessert cups to showcase the layers.
Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.
FAQs about Peppermint Cheesecakes
Can I make peppermint cheesecakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! These no-bake peppermint cheesecakes are perfect for making ahead. Just prepare them a day in advance and let them chill overnight. This allows the flavors to develop beautifully, making them even more delicious!
How long do peppermint cheesecakes last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your peppermint cheesecakes can last up to five days in the fridge. Just be sure to keep them covered to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Can I freeze peppermint cheesecakes?
Yes, you can freeze these cheesecakes! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of peppermint extract?
If peppermint isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with vanilla extract for a classic cheesecake flavor. Alternatively, try using almond or orange extract for a unique twist!
Are peppermint cheesecakes gluten-free?
To make these cheesecakes gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust. This way, everyone can enjoy this festive treat!
Final Thoughts
Creating these peppermint cheesecakes is more than just a cooking task; it’s an experience filled with joy and nostalgia. Each bite transports me back to holiday gatherings, laughter, and the warmth of family. The no-bake aspect makes it a stress-free dessert, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—spending time with loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cheesecakes are sure to bring smiles all around. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of peppermint cheesecakes fill your home with sweetness and cheer!
Indulge in these delightful no-bake peppermint cheesecakes, perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup crushed peppermint candies (plus extra for garnish)
Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of 8 small dessert cups or a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
Fold in the crushed peppermint candies, reserving a small amount for garnish.
Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the chilled crust in the dessert cups or springform pan. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set. For best results, chill overnight.
Before serving, garnish with additional crushed peppermint candies and chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips, if desired.
Notes
For a chocolate twist, use chocolate graham crackers for the crust.
Substitute the peppermint extract with vanilla extract for a classic cheesecake flavor.
