Description
This Easy Peppermint Chocolate Cheesecake is a stunning holiday dessert made with a chocolate cookie crust, rich chocolate cheesecake layer, and a refreshing peppermint white chocolate mousse, all topped with fluffy whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies. Perfect for a Christmas party, winter potluck, or cozy night in, this easy recipe brings festive cheer to your table with minimal effort. It’s a showstopper make-ahead dessert that blends classic flavors of the season in every slice. Great for quick holiday baking, winter dessert ideas, or anyone looking for a creamy, peppermint twist on classic cheesecake.
Ingredients
24 chocolate sandwich cookies
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup heavy cream (for mousse)
4 ounces white chocolate, melted
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
3/4 cup heavy cream (for topping)
1 tablespoon sugar (for topping)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping)
1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
Optional: chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
1. Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter until fully combined.
2. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Let it cool.
3. Melt semi-sweet chocolate and let it cool slightly. Beat cream cheese until smooth, add sugar, then mix in eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in melted chocolate and vanilla. Pour over cooled crust and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50 minutes. Let cool, then chill for 4 hours or overnight.
5. Melt white chocolate and let it cool. Beat softened cream cheese, add white chocolate and peppermint extract, and fold in whipped cream.
6. Spread the mousse over the chilled cheesecake layer.
7. Whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla to soft peaks. Pipe or spread over the mousse layer.
8. Top with crushed peppermint candies and optional chocolate shavings.
9. Chill the assembled cheesecake for 2-4 hours until fully set.
10. Slice with a warm knife and serve.
Notes
Bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth batter.
Chill thoroughly between layers to achieve clean, distinct layers and easy slicing.
Use real white chocolate instead of chips for a smoother mousse texture.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake + Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: easy dessert, peppermint cheesecake, holiday recipes, winter dessert, chocolate cheesecake