Name: Peppermint Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 7 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 36 Oreo cookies (406 grams); 5 tbsp unsalted butter (70 grams, melted); ½ cup chopped chocolate or chocolate chips (85 grams, bittersweet or dark); 907 grams cream cheese softened (4 packages of 8 oz. each); 1⅓ cup granulated sugar (266 grams); ½ cup sour cream (120 grams); 1 tbsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp peppermint extract; ½ tsp salt; 4 large eggs (divided); 2 tbsp cocoa powder; ¼ tsp espresso powder (optional); ¼ cup crushed peppermint candies; ¾ cup chopped chocolate or chocolate chips (127 grams, semi-sweet); ½ cup heavy cream (120 ml); 5 grams glucose or corn syrup (optional); ¼ tsp peppermint extract; 2 tbsp crushed peppermint candies

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 13 reviews

If you are looking for a festive, rich, and delightfully refreshing dessert, this Peppermint Cheesecake Recipe will become your new holiday favorite. Combining the classic creamy texture of cheesecake with the invigorating zing of peppermint and the decadence of chocolate, this recipe offers a luscious treat that’s perfect for any celebration. Whether you’re hosting a winter gathering or simply craving a delicious twist on a timeless dessert, this peppermint cheesecake brings together vibrant flavors and a stunning presentation that will wow everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clean, organized flat lay showing ingredients for a dessert on a white marbled surface. In the center is a large clear glass bowl holding two blocks of white cream cheese. To the upper left is a small tin filled with light beige condensed milk, next to a clear glass bowl with bright yellow melted butter. Above the cream cheese is a big white tub of whipped cream with a fluffy texture. Below the butter, a small white bowl holds crushed red and white peppermint candies. On the left side, a clear glass bowl contains whole dark chocolate sandwich cookies, while below it, a small clear bowl has round pale yellow cookie slices with cookie crumbs on top. At the bottom left is a clear bowl with dark brown vanilla extract. The scene is bright and simple, with no extra items visible, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Peppermint Cheesecake Recipe lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients: each one plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, or that beautiful festive look. From the crumbly Oreo crust providing a chocolaty base, to the peppermint candies adding a pop of refreshing sweetness, these components are simple yet essential for success.

36 Oreo cookies (406 grams): The perfect base that adds rich chocolate flavor and a crunchy texture to the crust.
5 tbsp unsalted butter (70 grams, melted): Binds the Oreo crumbs to form a sturdy and buttery crust.
½ cup chopped chocolate or chocolate chips (85 grams, bittersweet or dark): Adds a deep chocolate richness to the batter for the chocolate swirl.
907 grams cream cheese softened (4 packages of 8 oz. each): The creamy heart of the cheesecake, lending smoothness and tanginess.
1⅓ cup granulated sugar (266 grams): Sweetens the cheesecake just right without overwhelming the peppermint.
½ cup sour cream (120 grams): Enhances creaminess and adds a slight zesty balance.
1 tbsp vanilla extract: Rounds out flavors with subtle sweetness and depth.
½ tsp peppermint extract: Delivers a refreshing minty note that makes this recipe so festive.
½ tsp salt: Elevates all the flavors by balancing sweetness.
4 large eggs (divided): Essential for structure and silkiness in both chocolate and peppermint batters.
2 tbsp cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate swirl’s flavor and color.
¼ tsp espresso powder (optional): Boosts chocolate complexity without adding coffee taste.
¼ cup crushed peppermint candies: Adds delightful crunch and peppermint bursts in the batter.
¾ cup chopped chocolate or chocolate chips (127 grams, semi-sweet): For the luscious peppermint ganache topping.
½ cup heavy cream (120 ml): Creates the silky ganache that drapes atop the finished cheesecake.
5 grams glucose or corn syrup (optional): Keeps the ganache smooth and glossy.
¼ tsp peppermint extract: Boosts peppermint flavor in the ganache for a harmonious finish.
2 tbsp crushed peppermint candies: Garnishes the ganache with festive sparkle and texture.

