No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Recipe: Fresh & Frosty Delight

Crafting a decadent no-bake peppermint cheesecake brings pure holiday magic right into your kitchen.

Cool mint notes dance through creamy layers of sweet delight.

Smooth cream cheese blends with crushed candy canes for a festive twist.

Oreo cookie crusts provide a rich chocolate foundation that complements the refreshing peppermint flavor.

Holiday desserts rarely feel this effortless and indulgent.

Minimal effort rewards you with maximum deliciousness.

Chill this spectacular treat and watch smiles sparkle around your table.

Why No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Is a Holiday Hit

• Create Without Oven: Skip traditional baking and enjoy a cool, refreshing dessert that sets perfectly in the refrigerator.
• Quick Festive Delight: Prepare a stunning holiday-inspired treat that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines classic cheesecake creaminess with festive peppermint flavor, guaranteed to wow family and friends at gatherings.
• Simple Decorative Touch: Top with crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips for a visually stunning and deliciously crunchy finish that elevates the entire dessert.

What You Need for No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake

• Graham Crackers: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a solid, compact crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its rich, smooth texture and tangy flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Provides lightness and helps create a fluffy, airy texture in the cheesecake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
• Peppermint Extract: Introduces a refreshing, cool mint flavor to the dessert.

• Gelatin, Cold Water, Hot Water: Helps set the cheesecake and provides a stable, firm texture.
• Candy Canes: Adds a festive decoration and extra peppermint crunch.
• White Chocolate Chips: Provides additional sweetness and decorative element to the cheesecake.

Easy Steps to Make No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake

Step 1: Crush and Combine Cracker Base

Grab a ziplock bag and smash graham crackers into fine, dusty crumbs using a rolling pin. Dump crumbs into a mixing bowl and drizzle melted butter over them. Mix thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand and sticks together when pressed.

Step 2: Pack Down the Crust

Transfer the cracker mixture into a springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press down firmly, creating a smooth, compact layer that covers the entire bottom. Pop the pan into the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Activate the Gelatin

In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it sit for a few minutes. Add hot water and stir until the gelatin completely dissolves, creating a clear liquid.

Step 4: Whip the Cream Cheese Base

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture is creamy and free of lumps.

Step 5: Whip the Cream

Using a clean mixer, whip heavy cream until it forms stiff, billowy peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining its airy texture.

Step 6: Incorporate Peppermint Flavor

• Dissolved gelatin
• Peppermint extract

Stir until everything is evenly distributed and the color is consistent.

Step 7: Fill and Smooth

Pour the peppermint cheesecake filling over the chilled crust. Use a spatula to create a perfectly smooth surface, eliminating any air bubbles.

Step 8: Decorate the Top

• Crushed candy canes
• White chocolate chips

Creating a festive and inviting appearance.

Step 9: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the dessert to firm up and develop a rich, creamy texture.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully release the springform pan sides. Slice into elegant wedges and serve chilled. Each bite promises a cool, minty, creamy delight.

Tips for Smooth, Festive Peppermint Cheesecake

• Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to ensure a perfect, firm texture and allow flavors to meld beautifully.
• Crush Crumbs Consistently: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create uniform graham cracker crumbs, preventing any large chunks that might disrupt the smooth crust.
• Smooth Surface Technique: When pouring the filling, tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles and create a perfectly smooth, professional-looking top.
• Gelatin Dissolving Trick: Ensure gelatin is completely dissolved and clear before adding to the mixture to prevent any lumpy or grainy texture in the final cheesecake.

Cool Ways to Customize Peppermint Cheesecake

• Chocolate Mint Crunch: Replace candy canes with chocolate-covered mint cookies for added crunch and deeper chocolate flavor.
• Berry Peppermint Swirl: Gently swirl raspberry or strawberry sauce through the cheesecake filling before chilling, creating beautiful marbled effect.
• Oreo Peppermint Base: Substitute graham crackers with crushed mint Oreo cookies for an intensified mint chocolate crust.
• Nutty Mint Topping: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans over the cheesecake for extra texture and nutty complexity.

Pairings That Make Peppermint Cheesecake Shine

• Pair Refreshing Peppermint Cocktails: Mix vodka with peppermint schnapps and a splash of cream to complement the cheesecake's minty flavor, creating a delightful after-dinner drink experience.
• Create Chocolate Espresso Contrast: Serve a rich, dark espresso alongside the cheesecake to balance its sweet and creamy texture, providing a sophisticated palate-cleansing effect.
• Enhance with Festive Hot Cocoa: Prepare a warm mug of peppermint hot chocolate garnished with whipped cream, echoing the dessert's cool mint undertones and adding a cozy winter touch.
• Match with Sparkling White Wine: Select a chilled moscato or prosecco to cut through the cheesecake's richness, offering a light and effervescent accompaniment that enhances the dessert's delicate flavors.

How to Store Peppermint Cheesecake the Right Way

• Transfer the cheesecake to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, ensuring it remains covered to prevent absorbing other food odors and maintaining its fresh flavor.
• Loosely tent the cheesecake with plastic wrap, creating a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss and keeps the dessert's texture intact for up to 5 days.
• Wrap the entire cheesecake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container or freezer bag to preserve for up to 2 months without compromising taste or quality.
• Remove the frozen cheesecake from the freezer and let it defrost slowly in the refrigerator overnight, allowing it to return to its original creamy consistency without becoming watery or losing its delicate texture.

No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake FAQs Answered

• Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits or chocolate cookie crumbs for a unique base flavor.

• Is gelatin necessary for this recipe?

Gelatin helps the cheesecake set firmly without baking, creating a stable no-bake texture and preventing a runny consistency.

• How can I make this dessert more festive?

Customize the decoration by adding extra crushed candy canes, drizzling melted white chocolate, or using holiday-themed sprinkles on top.

• Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can slightly reduce powdered sugar, but be cautious as it affects both sweetness and structural stability of the cheesecake.

No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy peppermint cheesecake delights taste buds with its cool, minty essence and graham cracker crust. Silky smooth filling and festive candy cane topping make this dessert a holiday favorite you’ll want to savor again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 24 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup peppermint extract

Flavoring and Garnish:

• 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips

Stabilizing and Setting Ingredients:

• 1 packet unflavored gelatin
• 2 tbsp cold water
• 1/4 cup hot water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and mix thoroughly with melted butter to create a cohesive base mixture.
2. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even, compact layer. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
3. Dissolve gelatin in cold water, then add hot water and stir until completely dissolved and transparent.
4. Beat cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, gradually incorporating powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
5. Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into the cream cheese mixture.
6. Add dissolved gelatin and peppermint extract to the cream cheese mixture, stirring until fully integrated and uniform in color and texture.
7. Pour the filling over the chilled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
8. Sprinkle crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips across the top of the cheesecake for decoration.
9. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set completely and develop a firm, creamy consistency.
10. Before serving, carefully remove the springform pan sides and slice into elegant portions.

Notes

• Ensure graham crackers are finely crushed to prevent a crumbly, uneven crust that might fall apart when serving.
• Use room temperature cream cheese to achieve a smoother, lump-free filling that blends more easily.
• Fold whipped cream gently to maintain the light, airy texture and prevent deflating the mixture.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour base.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 411
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg