Decadent Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake Recipe with Festive Swirl

Rich chocolate peppermint cheesecake changes ordinary dessert into a luxurious winter indulgence that tantalizes sophisticated palates.

Sweet meets refreshing in this decadent fusion of creamy textures and bold flavors.

Cool mint undertones dance gracefully against deep chocolate notes, creating an irresistible harmony of taste sensations.

Sophisticated bakers understand how strategic ingredient combinations elevate simple recipes into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Elegant yet approachable, this dessert balances intricate flavor profiles with comforting familiarity that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Sophisticated home cooks can master this recipe with confidence, blending classic techniques and modern twists.

Professional pastry skills are not required to craft this show-stopping sweet treat that promises to impress friends and family.

Why Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake Is a Festive Must

• Indulge in Decadent Chocolate Bliss: This cheesecake delivers an intense chocolate experience with layers of rich flavor from melted chocolate, cocoa powder, and a chocolate ganache topping that will satisfy even the most serious chocolate lovers.
• Celebrate Festive Peppermint Excitement: The subtle peppermint extract creates a delightful holiday twist, while crushed candy canes add a crunchy, festive garnish that transforms this dessert into a seasonal showstopper.
• Master Pro-Level Baking Techniques: The water bath method and careful cooling process ensure a perfectly smooth, crack-free cheesecake with a luxurious, silky texture that looks and tastes professionally prepared, making you feel like a true pastry chef.
• Impress with Make-Ahead Convenience: This dessert can be prepared in advance and stored for up to 5 days, allowing you to plan ahead for gatherings and enjoy stress-free entertaining with a stunning chocolate peppermint showpiece.

Ingredients That Make This Peppermint Cheesecake Shine

• Oreo Cookies: Classic chocolate sandwich cookies that create a rich, chocolatey base for the cheesecake.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the cookie crumbs and creates a solid, compact crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary creamy base that gives cheesecake its signature smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth filling.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a silky texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor and deepens the color.
• Eggs, Egg Yolk: Provide structure and help bind the filling together.
• Chocolate: High-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate for intense chocolate flavor.
• Peppermint Extract: Adds a cool, refreshing mint flavor to complement the chocolate.

• Chocolate Chips: Used to create a smooth, glossy ganache topping.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a rich, shiny ganache for the top.
• Candy Canes: Provides a festive decoration and additional peppermint crunch.

How to Layer and Chill a Chocolate Peppermint Showstopper

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 325°F. Wrap a 9-inch springform pan with three layers of aluminum foil. Spray pan with cooking spray.

Crush Oreo cookies in food processor until finely ground.

Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter until well combined.

Press mixture into bottom and sides of pan.

Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool while preparing filling.

Step 2: Create Smooth Chocolate Base

Melt chocolate in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

In large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until completely smooth.

• Granulated sugar
• Heavy cream
• Cocoa powder

Beat until well combined.

Step 3: Blend Filling Ingredients

Add eggs and egg yolk one at a time, mixing on low speed.

• Peppermint extract
• Melted chocolate

Mix until silky smooth.

Step 4: Prepare Water Bath

Pour batter into cooled crust.

Tap pan to remove air bubbles.

Place pan in larger roasting dish.

Add boiling water halfway up pan sides.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.

Look for slightly dry top with wobbling center.

Turn off oven, crack door open.

Let cheesecake rest in oven for 45 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Transfer cheesecake to wire rack.

Cool to room temperature.

Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours.

Step 7: Create Luxurious Ganache

Place chocolate chips in heatproof bowl.

Heat cream until barely simmering.

Pour hot cream over chocolate.

Let sit for 3 minutes.

Stir until completely smooth.

Step 8: Final Decorative Touch

Pour ganache over chilled cheesecake.

Spread evenly across top.

Sprinkle crushed candy canes for festive look.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy immediately or store in refrigerator.

Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.

Best served chilled.

Smart Tips for Clean Cuts and Bright Flavor

• Prevent Crust Crumbling: Process Oreo cookies finely and pack the crust firmly to ensure a solid, compact base that won't fall apart when slicing.
• Master the Water Bath: Wrap the springform pan carefully with multiple foil layers to prevent water seepage, which could make your crust soggy during baking.
• Achieve Smooth Filling: Beat cream cheese thoroughly and scrape down bowl sides to eliminate any lumps, creating a silky-smooth cheesecake texture.
• Control Baking Time: Watch the cheesecake closely during the last 15 minutes of baking; a slightly dry top with a wobbly center indicates perfect doneness.
• Prevent Cracking Secrets: Cool the cheesecake gradually by leaving it in the oven with the door cracked open, allowing it to come to room temperature slowly and preventing unsightly surface cracks.

