Indulge in Festive Bliss: Our Irresistible Peppermint Cheesecake Recipe

Christmas just got sweeter with this creamy Peppermint Cheesecake, a true holiday showstopper. Topped generously with vibrant crushed candy canes and a cloud of fluffy peppermint whipped cream, it’s a dessert that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.

Embracing the Magic of Peppermint for the Holidays

I confess, my love affair with peppermint is a year-round commitment. While I can certainly get my peppermint mocha fix at any time, there’s an undeniable magic that sweeps in with the first official sip of the season. Picture it: bundled up in your warmest winter coat and gloves, the soft hush of snow falling outside like a shaken snow globe, and the festive tunes of “Jingle Bell Rock” drifting from the radio. It’s an experience that transcends a simple drink; it’s a feeling, a celebration of winter’s arrival.

Of course, reality often paints a different picture, especially when Mother Nature is still clinging to mild autumn temperatures. Soon, we might be dreaming of a “Warm and Rainy Christmas” rather than a “White Christmas”! But even if the weather isn’t quite ready for the holidays, my kitchen, and certainly my taste buds, are.

This past weekend, I immersed myself in the vibrant energy of New York City with some dear friends. Having explored all the major tourist attractions on previous visits, it was wonderfully refreshing to experience the Big Apple through the eyes of locals. From hidden cafes to bustling markets, the city felt alive with anticipation for the festive season.

Feeling thoroughly steeped in the holiday spirit, it was only natural that my next baking project had to be a Peppermint Cheesecake. Why peppermint, you ask? Well, first, it’s cheesecake – and who can resist a slice of rich, creamy perfection? Second, after creating a delightful Gingerbread Cheesecake last year, I was eager to introduce a fresh, equally festive flavor to my holiday repertoire. Peppermint, with its cool and refreshing notes, felt like the perfect choice to brighten any holiday spread.

The Unexpected Charm of Candy Canes

Funnily enough, I’m not a huge fan of eating plain candy canes. The hard candy texture just isn’t my preference. However, sprinkle those vibrant, crushed candy cane pieces over a cloud of soft, peppermint-infused whipped cream, and it’s an entirely different story! The texture transforms into a delightful crunch that melts in your mouth, adding both visual appeal and a burst of flavor without any of the hard candy commitment.

Fun fact: If you’re crushing candy canes in a food processor, be prepared for a whimsical cloud of white dust to puff up when you lift the lid. It’s a small, magical moment that adds to the holiday fun in the kitchen!

Mint vs. Peppermint: Unraveling the Aromatic Mystery

The world of mints can be surprisingly perplexing, as I recently discovered during a lively discussion with a friend. Are mint and peppermint the same? What about spearmint? When you grab “fresh mint” from the grocery store, which variety are you actually getting? These questions led me down a fascinating path of research, and here’s what I learned:

• Spearmint: The Default Mint. When a recipe or a store simply refers to “mint,” it almost always means spearmint. It’s the most commonly cultivated variety for culinary use, especially in savory dishes due to its milder, sweeter flavor profile. If your cookbook calls for fresh mint, spearmint is likely what you need.
• Peppermint: The Bold and Bracing One. Peppermint is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint. Its signature cooling sensation comes from its high menthol content, which gives it a much stronger, more intense flavor. This makes it ideal for desserts, candies, and, of course, our festive peppermint cheesecake!
• Growing Your Own: Both spearmint and peppermint are incredibly easy to grow in a garden, often thriving vigorously. However, for baking, many recipes (including this one) rely on the consistent potency of extracts.

For this delightful Candy Cane Cheesecake, the distinctive, bold flavor of peppermint extract is absolutely essential to achieve that classic holiday taste. It provides the perfect balance to the rich cream cheese, ensuring every bite is a refreshing burst of festive flavor.

Baking the Perfect Peppermint Cheesecake: Tips and Tricks

Creating a beautiful, crack-free cheesecake might seem daunting, but with a few simple tips, you can achieve professional-level results right in your home kitchen. This Peppermint Cheesecake is designed to be straightforward, delivering maximum festive impact with minimal fuss.

