Peppermint Cheesecake
This Peppermint Cheesecake with a delicious Oreo crust, peppermint bark, and a luscious white chocolate ganache is a festive and indulgent dessert perfect for the holidays! The mix of creamy cheesecake with crunchy peppermint bark and the smooth ganache makes for a show-stopping treat.
Ingredients:
For the Peppermint Bark:
4 oz white chocolate, broken into pieces
4 oz semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces
1 tsp vegetable oil or coconut or canola oil
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
1/3 cup crushed candy cane
For the Oreo Crust:
24 Oreos, with filling, finely crushed
5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 杻
For the Cheesecake Filling:
4 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened 燎
1 1/4 cups sugar
3/4 cup sour cream
3 tbsp all-purpose flour, divided
1/4 tsp salt 蓼
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp peppermint extract
3 eggs 讀
Peppermint bark, chopped into small pieces
For the White Chocolate Ganache:
8 oz white chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 林
For Garnish:
3/4 cup whipped cream
Crushed candy canes or crushed peppermint candies
Dark chocolate pieces, chopped
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peppermint Bark:
Melt 4 oz white chocolate with 1/2 tsp vegetable oil and stir in 1/8 tsp peppermint extract. Spread the melted white chocolate onto parchment paper lined on a baking sheet. Place it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to set.
Melt 4 oz semisweet chocolate with 1/2 tsp vegetable oil, and stir in 1/8 tsp peppermint extract. Once the white chocolate layer is set, spread the melted semisweet chocolate over it. Sprinkle with crushed candy cane and return to the freezer until fully chilled.
Once the peppermint bark is set and hardened, break it into small pieces and store in the freezer until ready to use. You can make this step a day or a few hours ahead of time.
2. Make the Crust:
Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.
Place the pan on a double layer of heavy-duty foil and wrap the foil securely around the pan to prevent water from entering during baking.
In a bowl, combine finely crushed Oreos with melted butter, then press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the springform pan. Place the crust in the fridge to firm up while making the filling.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
Preheat the oven to 350F 175C.
Beat the cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream, 2 tbsp flour, salt, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined.
Toss the chopped peppermint bark with 1 tbsp flour and gently fold it into the cheesecake filling.
Pour the filling over the chilled Oreo crust, smoothing the top.
Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan and add 1 inch of hot water to the larger pan creating a water bath for baking.
Lower the oven temperature to 325F 165C and bake for 70-90 minutes, or until the center is set and the top appears dull.
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for an additional 30 minutes.
Remove the springform pan from the water bath, cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, and then run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake. Let it cool for another hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Make the White Chocolate Ganache:
Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to boil. Pour it over the chopped white chocolate and stir until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Allow the ganache to cool slightly, then pour it over the chilled cheesecake.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once the ganache has set, run a thin knife around the edge of the cheesecake and remove the sides of the springform pan.
Garnish with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and chopped dark chocolate pieces.
Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Refrigerate: 5 hours or overnight
Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: Approximately 400-450 kcal per slice may vary
This Peppermint Cheesecake with a rich Oreo crust, peppermint bark, and smooth white chocolate ganache is the perfect holiday dessert. Its festive flavors of peppermint and chocolate will make it a hit at your next holiday gathering!