Storing This Cheesecake Without Losing Texture

• Refrigerator Storage: Carefully wrap the cheesecake in plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Freezer Method: Slice the cheesecake, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Reheating Technique: Thaw frozen cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight, then allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its creamy texture and rich flavor.

Drinks and Dishes to Serve with Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake

• Brew a Mint Chocolate Latte: Create a creamy, warm beverage with espresso, steamed milk, and a dash of peppermint syrup to complement the rich chocolate cheesecake's decadent flavors.
• Pour a Dessert Wine Companion: Select a sweet port or late-harvest Riesling that echoes the cheesecake's chocolate and peppermint notes, enhancing the dessert's luxurious texture.
• Serve with Crisp Peppermint Bark: Offer a crunchy side of homemade peppermint bark to add textural contrast and intensify the cheesecake's festive mint-chocolate profile.
• Pair with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a cold, creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cheesecake to balance its dense richness and provide a smooth, refreshing counterpoint.

Fun Ways to Remix the Minty Chocolate Theme

• Minty White Chocolate Wonder: Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate in the filling, increasing peppermint extract for a brighter, more intense mint flavor. Garnish with white chocolate shavings and green mint chips.
• Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Base: Replace Oreo cookie crust with a rich brownie base. Create a dense chocolate foundation by mixing crushed brownies with melted butter for an extra decadent bottom layer.
• No-Bake Peppermint Dream: Transform the recipe into a chilled version by using gelatin to set the filling. Skip the baking process and freeze the cheesecake for a cool, refreshing summer-friendly dessert.
• Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Crunch: Use extra dark chocolate in the filling for a more intense chocolate profile. Top with crushed candy canes and a drizzle of dark chocolate ganache for a bold, sophisticated presentation.

Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Luxurious chocolate peppermint cheesecake brings holiday magic right to your dessert table. Rich chocolate and cool peppermint create an irresistible combination you cannot resist on festive occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 24 (278 grams) Oreo cookies
• 24 ounces (680 grams) full-fat cream cheese
• 8 ounces (227 grams) semisweet chocolate
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup (21 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 egg yolk

Topping and Garnish:

• 1 cup (170 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
• Crushed candy canes

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 325°F and shield a springform pan with multiple layers of aluminum foil, ensuring a waterproof barrier.
2. Transform Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor, then integrate melted butter until the mixture feels uniformly moistened.
3. Press the cookie crumb mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom and partial sides, creating a compact base.
4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until aromatic, then allow to cool while maintaining the oven temperature.
5. Melt chocolate carefully in microwave-safe bowl, stirring between 30-second intervals until achieving a silky consistency.
6. Whip cream cheese using an electric mixer until achieving a perfectly smooth texture, periodically scraping the bowl’s edges.
7. Incorporate granulated sugar, heavy cream, and cocoa powder into the cream cheese, blending until thoroughly combined.
8. Gently introduce eggs and yolk individually, mixing on low speed to prevent overmixing.
9. Fold in peppermint extract and melted chocolate, creating a harmonious, velvety filling.
10. Transfer the batter into the prepared crust, tapping the pan to release potential air bubbles.
11. Create a water bath by placing the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan, carefully adding boiling water halfway up the sides.
12. Bake for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, watching for a slightly dry surface while maintaining a wobbling center.
13. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually for 45 minutes.
14. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours.
15. Prepare ganache by heating cream until it reaches a gentle simmer, then pouring over chocolate chips.
16. Allow the mixture to rest for 3 minutes before stirring until achieving a glossy, smooth texture.
17. Drizzle the ganache evenly across the chilled cheesecake’s surface.
18. Sprinkle crushed candy canes as a festive final touch.
19. Refrigerate the cheesecake and consume within 5 days for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Waterproof your springform pan meticulously with multiple aluminum foil layers to prevent water seepage during the water bath baking process.
• Use a food processor to create ultra-fine Oreo cookie crumbs for a smooth, compact crust that binds perfectly with melted butter.
• Beat cream cheese thoroughly to eliminate lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth cheesecake texture without any unwanted grainy consistency.
• Incorporate eggs gently and minimally to maintain the delicate structure and prevent potential cracks in your final dessert.
• Cool the cheesecake gradually inside the oven with the door slightly ajar to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause unsightly surface cracking.
• Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to allow complete chilling and flavor melding, which enhances the chocolate and peppermint profile.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 31 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg