There’s something truly festive about the refreshing zing of peppermint paired with creamy cheesecake, especially during the holiday season. When the air turns crisp and cozy, I find myself craving a dessert that feels both indulgent and bright—enter these Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars. They’re wonderfully easy to make, combining a crumbly chocolate crust with a smooth, mint-infused cheesecake filling, topped off with crushed candy canes that add just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want a sweet treat to savor by the fire, these bars bring that perfect burst of Christmas cheer with every bite. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a festive favorite in your kitchen too!
Why choose Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars?
Festive Flavor Explosion: These bars perfectly blend creamy cheesecake with refreshing peppermint zest. Simple Preparation: You don’t need advanced baking skills to create this holiday treat. Textural Delight: A crumbly chocolate crust meets a smooth filling, topped with crisp candy cane bits. Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights in. Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Sweet, bright, and irresistibly festive—guaranteed to impress every time!
Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars Ingredients
For the Chocolate Crust
- Chocolate graham crackers – crushed finely for a rich, sturdy base that holds the bars together.
- Unsalted butter – melted to bind the crust without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
- Granulated sugar – adds just the right sweetness to balance the bitterness of the chocolate.
For the Cheesecake Filling
- Cream cheese – softened for a smooth, creamy texture essential to peppermint cheesecake bars.
- Granulated sugar – sweetens the filling while keeping it light and fluffy.
- Eggs – help set the cheesecake and provide a tender, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Pure peppermint extract – key to infusing that refreshing Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars flavor.
- Heavy cream or sour cream – adds richness and prevents cracking in the filling.
For the Topping
- Crushed candy canes – sprinkled on top for a festive crunch and a burst of peppermint zing.
- White chocolate chips (optional) – melted and drizzled for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
How to Make Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F to ensure even baking. Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal after cooling.
For the Crust:
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together finely crushed chocolate graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand, ensuring it holds together when pressed.
- Press and bake crust: Firmly press the mixture into the lined pan’s bottom layer, then bake for 10 minutes until fragrant and lightly set around the edges.
For the Filling:
- Beat cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until silky-smooth and free of lumps, about 2 minutes.
- Add eggs & peppermint: Add eggs one at a time, beating until just combined. Stir in heavy cream and peppermint extract until the batter is pale, smooth, and minty green speckles appear.
- Pour filling: Pour the mint-infused cheesecake batter over the warm crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Bake cheesecake: Bake at 325°F for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but edges are set and lightly golden.
For the Topping:
- Add toppings: Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes and white chocolate drizzle (if using) over the warm cheesecake, pressing lightly to help bits adhere as it cools.
- Chill bars: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the bars are fully set and chilled through for clean, neat slices.
Optional: Drizzle melted dark chocolate for a rich flavor contrast.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars?
Bring the festive spirit alive with delightful pairings that enhance your dessert experience!
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Rich Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate perfectly balances the cool minty flavor of the cheesecake bars. Top it with whipped cream to elevate the cozy vibe.
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Spiced Holiday Tea: A fragrant spiced tea complements the creamy texture while adding warmth to every bite, perfect for those snowy nights.
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Fresh Berries: Lightly sweetened raspberries or strawberries add a beautiful color contrast and a burst of freshness, making each bite even more refreshing.
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Savory Cheese Platter: A selection of sharp cheeses like aged cheddar creates a delicious contrast to the sweet bars, providing balance on your holiday table.
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Candied Nuts: Sweet and crunchy candied walnuts or pecans offer delightful textural variety, enhancing the indulgent nature of your dessert.
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Peppermint Bark: Stick with the theme and serve shards of peppermint bark on the side. This provides an extra minty kick for true peppermint lovers.
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Vintage Eggnog: Creamy and spiced eggnog pairs beautifully, adding a touch of nostalgia and holiday cheer to your dessert spread.
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Cinnamon-Spiced Apples: Sautéed apples with a touch of cinnamon offer a warm and comforting flavor that complements the cheesecake’s cool mintiness.
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Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream melts into the bars, blending flavors and adding a lusciousness that makes it truly decadent!
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Christmas Sugar Cookies: These decorative cookies can serve as a fun and festive side, inviting guests to enjoy the sweetness of the season.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars
Fridge: Keep your cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their creamy texture and festive flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, preserving their delightful taste.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, transfer the frozen bars to the fridge for several hours or overnight to thaw gently, ensuring they retain their rich consistency.
