Decadent Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake: The Ultimate Festive Holiday Dessert

Indulge in the magic of the holiday season with this exquisite **Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake**. This recipe delivers a rich, velvety chocolate cheesecake infused with a delightful hint of refreshing peppermint, all nestled atop a classic Oreo crust. Crowned with a luxurious chocolate ganache and sprinkled with festive peppermint bits, this dessert isn’t just a treat—it’s a guaranteed showstopper. Perfect for holiday gatherings, Christmas dinners, or any special occasion, its striking appearance and irresistible flavor will leave a lasting impression on all your guests.

This Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake masterfully combines everything you crave in a holiday dessert: the deep, comforting richness of chocolate, the invigorating coolness of peppermint, and the satisfying crunch from the Oreo crust and peppermint bits on top. It’s a sophisticated twist on a beloved chocolate cheesecake, elevated with a vibrant, minty kick that perfectly captures the joyous spirit of this time of year. Imagine a slice of this creamy delight, its layers of flavor unfolding with every bite—a true celebration of seasonal tastes.

For many, the pairing of chocolate and peppermint is a quintessential holiday flavor combination, evoking warmth and festive cheer. This cheesecake has become my personal favorite when I desire a dessert that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious, yet surprisingly straightforward to prepare. Its elegance belies its simplicity, making it accessible even for those who might be new to cheesecake baking. The balance of flavors ensures it’s neither too sweet nor too minty, striking the perfect chord for a memorable dessert experience.

If you’re as enamored with the classic chocolate-peppermint duo as I am, you’ll find plenty more to love. Be sure to explore these Peppermint Oreo Truffles, which are always a delightful crowd-pleaser and offer another fantastic way to enjoy this festive flavor profile. And for those who appreciate an adult touch, a Bailey’s Chocolate Cheesecake introduces a rich, boozy depth that’s ideal for sophisticated special occasions, adding an extra layer of indulgence to your dessert table.

The foundation of this Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake begins with an incredibly easy Oreo crust. It comes together quickly with just two ingredients, providing a sturdy, flavorful base. The cheesecake filling itself maintains this philosophy of simplicity. The key is to carefully combine your ingredients, ensuring they are at room temperature and avoiding overmixing the batter. This meticulous approach guarantees a smooth, dense, and exquisitely creamy filling that sets perfectly, delivering that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes cheesecakes so beloved.

And let’s not overlook the crowning glory: the luscious chocolate ganache topping. This smooth, glossy layer adds another dimension of rich chocolate flavor, creating a stunning visual contrast with the white peppermint cheesecake. Generously sprinkled with crunchy peppermint bits, each forkful offers a harmonious blend of intense chocolate and invigorating mint, making every bite an unforgettable sensory experience. This final touch not only enhances the flavor but also adds to the dessert’s festive appeal, making it truly sparkle on your holiday table.

Why You’ll Adore This Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake

The Ultimate Holiday Centerpiece – With its captivating blend of rich chocolate and cool mint, this cheesecake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a festive statement. Its elegant appearance and decadent flavor make it the ideal centerpiece for holiday parties or family gatherings, promising to impress every guest and spark delightful conversations around the table.
Customizable Chocolate Flavor – Tailor the intensity of your chocolate experience to your exact preference. Whether you prefer a sweeter, milder note with semi-sweet chocolate, a bolder, deeper cocoa punch with unsweetened chocolate, or a balanced combination of both, this recipe allows you to adjust the richness and sweetness perfectly, ensuring every bite is to your liking.
Effortless Oreo Crust – Forget complicated crusts! This cheesecake features a wonderfully simple, no-fuss base crafted from crushed Oreo cookies and melted butter. It provides a distinct chocolate crunch and a familiar, comforting flavor that complements the creamy filling beautifully, making it an absolute delight to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
Make-Ahead Marvel – Designed for convenience, this cheesecake sets beautifully in the refrigerator, allowing you to prepare it a day or even two in advance. This invaluable feature liberates your time on busy holiday occasions, enabling you to focus on other preparations or simply relax, knowing your spectacular dessert is already perfected and ready to serve.

Essential Ingredients for Your Festive Cheesecake

For detailed measurements, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.

For the Crust

Oreos: The foundation of our delightful crust, providing a deep chocolate flavor and satisfying crunch.
Butter: Melts down to bind the Oreo crumbs together, creating a firm and flavorful base.

