Peppermint Cheesecake

A festive holiday dessert with a creamy peppermint center, Oreo crust, and fluffy peppermint frosting.

This Peppermint Cheesecake is the ultimate winter dessert. Built on a rich Oreo cookie crust, the silky cheesecake is infused with cool peppermint extract and studded with crunchy Andes peppermint chips. Finished with a light, peppermint-kissed whipped frosting and optional candy toppings, it’s a showstopper for any Christmas celebration. Whether you’re hosting or bringing dessert, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This

• Festive Flavor – Classic peppermint pairs perfectly with cream cheese for the holidays.
• Decadently Creamy – A smooth, rich filling balanced with whipped topping and peppermint crunch.
• Beautiful Presentation – Top with crushed candy canes or peppermint bark for a holiday centerpiece.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Bake it the day before and frost when ready to serve.
• Customizable Toppings – From Lindt truffles to crushed candy, make it your own.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 22 Oreo cookies, pulsed into crumbs
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup white granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup Andes peppermint crunch chips

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup white granulated sugar
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• 8 oz whipped topping (like COOL Whip)
• ½ cup Andes peppermint crunch chips, finely diced

Decorating Options:

• Crushed candy canes
• Ghirardelli peppermint chocolates
• Lindt peppermint chocolate truffles
• Andes peppermint thins or chips
• Peppermint bark

Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside with heavy-duty foil if using a water bath.

Make the Crust:
2. Pulse Oreos into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter.
3. Press into bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. Set aside.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:
4. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth (about 2 minutes).
5. Mix in vanilla, peppermint extract, and sour cream.
6. Beat in eggs one at a time, scraping sides between additions.
7. Mix in cornstarch, then slowly add heavy cream until fully incorporated.
8. Fold in peppermint crunch chips.
9. Pour into crust and smooth top.

Bake in Water Bath:
10. Place springform in a larger roasting pan. Fill roasting pan with hot water halfway up the sides.
11. Bake for 70–75 minutes.
12. Turn off oven, crack oven door, and let cheesecake rest inside for 10 minutes.
13. Remove from oven, cool for 20 minutes, then run a greased knife around edges.
14. Cool 1 hour on the counter, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Make Frosting:
15. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and peppermint extract until smooth.
16. Gently fold in whipped topping and peppermint chips.
17. Spread a thin layer over chilled cheesecake, then pipe remaining frosting if desired.

Decorate:
18. Garnish with candy canes, peppermint bark, or your choice of festive toppings.

Tips / Storage / FAQs

Tips:

• Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing.
• Wrap springform pan tightly in foil to prevent water leakage.
• Bake in a true water bath for even texture and no cracks.
• For clean slices, warm a knife under hot water before cutting.

Storage:

• Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze unfrosted cheesecake for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before adding frosting.

FAQs:

• Can I use chocolate Oreos instead of golden ones?
  Absolutely—chocolate Oreos add a rich base that complements the peppermint flavor.
• Do I have to use a water bath?
  It’s recommended for the best texture, but you can bake without it. Just place a pan of water on the lower oven rack to prevent cracking.
• Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
  Yes, just stabilize it with a bit of powdered sugar or gelatin to hold its shape.
• Can I skip the peppermint chips?
  You can omit them or substitute white chocolate chips or crushed candy canes.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Cheesecake is everything a holiday dessert should be—cool, creamy, festive, and decadent. It’s perfect for Christmas dinner or any winter celebration, and the make-ahead nature makes entertaining stress-free. A touch of peppermint and a lot of love turn this cheesecake into a seasonal showstopper.

The Goods