Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake

A classy Christmas dessert made to impress at your next holiday function. Filled with chocolate and bursting with peppermint flavor this cheesecake is simple, indulgent and delicious.  

Now, I know I’m not the only one feeling the Christmas pressure. Gifts, bows, stockings and rolls of wrapping paper are littering my junk closets and trickling onto counters and carpets. Invitations to neighbors’ yankee swaps and ugly sweater parties are popping up everywhere. And of course, you can never show up empty handed to these things.

There never seems to be enough time to get it all done while keeping your sanity. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that has saved me year after year. I’m here to help you save precious time that can be better used wrapping gifts or tying bows. Let’s not wait until Christmas Eve this year (Santa needs chill time too).

We all know the signature flavors that make up the Christmas season: eggnog, gingerbread, cranberry and of course, peppermint. And, y’all, I love ‘em all! This Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake is an ode to my most favorite of holiday flavors. Filled with chocolate and bursting with peppermint flavor, this cheesecake is indulgent, impressive and oh so delicious!

Without further ado, let’s whip up a classy Christmas dessert destined to impress at your next holiday function!

Perks and Highlights of Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake

Cuisine Inspiration: Dessert Fantasia Brace yourselves, sweet-tooths! This isn’t just a cheesecake; it’s a round-trip ticket to Dessert Fantasia. Inspired by the classic combo of chocolate and peppermint, this cheesecake is where comfort food meets holiday cheer!

Primary Cooking Method: Baking We’re firing up the oven for this one! Baking helps us achieve that creamy, dreamy texture that makes cheesecake the crown jewel of desserts.

Dietary Info: Vegetarian, Gluten Options Available Hey, we’re all about inclusivity here! While this gem is vegetarian, you can easily switch the crust to a gluten-free version. Everyone deserves a slice of heaven!

Key Flavor: Chocolate Meets Peppermint Imagine the richness of chocolate dancing a tango with the zesty kick of peppermint. It’s not just a flavor; it’s an experience.

Skill Level: Intermediate Fear not, intrepid bakers! You might need a bit of experience under your belt (it’s a cheesecake, after all), but with a dash of courage and a sprinkle of love, you’ve got this!

Special Perks:

• Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed to dazzle at any holiday party. Who can resist the siren call of chocolate and peppermint?
• Insta-Worthy: Seriously, it’s a stunner. Get ready for the “oohs” and “aahs” and, of course, the clicks!
• Adaptable: Not a peppermint fan? Swap it out for another flavor, or go plain Jane with a dash of vanilla. This cheesecake doesn’t mind!
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Whip it up the day before, and let it chill overnight. It’s like waking up to a Christmas present in your fridge!
• Indulgence Overload: Creamy, decadent, and rich. This isn’t just dessert; it’s a full-on indulgence that’s worth every. single. calorie.

Ingredients

Chocolate and peppermint go together like peanut butter and jelly! For years, I’ve looked forward to the holiday season just so I can enjoy this very recipe. There is just something so comforting and refreshing about this flavor pairing!

From the nutty, rich chocolate to the crisp, bright peppermint, every bite of this cheesecake is better than the last.

Here’s how we make this wonderful wizardry happen:

• Chocolate Sandwich Cookies– sweet, chocolatey and buttery, these cookies are always the way to go. A cookie crust guarantees a sweet-salty, crunchy bite.
• Flour & Sugar– both are necessary to create structure and add sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter– butter binds together the crust and helps to crisp up the base during baking.
• Cream Cheese– cream cheese is smooth, tangy and full of delicious fatty goodness.
• Heavy Cream– when beaten, cream lightens and uplifts the cheese mixture.
• Eggs– egg proteins work as a natural thickening agent. Also, emulsifiers in the egg yolk help give the cheesecake a smooth texture.
• Sour Cream– I like my cheesecake with a little tang. Sour cream adds decadence, flavor and smooth texture.
• Pure Vanilla– earthy, floral and fragrant, vanilla gives our cream filling the classic cheesecake flavor.
• Peppermint Extract– don’t get crazy with this, a dash too much will take this recipe from pleasantly minty to toothpaste real quick.
• Cocoa Powder– high-quality, dutch-processed cocoa powder is a must. The powder itself should be darker, softer and more aromatic than a cheaper variation.
• Whipped Cream (Optional)– because the texture of cheesecake is quite heavy, I like to create balance by serving my slices with whipped cream. The smooth, light texture adds an extra layer of indulgence you didn’t even know you needed!
• Crushed Peppermint (Optional)– feel free to use any holiday baking decorations you have on hand! Have fun with it!