The Crust: A Chocolatey Foundation

Our recipe calls for a simple yet delicious chocolate sandwich cookie crust. The rich chocolate perfectly complements the refreshing peppermint. To get it just right:

• Fine Crumbs: Ensure your cookie crumbs are finely ground for a uniform crust. A food processor makes quick work of this.
• Melted Butter: Mix the melted butter thoroughly until all crumbs are moistened. This helps bind the crust and prevents it from being too crumbly.
• Firm Press: Press the crust firmly into the bottom and up the sides of your springform pan. Use the bottom of a glass or a flat measuring cup to achieve an even, compact layer.

The Creamy Peppermint Filling

The heart of any great cheesecake is its luscious filling. For this peppermint version, attention to a few details ensures a silky-smooth texture:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: This is crucial! Softened cream cheese and room temperature eggs mix much more smoothly, preventing lumps and ensuring a homogenous batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Beat the cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy, but once you add the eggs and extracts, mix only until just combined. Overmixing incorporates too much air, which can lead to cracks in your cheesecake.
• Peppermint and Vanilla: The combination of peppermint and a touch of vanilla extract creates a balanced flavor profile, enhancing the peppermint without making it taste like toothpaste.

Baking and Cooling for Perfection

Cheesecake requires patience, especially during the baking and cooling phases:

• Water Bath (Optional but Recommended): While not explicitly stated in the provided instructions, a water bath (placing your springform pan inside a larger pan filled with hot water) helps create a moist, steamy environment in the oven. This promotes even baking and greatly reduces the risk of cracks. If you use one, make sure your springform pan is wrapped tightly in foil to prevent water seepage.
• Doneness Test: The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight wobble when gently shaken. It will continue to set as it cools.
• Slow Cooling is Key: Cooling the cheesecake gradually prevents cracking. Let it cool in the oven with the door ajar for an hour after baking, then on a wire rack at room temperature, and finally, a long chill in the refrigerator is essential for it to fully set and firm up.

Essential Tools for Your Peppermint Cheesecake Journey

To ensure your baking process is smooth and enjoyable, here are a few items you might find helpful. (Note: These are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.)

Peppermint Cheesecake

Yield:
8-10 servings

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
40 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes

Christmas just got sweeter with this creamy Peppermint Cheesecake topped with crushed candy canes and peppermint whipped cream.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces or 4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
• 24 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened (do not sub fat free)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped Cream

• 1/2 cup cold heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 candy canes, crushed

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Have an 8.5 inch or 9 inch springform pan ready.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cookie crumbs and melted butter. Pat into the bottom and roughly 2 inches up the side of the pan.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, for 1 minute each. Add the peppermint and vanilla extracts then beat for an additional 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour the batter into the crust then bake 35-40 minutes or until the center is almost set (it’ll move when the pan is shaken, but the top should be firm when you touch it). Remove from the oven and cool 1 hour in the pan.
5. Carefully run a knife along the edge to loosen the cheesecake. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Remove the pan side before serving. Top with whipped cream (recipe below). Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
6. For the whipped cream: In a large mixing bowl (with whisk attachment if using a stand mixer), beat the heavy cream until thickened. Gradually beat in the sugar and peppermint extract then continue beating until stiff peaks form (when you pull the beater up, peaks will form and not fall over). Spread on top of cheesecake then top with crushed candy canes.

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Source: Adapted from Taste Of Home

More Irresistible Cheesecake Recipes for Every Occasion

If you’re a cheesecake enthusiast like me, you’ll love exploring these other delightful cheesecake creations. Each recipe offers a unique flavor profile perfect for any season or celebration:

• Gingerbread Cheesecake: A warm and spicy delight, perfect for autumn and winter.
• Pecan Pie Cheesecake: The classic pie reinvented in a creamy cheesecake form.
• Pumpkin Cheesecake: A seasonal favorite, rich with the flavors of fall.
• Classic Cheesecake: The timeless original, simple yet supremely satisfying.
• Chocolate Cheesecake: For the ultimate chocolate lover, deeply decadent and rich.
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake: A comforting blend of sweet apples, gooey caramel, and nutty pecans.
• Carrot Cake Cheesecake: Two beloved desserts united in one delicious creation.

Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast or simply craving a sweet treat, this Peppermint Cheesecake promises to be a memorable addition to your dessert table. Its vibrant flavor and festive appearance make it an absolute must-try for the Christmas season. Happy baking, and happy holidays!