Silky Peppermint Cheesecake Recipe

Dreamy Silky Peppermint Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Decadent desserts often spark joy, and this peppermint cheesecake blends creamy richness with festive winter flavors.

Cool mint dancing through smooth cream cheese creates an irresistible holiday treat.

Delicate peppermint swirls elevate this classic dessert into something extraordinary.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweet and refreshing notes.

The silky texture melts smoothly across your palate, leaving a delightful hint of cool mint.

Guests will swoon over this elegant and indulgent cheesecake that transforms an ordinary gathering into a memorable celebration.

Prepare to dazzle everyone with this show-stopping dessert that combines comfort and sophistication.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

What You Need for No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake

For Crust:
  • Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: The base that delivers a rich, chocolatey foundation with a satisfying crunch, perfect for creating a delightful texture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Binds the crumbs together, adding a velvety smoothness and helping the crust hold its shape.
For Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a luscious, tangy base that provides the signature creamy texture of classic cheesecake.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling while ensuring a silky-smooth consistency without graininess.
  • Peppermint Extract: Infuses a cool, refreshing minty flavor that transforms the cheesecake into a festive winter treat.
  • Heavy Cream: Whips up to add lightness and creates an airy, delicate texture to the cheesecake filling.
  • Candy Canes: Brings a festive crunch and bursts of peppermint flavor, adding visual and taste excitement to the dessert.
For Topping:
  • Whipped Cream: Adds a cloud-like, luxurious finish that complements the rich cheesecake.
  • Chocolate Shavings: Provides an elegant garnish with a touch of additional chocolate flavor and visual appeal.

Cooking Equipment for No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake

  • Springform Pan: 9-inch size perfect for creating a clean, easy-to-serve cheesecake.
  • Mixing Bowls: Medium and large sizes needed for crust and filling preparation.
  • Hand or Stand Mixer: Essential for whipping cream and beating cream cheese smoothly.
  • Spatula: Helps spread filling evenly and fold ingredients gently.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
  • Whisk: Useful for mixing dry and wet ingredients together.
  • Cutting Board: For crushing candy canes.
  • Plastic Wrap: Covers cheesecake during chilling.

Making It Happen for No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake

  • Create Crumbly Base

Crush chocolate cookies into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter. Press mixture firmly into springform pan’s bottom, creating a solid foundation. Pop pan into refrigerator while preparing delicious filling.

  • Whip Creamy Filling

Beat cream cheese until silky smooth, blending in powdered sugar and peppermint extract. Separately, whip heavy cream to fluffy peaks. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture, keeping everything light and airy. Sprinkle crushed candy canes throughout for bursts of minty flavor.

  • Chill and Set

Pour creamy mixture over chilled crust, smoothing surface with gentle strokes. Cover carefully and refrigerate for several hours until filling becomes firm and set.

  • Garnish and Enjoy

Before serving, crown cheesecake with dollops of whipped cream. Scatter extra crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings on top. Slice and savor the cool, refreshing peppermint delight.

Ideas to Try for No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake

  • Chilling Perfection: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to ensure a firm and creamy texture that slices beautifully.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert up to 2-3 days in advance, keeping it covered in the refrigerator, which actually enhances the peppermint flavor and makes party planning easier.
  • Gluten-Free Transformation: Swap chocolate cookie crumbs with gluten-free chocolate cookies or graham crackers to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and use coconut whipped cream to create a lactose-free version that still delivers incredible flavor and creamy texture.
  • Chocolate Lover's Variation: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top or mix chocolate chips into the filling for an extra decadent peppermint chocolate cheesecake experience that will wow dessert enthusiasts.

Plate It Right for No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake

  • Festive Holiday Dessert Plate: Arrange slices on a decorative Christmas platter with sprigs of fresh mint and powdered sugar dusting for a gorgeous presentation.
  • Peppermint Chocolate Pairing: Serve alongside a rich hot chocolate or espresso to complement the cheesecake's cool, minty flavor profile and enhance the dessert experience.
  • Elegant Garnish Style: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over each slice and add a whole candy cane as an edible decoration, creating a visually stunning and tasty finishing touch.
  • Winter Entertaining Tip: Prepare the cheesecake a day ahead and keep chilled, allowing hosts to focus on guests during holiday gatherings while serving a stunning dessert.

Plan + Store Smart for No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake

  • Refrigeration Rhythm: Store the cheesecake covered in plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Freezing Finesse: Wrap the entire cheesecake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Portion Perfection: Cut cheesecake slices using a clean, sharp knife dipped in hot water between each slice. Wipe the blade dry to ensure smooth, clean cuts that look professionally prepared.
  • Temperature Tactics: Always serve the cheesecake chilled directly from the refrigerator. Remove from the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving to slightly soften and enhance the creamy texture, allowing flavors to develop fully.
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Silky Peppermint Cheesecake Recipe

Silky Peppermint Cheesecake Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Creamy no-bake peppermint cheesecake blends classic dessert flavors with festive holiday cheer. Cool mint and rich cream cheese create a delightful treat you’ll savor with pure winter joy.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 2 cups (480 ml) chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos, finely crushed)
  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • ½ cup (60 grams) crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
  • Whipped cream (optional)
  • Additional crushed candy canes (optional)
  • Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

  1. Crust Creation: Pulverize cookies into fine crumbs and amalgamate with melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly and evenly into the springform pan’s base to form a compact foundation.
  2. Filling Preparation: Blend cream cheese and powdered sugar until achieving a velvety smooth consistency, then infuse with peppermint extract to develop an invigorating flavor profile.
  3. Cream Integration: Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining a light and airy texture while ensuring thorough incorporation.
  4. Candy Cane Dispersion: Delicately fold crushed candy canes throughout the filling, distributing the peppermint pieces uniformly for an even burst of festive flavor.
  5. Assembly and Chilling: Carefully spread the peppermint-studded filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the surface to create a pristine appearance, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to allow complete setting.
  6. Final Flourish: Prior to serving, embellish the cheesecake with a lavish topping of whipped cream, additional crushed candy canes, or elegant chocolate shavings to elevate the visual and gustatory experience.

Notes

  • Crush Cookies Carefully: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even crumbs for a perfectly compact crust that holds together seamlessly.
  • Prevent Cream Cheese Lumps: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat thoroughly to achieve a smooth, silky texture without any unwanted chunks.
  • Fold Gently: Use a gentle folding motion when combining whipped cream and cream cheese to maintain the light, airy consistency that makes this cheesecake so delightful.
  • Chill Completely: Allow the cheesecake to set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to develop the best flavor and ideal creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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