Mini Peppermint Bark Cheesecakes are a delightful holiday treat that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the classic flavors of peppermint bark. These bite-sized desserts feature a crisp chocolate crust, a smooth, velvety cheesecake filling, and a festive topping of crushed peppermint candies and chocolate drizzle. Each mini cheesecake offers a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and minty flavors—making it an irresistible holiday indulgence.
I first made these mini cheesecakes to bring a bit of peppermint magic to a holiday party dessert table. The combination of chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and peppermint crunch was a hit with everyone. The small size made them easy to serve and enjoy, and the toppings added a cheerful, festive touch that looked as good as it tasted.
What I love about this recipe is how customizable it can be. You can swap the chocolate crust for a graham cracker crust, add a hint of white chocolate into the filling, or even drizzle extra melted chocolate on top for an extra decadent touch. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, gifting treats, or just enjoying a cozy night at home, Mini Peppermint Bark Cheesecakes are a delicious, eye-catching way to celebrate the season.
Perfect for:
- Holiday parties
- Christmas celebrations
- Gift-giving
- Dessert tables
- Peppermint lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Mini Peppermint Bark Cheesecakes will become your holiday favorite:
- Festive Flavor Combination: A perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, chocolate, and refreshing peppermint.
- Mini Size Perfection: Bite-sized portions make serving and sharing a breeze.
- No Stress Holiday Treat: Easy to make and perfect for holiday entertaining.
- Crunchy Peppermint Bark Layer: Adds texture and a burst of peppermint flavor.
- Rich and Creamy Cheesecake Base: A silky, smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The glossy ganache and crushed peppermint look festive and elegant.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare these mini cheesecakes in advance to save time.
- Customizable Layers: Add extra peppermint or chocolate for a stronger flavor twist.
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Minty: A unique combination of sweetness and refreshing mint.
- Versatile Dessert Option: Ideal for any festive celebration or dessert platter.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling time)
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 12 mini cheesecakes
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 28g, Fat: 20g
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Base:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
The Peppermint Bark Layer:
- 6 oz dark chocolate, melted
- 6 oz white chocolate, melted
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Ganache Topping:
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Optional Garnish:
- Crushed peppermint candies
- Fresh mint leaves
Ingredient Highlights
- Crushed Peppermint Candies: Provide a crunchy texture and a burst of minty freshness.
- Graham Cracker Crust: Offers a sturdy and buttery foundation for the mini cheesecakes.
- Cream Cheese: Gives the filling its smooth, velvety texture.
- Dark and White Chocolate: Perfectly balanced flavors that complement the peppermint.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a muffin pan with paper liners.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt.
- Press Into Molds: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crust mixture into each muffin liner and press down firmly. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside.
The Peppermint Bark Layer:
- Melt Chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate and white chocolate separately in the microwave or over a double boiler.
- Layer Chocolate and Peppermint: Pour melted dark chocolate onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread melted white chocolate on top. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies evenly over the chocolate layer and let it cool until set.
- Crush Bark: Once set, break the peppermint bark into small, crushed pieces.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream Cheese Base: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Sour Cream: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated. Then, add sour cream and mix until smooth.
Assemble the Mini Cheesecakes:
- Layer Crust and Bark: Place the baked crust in the muffin liners, add a tablespoon of crushed peppermint bark on top of each crust layer.
- Add Cheesecake Filling: Spoon the cheesecake filling on top of the peppermint bark in each muffin liner. Bake for 20 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly. Let cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for 3 hours.
Prepare the Ganache Topping:
- Heat Cream and Chocolate: In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour it over the chopped chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Top the Cheesecakes: Spoon the ganache onto each mini cheesecake and chill for another hour until set.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Mini Peppermint Bark Cheesecakes:
- Holiday Dessert Table: Serve these mini cheesecakes alongside other festive desserts.
- Christmas Parties: A stunning centerpiece dessert that will wow guests.
- Gift in a Box: Pack them in a festive box as holiday gifts.
