Why make this recipe
These Irresistible Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars are the perfect festive treat for your holiday gatherings. They combine a creamy cheesecake filling with peppermint flavor, making them a delightful way to celebrate the season. Each bite is topped with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies and whipped cream, adding a festive touch. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a sweet gift, these bars are sure to impress.
How to make Irresistible Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Additional crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; mix well.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until just combined.
- Fold in crushed peppermint candies. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Cut into bars, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle on additional crushed peppermint candies for garnish.
These simple steps make it easy to whip up this delightful dessert that everyone will love!
How to serve Irresistible Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars
These cheesecake bars are best served chilled. Cut them into squares and place them on a festive platter. You can add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess and sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candies as a beautiful garnish. They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee, making them a perfect treat for holiday gatherings.
How to store Irresistible Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars
To store these cheesecake bars, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 5-7 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Simply wrap each bar in plastic wrap and then store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips to make Irresistible Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure a smooth filling.
- For a more intense peppermint flavor, you can increase the amount of peppermint extract slightly.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed peppermint candies depending on how much crunch you want.
- A chocolate cookie crust can also be used instead of a graham cracker crust for a different twist!
Variation
If you want to mix things up, consider adding layers of chocolate ganache on top of the cheesecake before it’s chilled. This adds richness and pairs beautifully with the mint flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture and taste may be slightly different.
2. Can I use different extracts?
Absolutely! You can replace peppermint extract with other flavors like almond or vanilla if you prefer.
3. How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free bars, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour for the crust.
Conclusion
These Irresistible Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars are a delicious way to celebrate the holiday season. With their creamy texture and festive peppermint flavor, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. For a variation, check out this recipe for the Best Peppermint Cheesecake Bars Recipe with Oreo Crust and enjoy even more deliciousness! If you want to explore other festive options, consider visiting these Christmas cheesecake bars for more inspiration.
Print
Irresistible Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars
- Author: lydia
- Total Time: 240 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cheesecake bars with a creamy filling and peppermint flavor, topped with crushed peppermint candies and whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Additional crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; mix well.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until just combined.
- Fold in crushed peppermint candies. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Cut into bars, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle on additional crushed peppermint candies for garnish.
Notes
For a more intense peppermint flavor, increase the amount of peppermint extract. A chocolate cookie crust can also be used for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg





