Peppermint Cheesecake is a delightful and refreshing twist on the classic cheesecake, infusing it with the cool and minty flavors of peppermint. This festive dessert is perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and peppermint goodness.

The history of cheesecake dates back to ancient civilizations, as mentioned earlier. However, the addition of peppermint and other flavored variations likely emerged more recently as bakers and chefs sought to experiment with different ingredients and create unique and exciting desserts.

Peppermint has a long history of culinary use, and its association with holiday flavors and aromas makes it a popular choice during the festive season. Combining peppermint with creamy cheesecake creates a harmonious and delightful contrast, making Peppermint Cheesecake a beloved treat during the winter holidays.

INGREDIENTS

• 18 vanilla creme-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, finely crushed (about 1-1/2 cups)
• 3 tbsp. butter, melted
• 30 starlight mints, divided
• 4 pkg. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 pkg. (4 oz.) white chocolate, melted
• 1/4 tsp. peppermint extract
• 1 pkg. (4 oz.) chocolate, divided
• 2 cups thawed whipped topping cream

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Mix the cookie crumbs and melted butter until blended; press onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, crush 25 mints. Beat the cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl with a mixer until blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended. Add white chocolate, crushed mints, and peppermint extract; mix just until blended. Chop half of the semi-sweet chocolate and stir it into the batter. Pour the batter over the crust.
4. Bake for 55 minutes to 1 hour or until the center is almost set. Run a knife around the rim of the pan to loosen the cake; cool it before removing the rim. Refrigerate for 4 hours. Meanwhile, crush the remaining mints and chop the remaining semi-sweet chocolate.
5. Spread the cheesecake with 1 cup of whipped cream just before serving. Sprinkle the remaining crushed mints and chopped chocolate over the center of the cheesecake.

Now, your delicious Peppermint Cheesecake is ready to be served! This festive and flavorful dessert will bring joy to your holiday gatherings and delight everyone with its creamy texture and refreshing peppermint taste. Enjoy the festive season with this delightful treat!

TIPS:

• Use High-Quality Peppermint Extract: The flavor of the peppermint in the cheesecake is essential to achieve the perfect balance between the creamy cheesecake and the refreshing peppermint taste. Use high-quality peppermint extract to ensure a strong and authentic peppermint flavor in the dessert.
• Let the Cheesecake Chill: After baking, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the cheesecake to set properly, resulting in a smoother and more delectable texture.