How to Make Peppermint Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oreo Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325ºF. Crush the Oreo cookies into a fine powder using a food processor. Mix in the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press the crumb mixture firmly along the bottom and up the sides of a springform pan, ensuring a nice even layer that will hold together during baking. Bake for about 12 minutes, then set aside to cool completely. This forms a chocolatey, buttery foundation that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Batter

After greasing the exposed edges of your pan, melt the bittersweet or dark chocolate and set it aside to cool. Beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, gradually adding sugar to sweeten. Incorporate sour cream, vanilla, peppermint extracts, and salt to create a fragrant, luscious base. Divide this batter evenly into two bowls—half will become the chocolate swirl, and the other the peppermint batter.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate and Peppermint Batters

Into one bowl, mix the melted chocolate with cocoa powder and espresso powder, then add two eggs one at a time, beating well to combine. The other bowl gets two eggs added the same way, along with crushed peppermint candies for bursts of minty crunch. This dual-batter approach ensures a beautiful marbled effect and a delightful interplay of flavors.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake

Pour spoonfuls of the chocolate and peppermint batters alternately over the cooled crust, then use a spatula to create swirls. Carefully wrap the springform pan with aluminum foil and place it inside a larger pan filled with hot water to form a water bath. This gentle cooking method prevents cracks and promotes an evenly baked cheesecake. Bake for about 65 to 75 minutes, then leave it in the turned-off oven for one hour before chilling it for at least six hours in the fridge.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Peppermint Ganache

Warm heavy cream and optional corn syrup until hot, then pour it over chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Allow it to sit briefly before whisking until smooth. Stir in peppermint extract and let the ganache cool and thicken in the fridge, stirring occasionally. When ready, spread the ganache over the chilled cheesecake and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for an extra festive finish.

How to Serve Peppermint Cheesecake Recipe

This image shows a three-layer round cake on a white marbled round board. The bottom layer is dark brown with a rough texture, the middle layer is thick, smooth, and pale yellow, and the top layer is glossy dark chocolate with a spiral pattern. Crushed red and white peppermint candy pieces are sprinkled evenly over the chocolate layer. The cake is surrounded by candy canes, holiday trees, and festive decorations in the soft-focused background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding crushed peppermint candies on top adds sparkle and crunch, while the glossy chocolate ganache layer gives a luxurious finish that’s as inviting as it is delicious. For a little extra, consider adding a few whole peppermint leaves or a light dusting of cocoa powder around the edges for picnic-worthy presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair this peppermint cheesecake with simple accompaniments like fresh berries or a light whipped cream dollop to complement its richness. For a cozy gathering, serve alongside warm eggnog or a peppermint hot chocolate to emphasize those holiday flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting this cheesecake into smaller bite-size squares for an elegant dessert platter. You can also serve it with themed dessert plates or wrapped slices as thoughtful homemade gifts during the holiday season. Swirling the ganache with a contrasting color drizzle can add an artistic flair to the presentation if you want to wow guests visually!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover peppermint cheesecake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Kept this way, it remains fresh and creamy for up to 4 days. Always store it chilled for the best texture and flavor retention.

Freezing

This Peppermint Cheesecake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cheesecake can be stored for up to 2 months without sacrificing quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain the perfect creamy texture.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally unnecessary. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let slices sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving, which can cause uneven heating and texture changes.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate instead of bittersweet or dark chocolate?

Absolutely! Using milk chocolate will give a sweeter, creamier swirl, but bittersweet or dark chocolate balances the sweetness and pairs beautifully with the peppermint flavor for a more sophisticated taste.

Is there a substitute for Oreo cookies in the crust?

You can substitute with chocolate graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies if Oreos aren’t available. Just make sure to finely crush them and mix with melted butter to achieve a sturdy crust.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract? Can I use fresh peppermint leaves?

While fresh peppermint leaves can add flavor, they won’t deliver the same intensity. Peppermint extract is concentrated and provides that signature holiday punch, so it’s best not to skip it if you want the classic peppermint flavor.

Why is a water bath necessary for baking this cheesecake?

The water bath ensures gentle, even heat and prevents cracks on the cheesecake surface by maintaining moisture and temperature control throughout baking. It’s key to achieving that perfectly smooth and creamy texture.

Can I make this cheesecake vegan or dairy-free?

This particular Peppermint Cheesecake Recipe relies on cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream, so adapting it to vegan or dairy-free requires alternative ingredients like plant-based cream cheese and coconut cream. However, results and texture may vary, so expect some modifications.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Cheesecake Recipe is a fantastic way to bring festive cheer into your kitchen with every bite. Its combination of creamy cheesecake, refreshing peppermint, and rich chocolate creates a dessert that truly stands out. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just to treat yourself, this cheesecake promises smiles, second helpings, and plenty of compliments. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!