No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake

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Posted on 3 November 2025

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No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake

The holidays bring the perfect opportunity to indulge in rich and festive desserts, and what better way to celebrate than with a No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake? This delightful dessert combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the refreshing taste of peppermint, creating a festive treat that’s perfect for any gathering.

The appeal of this recipe lies not just in its flavor but in its simplicity. With no baking required, you can whip it up quickly and let the fridge do the work. The combination of smooth cream cheese and fluffy whipped cream, paired with a crunchy graham cracker crust, makes this cheesecake a crowd-pleaser that tastes as delightful as it looks.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
The base of the cheesecake, crushed graham crackers provide a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness to balance the creamy filling.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Butter binds the crumb mixture together, creating a rich and sturdy crust that holds up well under the weight of the cheesecake filling.
2 cups cream cheese, softened
Cream cheese is the star ingredient in this dessert, offering that signature creamy texture that’s essential for a luscious cheesecake.
1 cup powdered sugar
Adding sweetness, powdered sugar blends seamlessly with the cream cheese, ensuring no gritty texture remains in the filling.

1 cup heavy whipping cream
Whipped until stiff peaks form, this ingredient adds lightness and airiness to the cheesecake, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, adding depth and warm sweetness that complements the peppermint nicely.
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
This extract delivers that unmistakable peppermint flavor, infusing the cheesecake with a festive-ready essence that’s just perfect for the season.

Crushed peppermint candies for topping
Not only do these candies provide a lovely visual contrast, but they contribute an extra layer of peppermint flavor and a satisfying crunch on top.

Directions & Preparation

In a bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers and melted butter until well mixed. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form a crust.
This step is crucial as the crust serves as the foundation for your cheesecake. Pressing it firmly ensures it holds its shape when cut and adds that satisfying crunch.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
Mixing these two ingredients thoroughly is important because it breaks down the cream cheese and blends it with the sugar, creating a silky filling free of lumps that will blend well with the whipped cream.

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold in the vanilla and peppermint extract.
Achieving stiff peaks in the whipped cream is essential as this adds volume and lightens the overall texture of the cheesecake. The flavorings enhance the final taste, ensuring every bite bursts with peppermint bliss.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
Care should be taken not to deflate the whipped cream during this step. Gentle folding helps maintain airiness, keeping your cheesecake light and fluffy for the best mouthfeel.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and spread evenly.
Spreading the filling evenly ensures a consistent texture and flavor across each slice. It also helps create an appealing presentation for your dessert.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
This chilling step is non-negotiable as it allows the cheesecake to firm up, ensuring clean slices when you serve it. A well-set cheesecake also helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Before serving, top with crushed peppermint candies and enjoy!
This final touch not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the flavor and texture. The crunch of the peppermint candies against the smooth filling is simply irresistible!

The Perfect Holiday Dessert

The No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake is not only delicious but also exudes a holiday charm that makes it perfect for festive gatherings. Its striking appearance, decorated with crushed peppermint candies, brings the spirit of the season right to your table.

This cheesecake also offers a flexible canvas for customizations, allowing you to experiment with flavors while keeping the peppermint as the backbone of the dessert. It’s a versatile choice that can fit seamlessly into any holiday spread, whether it be Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or a cozy winter gathering.

Serve it Right

When it comes to serving your No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake, presentation is key. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream next to each slice and drizzling a bit of chocolate syrup for an extra indulgent touch. This dessert is as much about the visual appeal as it is about the taste, and small additions can elevate it tremendously.

FAQs

Can I use full-fat cream cheese?
Absolutely! Full-fat cream cheese offers richer flavor and creaminess, making your cheesecake even more luscious.

What if my cheesecake is too thick?
If your mixture is too thick, consider folding in a touch more whipped cream or a splash of milk to achieve the desired consistency before chilling.

How do I know when the cheesecake is set?
The cheesecake should feel firm to the touch and have slight jiggle when you gently shake the dish. If it feels too soft, allow it to chill longer.

Can I substitute graham crackers for another crust?
Yes! For a different flavor profile, you can use crushed Oreos or gluten-free cookies, and the process remains the same.

Is it necessary to use powdered sugar instead of granulated?
Using powdered sugar is recommended for a smooth texture as it dissolves more easily into the cream cheese, preventing a grainy filling.

How can I make individual servings of this cheesecake?
You can layer the crust and filling in individual cups or jars for individual servings. Just adjust the chilling time accordingly.

Conclusion

This No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake is a wonderful way to celebrate seasonal flavors with ease and elegance. The creamy filling and crunchy base create a delightful contrast that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re treating your family or impressing guests, this dessert is sure to become a favorite. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the festivities with this deliciously simple cheesecake.