For the Cheesecake Filling

Cream Cheese: The star ingredient, offering unparalleled creaminess and tang that defines a classic cheesecake.
Powdered Sugar: Ensures a silky smooth texture in the filling and adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor in the cheesecake itself, complementing the Oreo crust.
Eggs: Act as a binder and provide structure, ensuring the cheesecake sets beautifully with a rich, dense consistency.
Peppermint Extract: The essential ingredient for that signature cool, festive peppermint flavor.
Semi-sweet or Unsweetened Chocolate: Melted chocolate integrates seamlessly into the batter, enhancing the overall chocolate richness.

For the Topping

Heavy Cream: The base for our decadent ganache, providing richness and a smooth texture.
Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: Melt into the cream to form a glossy, pourable ganache.
Andes Peppermint Baking Bits: These delightful bits add both visual appeal and an extra burst of refreshing peppermint flavor and crunch.

Crafting Your Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake

Prepare the Crust with Precision – Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush your Oreos into fine crumbs, either in a food processor or by hand. Combine these crumbs thoroughly with melted butter until evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring a compact base. Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely while you prepare the filling. This pre-baking step helps create a wonderfully crisp and stable foundation for your cheesecake.
Mix the Silky Cheesecake Filling – In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and beautifully blended. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition to avoid incorporating too much air. Finally, blend in the peppermint extract and the melted chocolate. The mixture will be wonderfully thick and rich. Remember, do not overmix at this stage to prevent cracks in your finished cheesecake.
Fill and Bake to Perfection – Carefully pour the luscious cheesecake filling over your cooled Oreo crust, spreading it evenly. Transfer the springform pan to your preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges appear set and firm, but the center still has a slight, delicate jiggle. This slight movement indicates a perfectly cooked, creamy cheesecake interior.
Cool Completely and Release – Once baked, turn off the oven and prop the door open slightly. Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven for about 30 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. This gradual cooling process is crucial for preventing cracks. Once fully cooled, run a thin knife gently around the inner edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake before carefully removing the springform sides.
Create the Luxurious Ganache Topping – In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat until it just begins to simmer around the edges, but do not allow it to boil vigorously. Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips, and let them sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. This allows the residual heat from the cream to melt the chocolate evenly.
Pro Tip for a Flawless Ganache: For an incredibly smooth, glossy, and lump-free ganache, patience is key! After adding the chocolate chips to the warm cream, resist the urge to stir immediately. Letting it sit allows the chocolate to melt thoroughly and evenly. After a few minutes, gently whisk from the center outwards until the mixture transforms into a silky, cohesive ganache. This technique ensures a professional finish every time.
Decorate with Festive Peppermint Bits – Once your ganache is perfectly smooth, pour it evenly over the cooled cheesecake. Before it fully sets, generously sprinkle the Andes peppermint baking bits across the top. This not only adds a beautiful visual element but also enhances the refreshing mint flavor and provides a delightful textural contrast.
Chill to Set and Serve – Place your beautifully decorated cheesecake into the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for a minimum of 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, until it is completely firm and set. This chilling period is vital for the flavors to meld and for the cheesecake to achieve its perfect texture, making it ready to slice and serve with ease and elegance.

Expert Tips & Clever Tricks for Cheesecake Perfection

Embrace Room Temperature Ingredients – This is a golden rule for cheesecake. Ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and any other dairy ingredients are at room temperature. This crucial step guarantees that everything blends together seamlessly, resulting in an exceptionally smooth, lump-free filling that creates the perfect creamy texture you desire in a cheesecake.
Master the Art of Gentle Mixing – When preparing the batter, mix only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing introduces excess air into the batter, which can cause the cheesecake to puff up significantly during baking and then dramatically crack as it cools. A dense, smooth filling is the goal, achieved by gentle mixing.
Implement Slow Cooling for a Flawless Finish – After baking, resist the urge to immediately pull your cheesecake out of the oven. Instead, turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool gradually inside for about 30 minutes. This controlled, slow cooling minimizes temperature shock, which is a common culprit for surface cracks.
Unleash Your Creativity with Toppings – While the peppermint bits are wonderfully festive, don’t hesitate to personalize your cheesecake. Consider sprinkling crushed candy canes for extra crunch and color, mini chocolate chips for added chocolatey goodness, or elegant chocolate shavings for a more sophisticated look. A dollop of fresh whipped cream also makes a beautiful and delicious addition.
The Power of Making Ahead – This cheesecake is truly one of those desserts that benefits from a little patience. Its flavors deepen and meld beautifully overnight in the refrigerator, making it taste even better the next day. Preparing it a day in advance not only enhances the taste but also significantly eases your holiday preparation stress, allowing you to enjoy the festivities more.

