Here’s a cool, creamy, and festive dessert that’s perfect for the holidays (or any peppermint lovers): No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake. It’s light, fluffy, minty-sweet, and super easy to make — no oven required!
🎄 No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake
🍰 Ingredients:
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (Oreos or chocolate graham crackers, crushed)
- 5 tbsp melted butter
Filling:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- Optional: 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (for inside or topping)
- Optional: a few drops of red food coloring (for a pink swirl effect)
Topping (optional but recommended):
- Whipped cream
- Crushed peppermint candies
- Chocolate curls or drizzle
🧁 Instructions:
1. Make the Crust
- Mix cookie crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until combined.
- Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish.
- Chill in the fridge while you prepare the filling (at least 10–15 minutes).
2. Make the Peppermint Filling
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and peppermint extract; beat until fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth.
- Optional: Fold in crushed peppermint candies and/or swirl in a drop or two of red food coloring for a marbled look.
3. Assemble & Chill
- Pour filling over the chilled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, or until firm (overnight is best).
4. Decorate & Serve
- Top with whipped cream, crushed peppermint, chocolate, or anything festive.
- Slice and serve chilled.
❄️ Tips & Variations:
- Make mini cheesecakes: Use muffin tins with liners for individual servings.
- No peppermint extract? Use crushed mints only — but flavor will be milder.
- Chocolate peppermint swirl: Add a bit of melted chocolate to half the batter and swirl it in.
- Gluten-free: Use GF chocolate cookies for the crust.