Peppermint Cheesecake with Chocolate Crust
Highlighted under: Gourmet Baking Bliss
Indulge in the festive flavors of this Peppermint Cheesecake with a rich, chocolatey crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a special treat any time of year.
This Peppermint Cheesecake is a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and refreshing peppermint flavor, all sitting on a decadent chocolate crust. It's perfect for winter celebrations!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh peppermint
- Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence
A Perfect Holiday Treat
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and of course, delicious treats. This Peppermint Cheesecake with Chocolate Crust is the epitome of festive desserts, combining the rich flavors of chocolate with the refreshing taste of peppermint. It's a delightful way to bring a little cheer to your gatherings, and it's sure to impress your guests with its elegant presentation and mouthwatering flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply looking to indulge in something special, this cheesecake fits the bill perfectly. Its creamy texture and decadent chocolate crust create a dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting, making it a favorite among both young and old. Serve it at your next celebration and watch it disappear!
Ingredient Highlights
This recipe features a few key ingredients that make it truly stand out. First, the chocolate cookie crumbs create a rich and flavorful crust that complements the creamy cheesecake filling beautifully. The addition of unsalted butter and sugar ensures the crust is both firm and delicious, providing the perfect base for the cheesecake.
The filling is where the magic happens. Cream cheese adds a luxurious creaminess, while granulated sugar balances out the flavors. The combination of eggs, sour cream, and a hint of vanilla and peppermint extracts elevates this dessert to a whole new level, delivering a cheesecake that is both flavorful and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this Peppermint Cheesecake, presentation is key. Top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream, then sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch. Chocolate shavings can be added for an extra layer of richness and visual appeal, making each plate look as good as it tastes.
For an added touch of elegance, serve the cheesecake with a side of chocolate sauce or a warm berry compote. This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or a festive holiday drink, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Your guests will love the combination of flavors and textures!
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Crust
- 1 ¾ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
For the Topping
- Whipped cream
- Crushed peppermint candies
- Chocolate shavings
Gather all ingredients before starting the preparation.
Instructions
Prepare the Chocolate Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts, sour cream, and flour until well combined.
Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for an hour.
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Before serving, top with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, and chocolate shavings.
Enjoy your festive peppermint cheesecake!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cheesecake turns out perfectly, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. It’s best to let the cream cheese sit out for about an hour before you begin, which allows it to soften and blend easily with the other ingredients.
When baking the cheesecake, avoid opening the oven door frequently, as this can cause temperature fluctuations that may lead to cracks. Instead, keep the oven closed and check for doneness towards the end of the baking time. The center should be set but may still jiggle slightly, which is perfectly fine.
Storing Your Cheesecake
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), storing your peppermint cheesecake properly is essential to maintain its flavor and texture. Cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It can last up to a week in the fridge, making it a great dessert to enjoy throughout the week.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cheesecake. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes, you can substitute with a graham cracker crust or a gluten-free cookie crust.
→ How long does the cheesecake keep?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
→ Can I freeze the cheesecake?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil; it can be frozen for up to 2 months.
→ What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream.
Peppermint Cheesecake with Chocolate Crust
Indulge in the festive flavors of this Peppermint Cheesecake with a rich, chocolatey crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a special treat any time of year.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Gourmet Baking Bliss
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chocolate Crust
- 1 ¾ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
For the Topping
- Whipped cream
- Crushed peppermint candies
- Chocolate shavings
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts, sour cream, and flour until well combined.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for an hour.
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Before serving, top with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, and chocolate shavings.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g