Perfect Serving & Pairing Ideas

To serve your magnificent Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake, use a sharp, warm knife for clean slices. You can warm the knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each cut. Garnish each slice with an extra sprinkle of peppermint bits, a small sprig of fresh mint, or a swirl of whipped cream for an elegant touch. This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, a rich hot cocoa, or even a glass of peppermint schnapps for an extra festive kick. For a lighter pairing, a crisp glass of milk or a sparkling mint-infused water can be refreshing.

Exciting Cheesecake Variations

Feel free to experiment with this recipe to make it uniquely yours! For an intensified chocolate flavor, try using a combination of dark chocolate chips and unsweetened cocoa powder. If you’re a fan of white chocolate, a white chocolate ganache topping could offer a lovely contrast. For the crust, consider replacing Oreos with chocolate graham crackers or even gingersnap cookies for a spicier, warm flavor profile. A splash of Kahlúa or a chocolate liqueur in the cheesecake batter could also add an interesting depth for adult palates.

Can I use a different crust for the cheesecake?

Absolutely! While the Oreo crust is a festive favorite, you have many options. A classic graham cracker crust offers a slightly sweeter, buttery base. For a different chocolate experience, try a chocolate shortbread cookie crust. If you’re feeling adventurous, a gingersnap crust can add a delightful spiced warmth perfect for the holidays. Regardless of your choice, remember to follow the same method: crush the cookies finely, mix with melted butter, press firmly into the pan, and pre-bake for the best structural integrity and crispness.

How do I make a smooth chocolate ganache topping?

Achieving a smooth, glossy ganache is simpler than it seems, and it mostly comes down to technique and patience. Start by gently heating your heavy cream until it’s just below boiling—you’ll see small bubbles forming around the edges. Remove it from the heat immediately, then pour it over your chocolate chips. The crucial step here is to let it sit undisturbed for at least 2-3 minutes. This allows the chocolate to melt thoroughly and evenly from the residual heat. After this waiting period, stir gently from the center outwards until the mixture is completely smooth and beautifully emulsified. Avoid aggressive whisking, as this can incorporate too much air.

How do you store leftover cheesecake?

Proper storage is key to keeping your cheesecake fresh and delicious. Store any leftover Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, cheesecake freezes exceptionally well. You can freeze individual slices by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Explore More Delicious Holiday Dessert Recipes

Candy Cane Pie
Peppermint French Silk Pie
Grasshopper Pie
Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake
Vanilla Caramel Pie

4.20 from 5 votes

Peppermint Chocolate Cheesecake

By Erin Sellin

Peppermint Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe – a thick and creamy chocolate cheesecake with chocolate ganache and pieces of peppermint candy

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total: 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings: 10

Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Crust

▢ 1 package Oreo
▢ 1/4 cup butter, melted

Cheesecake

▢ 4 8oz packages cream cheese
▢ 1 1/3 cup powdered sugar
▢ 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
▢ 4 whole large eggs
▢ 3 teaspoons peppermint extract
▢ 10 oz chocolate, melted (semi-sweet or unsweetened)

Topping

▢ 3/4 cup heavy cream
▢ 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
▢ 1/2 cup Andes peppermint baking bits

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
Place Oreo’s in a blender or food processor and pulse until fine crumbs are formed. Mix these crumbs with melted butter.
Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool completely.
In a mixer, cream together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder until well blended and smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing only until just combined after each addition. Finally, blend in the peppermint extract and the melted chocolate. The mixture will be wonderfully thick; avoid overmixing.
Pour the cheesecake filling evenly into the baked and cooled Oreo crust. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center shows a slight jiggle.
Allow the cheesecake to cool completely, first in the turned-off oven with the door cracked for 30 minutes, then on a wire rack to room temperature. Once cool, run a knife carefully around the edges to loosen the cheesecake from the pan before removing the sides.
To make the ganache, gently heat heavy cream until just simmering. Remove from heat, add chocolate chips, and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth. Pour the ganache over the cooled cheesecake, then sprinkle generously with peppermint baking bits.
Chill the cheesecake in the fridge for 4-6 hours (or preferably overnight) until the chocolate ganache is set and the cheesecake is perfectly cool and firm. Then, it’s ready to slice and serve!

Notes

Recipe adapted from Homemade Hooplah

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Erin Sellin

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Course: Dessert Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 10

Calories: 549

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

I created a fun group on Facebook, and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and see what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make!

Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram