Dessert

Peppermint Bark Cheesecake Recipe

Name: Peppermint Bark Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp pure peppermint extract; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; ½ cup crushed candy canes

ByAndria Russo January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

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Introduction

Peppermint Bark Cheesecake is a festive and delicious dessert perfect for the holidays or any time you crave a minty chocolate treat. This creamy cheesecake features a crunchy graham cracker crust topped with rich melted chocolate and crushed candy canes for a delightful crunch. It’s sure to impress your family and friends!

A rich cheesecake sits on a round black tray placed on a white marbled surface, with one large slice removed to show its layers. The cheesecake has three visible layers: a dark brown crumbly crust at the bottom, a thick creamy off-white middle layer of cheesecake, and a glossy dark chocolate topping spread evenly over the top. Swirls of white whipped cream are evenly spaced around the edge, each topped with crushed pink and white peppermint candy pieces. Crumbs from the removed slice rest near the empty space, and a gold fork lies beside the slice on the tray. The background shows blurred festive decorations and a white plate on the same marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup granulated sugar
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 tsp pure peppermint extract
1 cup dark chocolate chips
½ cup crushed candy canes (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form the crust.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing well to combine.
Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until blended after each addition. Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the pan.
Step 4: Bake the cheesecake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but mostly set. Allow it to cool at room temperature for an hour, then refrigerate for at least four hours to chill completely.
Step 5: Melt the dark chocolate chips gently, then pour the melted chocolate evenly over the chilled cheesecake. Immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top for a festive finish before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use a water bath while baking to prevent cracking and achieve a creamier texture.
Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate chips for a sweeter topping.
For extra peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate before pouring.

Storage

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, allow it to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to enhance the creamy texture. Avoid freezing as the texture may change.

How to Serve

A round cheesecake with a dark brown chocolate crust at the bottom, topped with a thick, smooth white creamy layer for the cheesecake filling. The top layer is glossy dark chocolate ganache, sprinkled with crushed red and white peppermint candies. Around the edge, there are swirls of white whipped cream evenly placed with a few peppermint candy pieces on top of each swirl. One slice is removed, showing the clear layers inside. The cake is on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface with a blurred festive background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular peppermint extract instead of pure peppermint extract?

Yes, you can substitute regular peppermint extract, but the flavor may be slightly less intense. Adjust the quantity to taste.

What can I do if the cheesecake cracks during baking?

Cracking can be minimized by baking the cheesecake in a water bath and avoiding overmixing. If cracks appear, cover them with the melted chocolate topping before serving for a beautiful finish.