No Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Recipe
This No Bake Peppermint Cheesecake is a festive and creamy dessert perfect for the holidays. It features a crunchy vanilla wafer crust, a smooth white chocolate and peppermint-infused cream cheese filling, and a vibrant peppermint whipped cream topping decorated with crushed peppermint candies. With no baking required, this cheesecake is easy to prepare and chilled until firm for a refreshing, minty treat.
- Author: Caleb
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Crust
- 2 1/4 cups (302g) vanilla wafer crumbs
- 2 tbsp (26g) sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 10 tbsp (140g) unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 24 oz (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
- 6 oz white chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 3/4 cup (86g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- Red gel icing color
- Crushed peppermint candies, for garnish
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture sticks together.
- Form the Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even crust layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the filling.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixer bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese and sugar together on medium speed until smooth and well combined, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add White Chocolate: Gradually add the melted and slightly cooled white chocolate in three portions, mixing well and smoothly incorporating it after each addition.
- Flavor the Filling: Add the peppermint extract and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and blend until evenly combined and smooth.
- Whip Cream: In another large bowl, combine the cold heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar. Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form, indicating the cream holds its shape firmly.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it, then fold in the remaining whipped cream carefully to maintain the airy texture.
- Add Peppermint Candies: Fold in the crushed peppermint candies evenly throughout the filling without overmixing.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Pour and spread the filling evenly over the chilled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate the cheesecake until firm, about 5-6 hours or overnight for best results.
- Remove from Pan: Once set, carefully release and remove the sides of the springform pan and transfer the cheesecake onto a serving plate or platter.
- Prepare Whipped Cream Topping: Combine the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract in a large mixing bowl. Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Color the Whipped Cream: Add red gel icing color to the whipped cream and gently stir until the color is evenly distributed, creating a festive hue.
- Decorate: Using a piping bag, pipe decorative shells of colored whipped cream around the edge of the cheesecake. Top with additional crushed peppermint candies for extra festive flair.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the decorated cheesecake until ready to serve. For best flavor and texture, consume within 4-5 days.
Notes
- This no bake cheesecake requires chilling time to firm up; plan ahead to allow at least 5-6 hours or overnight refrigeration.
- Ensure the white chocolate is slightly cooled before adding to avoid curdling the cream cheese mixture.
- Use cold heavy whipping cream for best whipping results when making both the filling and topping.
- Adjust peppermint extract quantity to taste, as it can be quite potent.
- The red gel food coloring can be substituted with other colors to suit different themes or occasions.
- Store cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 4-5 days for optimal freshness.
Keywords: no bake cheesecake, peppermint cheesecake, holiday dessert, white chocolate cheesecake, no bake dessert, Christmas cheesecake, peppermint cream cheese dessert