- With Hot Cocoa: Serve as a pairing with a warm mug of hot cocoa.
- Elegant Plating: Garnish with crushed peppermint candies for a polished look.
- For Office Parties: A crowd-pleasing, bite-sized treat that’s easy to serve.
- As a Family Treat: Perfect for after-dinner dessert at holiday gatherings.
- With Fresh Mint Garnish: Add a fresh twist with a few mint leaves on top.
- Drizzled with Extra Ganache: An indulgent, glossy ganache topping.
- Mini Cheesecake Platters: Arrange on a platter with Christmas-themed decor accents.
Additional Tips
- Crush Peppermint Gently: For the topping, crush candy canes or peppermint candies using a rolling pin inside a sealed bag to avoid a mess and ensure evenly sized pieces.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and other dairy ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother cheesecake batter.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the cheesecake batter just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks.
- Prep the Crust: Use a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the cupcake liners for an even base.
- Double-Layer Cupcake Liners: If using peppermint or colorful liners, double-layer them to maintain a festive look after baking.
- Bake in a Water Bath: Place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven during baking to keep the oven humid and prevent cracks.
- Cool Gradually: Let the cheesecakes cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 10-15 minutes before removing them to avoid sudden temperature changes.
- Chill Overnight: For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the cheesecakes overnight before serving.
- Decorate Just Before Serving: Add whipped cream, crushed peppermint, and chocolate drizzle right before serving to keep the toppings fresh.
- Get Creative with Garnishes: Add mini chocolate chips, chocolate shavings, or festive sprinkles for a unique touch.
Recipe Variations
- White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake: Use white chocolate for the crust and filling for a lighter flavor.
- Double Chocolate Version: Add dark chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for an extra chocolate hit.
- Mint Peppermint Layer: Mix a hint of peppermint extract into the ganache topping.
- Nutty Base Option: Use crushed walnuts or pecans in the graham cracker crust for added texture.
- Vegan Peppermint Cheesecake: Use coconut cream and vegan cream cheese substitutes.
Special Equipment
- Muffin Pan and Paper Liners: Essential for mini cheesecake molds.
- Double Boiler or Microwave: For melting chocolate.
- Electric Mixer: For beating cream cheese and mixing cheesecake filling.
- Offset Spatula: To smooth the ganache topping.
- Piping Bag (Optional): For decorative ganache drizzles.
FAQ Section
- Can I use store-bought peppermint bark?
Yes, store-bought peppermint bark works perfectly as a convenient alternative. - How long do these mini cheesecakes last in the fridge?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze these mini cheesecakes?
Yes, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. - Is there a substitute for crushed peppermint candies?
Yes, crushed candy canes are a great alternative. - Can I make these cheesecakes without chocolate ganache?
Yes, you can skip the ganache for a simpler peppermint topping. - How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
Bake at a low temperature and cool it gradually to prevent cracking. - Can I use a gluten-free crust?
Yes, almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crumbs work well. - Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips will add more texture and decadence. - Is it necessary to chill each layer?
Yes, chilling each layer helps maintain distinct and neat structures. - How can I make the presentation more festive?
Use holiday-themed garnishes like peppermint sticks, crushed candy canes, or festive sprinkles.
Conclusion
These Mini Peppermint Bark Cheesecakes are a festive and decadent holiday treat that combines creamy cheesecake goodness with the iconic flavors of peppermint bark. Each bite features a rich, velvety cheesecake filling on a crisp graham cracker crust, topped with a layer of crushed peppermint candies and a hint of chocolate—perfectly capturing the spirit of holiday indulgence.
Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these mini cheesecakes are ideal for holiday parties, brunches, or gifting. Their individual portions make serving a breeze, and you can easily customize them with extra toppings like chocolate drizzle, candy canes, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
I’d love to see your Mini Peppermint Bark Cheesecakes creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me so I can celebrate your holiday treats. Don’t forget to comment and let me know how you added your unique twist—maybe with a dash of white chocolate ganache or a hint of caramel for an extra surprise!