How to Make a Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake

1. Crust Creation:

• Start with mixin’ chocolate cookie crumbs and sugar in a love affair with melted butter.
• Get that mixture all cozy and pressed into the bottom of your trusty springform pan.
• Bake this beauty in the oven for about 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool. Patience, darlings!
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2. Filling Fantasia:

• Now, let’s get that cheesecake filling whipped up! In your KitchenAid® (a baker’s bestie!), mix cream cheese and sugar on medium until it’s smoother than a jazz tune.
• Glide in that heavy cream, followed by eggs one at a time – we’re building flavors here, folks!
• It’s time for the grand entrance: sour cream, vanilla extract, peppermint extract (hello, holiday spirit!), cocoa powder, and flour. Mix until it’s as smooth as your dance moves.
• Pour that luscious batter over your crust. Optional but recommended for the drama: the water bath. It helps our star bake evenly!

3. Baking Bliss:

• Pop it in the oven and bake for 1 hour. Then, with the oven off, let it chill inside with the door closed for 4 hours. It’s like a spa day for your cheesecake!
• Post-oven, ensure it’s chilled before it hits the fridge. If it’s still warm, let it cool on the counter. Overnight in the fridge and it’s ready to make its debut!

4. Whipped Cream Wonderland:

• Now, for the crowning glory! Whip that heavy cream in your KitchenAid® until it’s as fluffy as a cloud.
• Sweeten the deal with sugar and mint extract, and keep going until you’ve got stiff peaks.
• Plop that whipped dream in the center of your cheesecake.

5. The Finishing Flair:

• Ready for some fun? Dip a butter knife into red food coloring and swirl it through the whipped cream for that festive vibe.
• Shower the top with crushed peppermint like it’s confetti, and voila!

Tips

Cheesecakes tend to get a bad rap for being particularly finicky but I disagree. If you follow the right steps, a cheesecake can be simple and fun. I love making this recipe to bring along to any holiday gathering. 

Here’s how you can guarantee yourself the perfect cheesecake every time! 

Always Use Room Temperature Ingredients

This is honestly the only way to ensure that your batter doesn’t contain any unwanted lumps. Let your ingredients (especially your cream cheese) sit out until they reach room temperature. Doing this makes for a smoother, well-incorporated and balanced mixture. 

If you’re in a pinch, take your cream cheese out of the foil and heat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Anything but cold cream cheese, please! 

Don’t Overmix Your Batter 

I absolutely love making good use of my stand mixer for this recipe. It allows me to have better control while also reducing the amount of work I have to do. 

Both over-mixing and mixing on too high of a speed can cause cracks and craters during the baking process. Be sure to mix on a low to medium speed and watch carefully! You only need to mix your batter until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. 

Let Your Cheesecake Cool Gradually 

I know, I know. You just made this incredible cheesecake and you’ve been dreaming amount the moment you get to dig in. But wait! Allowing your cheesecake the proper time to set and cool is essential. 

After the allotted baking time, let your cheesecake to sit in the oven for an additional 4 hours with the oven off. Then, set your cheesecake out on the counter until completely cooled. Transfer to the fridge to cool overnight. 

What Should the Texture Be?

Just as with any other cheesecake, texture is absolutely key. If made correctly, a cheesecake should be smooth, creamy and light with a melt-in-your-mouth decadence. There is a delicate balance between an airy, flavorful slice and a dense, overpowering one. I’m sure you can tell which one we’re shooting for.

It’s a long wait, but dang is it worth it! 

How to Store Leftover Cheesecake

Before you guiltily indulge in every last crumb, know that this decadent dish can be stored as leftovers without a hitch!

Here’s what you can do with those too-good-to-waste leftovers, whether you choose to refrigerate or freeze them.

To Refrigerate

Just about any cheese can be tightly wrapped (in saran or foil) or placed in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Refrigerating cheesecake is best if you plan to eat it within a few days.

To Freeze

When I have more than a few individual slices, or I need to buy a little more time, I choose to freeze my cheesecake. To do so, wrap the slices in saran or foil and place them in a heavy freezer-type plastic bag.

A frozen cheesecake will last for up to 3 weeks. If you’re looking to plan ahead, an entire cheesecake can be made, wrapped and frozen for up to 6 weeks.

To Thaw

Thaw frozen cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re in a hurry, or in need of a sugar-fix, an individual slice can be thawed at room temperature in 30 minutes.

The Best Chocolate and Peppermint Combination Recipes

As I mentioned earlier, I love the flavor combination of chocolate and peppermint. I love it so much so that I have made several chocolate peppermint desserts since starting this blog. Check out some of my other chocolate peppermint dessert recipes.

• Peppermint Chocolate Pie
• Peppermint One Bowl Brownies
• Ultimate Peppermint Chocolate Pound Cake
• Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint Buttercream
• Peppermint French Silk Pie

For More Cheesecakes

If you love other cheesecake recipes, definitely try my Mint Chocolate Cake, Quadruple Chocolate Cheesecake, New York Cheesecake, Sweet Potato Cheesecake and my Strawberry Cheesecake for a no bake twist!!

Photos by Eat More Cake By Candice