Serving Tips: Serve chilled straight from the fridge or at room temperature for the best flavor. Add fresh crushed candy canes on top just before serving for that extra festive touch!
Expert Tips for Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Soften cream cheese fully before mixing to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth filling.
- Don’t Overbeat Eggs: Mix eggs just until combined to keep the cheesecake light and prevent cracking during baking.
- Crust Pressing Matters: Press the chocolate graham cracker crust firmly and evenly to create a sturdy base that holds your bars together.
- Gentle Cooling: Cool the bars gradually at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent cracks and maintain that perfect texture.
- Candy Cane Crush: Use medium crushed candy canes—not too fine—to add crunch without melting into the cheesecake.
- Peppermint Extract Balance: Add peppermint extract carefully to keep the flavor bright but not overpowering in your Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars.
Variations & Substitutions for Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars
Feel free to get creative with your bars; there are endless possibilities to enhance or adapt the flavors!
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Gluten-Free Crust: Substitute regular chocolate graham crackers with gluten-free versions for a deliciously inclusive treat. Simply adjust the baking time depending on the crust texture.
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Vegan Option: Use a vegan cream cheese alternative and replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water. This ensures everyone can enjoy the festive vibes!
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Mint Chocolate Swirl: Add melted dark chocolate to the cheesecake filling and gently swirl it in for a delightful chocolate-peppermint fusion. This adds a rich depth to your dessert.
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Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the cheesecake bars before serving for a sweet and salty contrast that enhances the overall flavor profile.
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Other Candy Toppings: Experiment with other crushed candies, such as Oreo crumbs or toffee bits, for a fun twist on crunch and flavor while still keeping the holiday spirit alive.
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Peppermint Bark Layer: Incorporate a layer of crushed peppermint bark in the filling for an added texture and a burst of minty sweetness in every bite. Your guests will love this delightful surprise!
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Less Sweet: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar in the filling and topping by a third and enhance the peppermint extract for a more robust flavor. It’s all about personal taste!
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Dark Cocoa Crust: For a richer base, use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa in your graham cracker crust. This deeper flavor beautifully complements the peppermint.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday season! You can prepare the chocolate crust up to 24 hours in advance by pressing it into the pan and storing it covered in the refrigerator. The cheesecake filling can also be made ahead; simply pour it over the crust and bake the entire dish. After baking, allow it to cool, then refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight, which enhances the flavors and makes slicing easier. For the best quality, remember to sprinkle the crushed candy canes just before serving to maintain their crunch. Enjoy these delightful bars with minimal effort on busy days!
Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my cream cheese is ready to use?
For the creamiest filling, your cream cheese should be fully softened to room temperature. It should feel soft to the touch and spread easily without lumps. I recommend leaving it out for about 1 hour before mixing to avoid any grainy texture in your cheesecake bars.
What’s the best way to store leftover Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the creamy texture and fresh peppermint flavor intact. They will stay delicious for up to 5 days. For best results, avoid leaving them uncovered, as they can absorb other fridge odors and dry out.
Can I freeze Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars? If so, how?
Absolutely! Freeze individual bars for up to 3 months following these steps: wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. When ready, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight to gently bring back their creamy consistency without sogginess.
What should I do if my cheesecake bars crack during baking?
No worries! Cracking is often caused by overmixing eggs or rapid temperature changes. To avoid this, beat eggs just until combined, and bake at a steady 325°F. After baking, cool the bars gradually at room temperature before refrigerating. If cracks do happen, consider topping bars with extra melted chocolate or peppermint drizzle to mask them beautifully.
Are Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars safe for pets or people with allergies?
These bars contain dairy, eggs, and peppermint extract, which can be harmful to pets. Keep them out of reach. For guests with dairy or egg allergies, you might want to prepare an alternative dessert, as this recipe relies on these ingredients for texture and flavor. Always communicate allergens clearly when serving holiday treats!
Irresistible Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Bars You'll Crave
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment, leaving a slight overhang.
- In a medium bowl, stir together crushed chocolate graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the lined pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating until just combined. Stir in heavy cream and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Pour the filling over the warm crust and smooth the top.
- Bake at 325°F for 35–40 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly but edges are set.
- Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes and drizzle white chocolate if using over the warm cheesecake.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until fully set.
