Peppermint Cheesecake Bars: Sweet and Minty Holiday Bites

The holidays are a time for indulgence, and what better way to treat your guests than with Peppermint Cheesecake Bars? These sweet, minty, and creamy bars bring together two beloved flavors—rich cheesecake and refreshing peppermint—creating the perfect holiday dessert. They’re an irresistible mix of smooth, velvety filling on a crisp, buttery crust, all topped with a cool minty twist. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a festive treat to share, these bars are sure to be a hit!

In this post, we’ll explore why these cheesecake bars are so perfect for the season, how to make them, and some variations to make them even more fun. Let’s dive into this delightful holiday recipe!

---

1. Why Peppermint Cheesecake Bars Are Ideal for the Holidays

1.1 A Festive Flavor Pairing

Peppermint is the quintessential holiday flavor, often paired with chocolate and desserts throughout the season. Its refreshing, minty taste is the perfect contrast to the richness of creamy cheesecake. These bars are like a holiday hug in dessert form, offering the comfort of cheesecake with the bright, crisp flavor of peppermint.

1.2 Easy to Serve and Share

Unlike a traditional cheesecake that requires a whole pie plate or a complicated presentation, these bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, or cookie exchanges. You can easily cut them into squares and serve them on a tray, making them simple to share with friends and family. Plus, they’re pre-sliced, so there’s no need for any messy cutting or serving!

1.3 Make-Ahead Convenience

Another great thing about these cheesecake bars is that they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. This makes them an ideal dessert to prepare a day or two before your event, allowing you to focus on other aspects of holiday meal prep without worrying about your dessert.

---

2. Ingredients for Peppermint Cheesecake Bars

2.1 Ingredients for the Crust

To create the base of your cheesecake bars, you’ll need:

• Graham cracker crumbs – A classic choice for cheesecake crusts, providing a sweet, buttery base.
• Butter – Melted butter helps bind the crumbs together and gives the crust its crisp texture.
• Sugar – A bit of granulated sugar to sweeten the crust.

2.2 Ingredients for the Cheesecake Filling

For the creamy filling, gather the following:

• Cream cheese – The base of any cheesecake, giving it that creamy, velvety texture. Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best results.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling to balance the tartness of the cream cheese.
• Eggs – Eggs help to set the filling, providing structure and richness.
• Vanilla extract – Adds a sweet, aromatic note to the filling.
• Peppermint extract – The star of the recipe, giving the filling that signature minty taste. A little goes a long way, so be careful not to overdo it.

2.3 Ingredients for the Topping

The topping adds the finishing touch to these bars:

• Whipped cream – Fresh whipped cream is perfect for topping off your bars, adding a light, airy element.
• Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes – These add a crunchy texture and an extra pop of peppermint flavor.
• Chocolate drizzle (optional) – A drizzle of chocolate can add a beautiful contrast to the minty bars.

---

3. How to Make Peppermint Cheesecake Bars

3.1 Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking pan (8×8 or 9×9 inches) with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press into the Pan: Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to compact it.
4. Bake the Crust: Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

3.2 Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Eggs: Add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Mix in Vanilla and Peppermint: Add the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, and mix until well combined. Be cautious with the peppermint extract; a little goes a long way!
4. Pour Over Crust: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

3.3 Bake the Cheesecake Bars

1. Bake at Low Temperature: Bake the cheesecake bars at 325°F (163°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are set, but the center still jiggles slightly.
2. Cool the Bars: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours (or overnight) to allow the bars to set completely.

3.4 Add the Topping

1. Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. You can sweeten it slightly with powdered sugar, if desired.
2. Top the Bars: Once the bars are fully set and chilled, spread the whipped cream over the top of the cheesecake layer.
3. Crush the Peppermints: Crush a few peppermint candies or candy canes and sprinkle them generously over the whipped cream for added texture and flavor.
4. Optional Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top.

---

4. Variations on Peppermint Cheesecake Bars

4.1 Add a Chocolate Layer

For a chocolate-mint twist, you can add a layer of chocolate ganache between the crust and the cheesecake filling. Simply melt some chocolate with heavy cream and pour it over the crust before adding the cheesecake layer.

4.2 Make Them Gluten-Free

To make these bars gluten-free, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or another suitable gluten-free crumb (such as crushed gluten-free cookies). You can also use almond flour to make the crust.

4.3 Incorporate White Chocolate

For an even sweeter and richer taste, you can fold some melted white chocolate into the cheesecake filling. It pairs wonderfully with the mint and gives the bars a luxurious texture.

4.4 Turn It into a Peppermint Swirl Cheesecake

For a visually striking version, swirl some peppermint-flavored syrup or melted white chocolate into the cheesecake filling before baking. This creates a beautiful marbled effect.

---

5. Tips for Perfect Peppermint Cheesecake Bars

5.1 Use Room Temperature Ingredients

For the creamiest cheesecake filling, ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, velvety texture.

5.2 Don’t Overbake

Be sure not to overbake the cheesecake bars. The center should still have a slight jiggle when you remove them from the oven. Overbaking can lead to cracks or a dry texture.

5.3 Allow Proper Chilling Time

For the best texture, chill the bars for at least 3 hours, or even better, overnight. This helps them set properly, making them easier to slice and enjoy.

5.4 Store Properly

Store leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month—just make sure to wrap them tightly.

---

6. Serving Suggestions for Peppermint Cheesecake Bars

6.1 As a Holiday Dessert

Serve these cheesecake bars as the grand finale to your holiday dinner. Their festive appearance and minty flavor make them a perfect match for any Christmas meal.

6.2 Perfect for Cookie Exchanges

Peppermint Cheesecake Bars are great for cookie exchanges or holiday parties. Their individual portion sizes make them easy to serve and share, and the minty flavor is a crowd-pleaser.

6.3 A Fun Treat for Gift-Giving

Wrap up a batch of these bars in festive packaging and give them as a gift. Who wouldn’t love a homemade holiday treat, especially one that’s as delicious as this?

---

7. Make-Ahead Tips

7.1 Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?

Yes! These cheesecake bars are perfect for make-ahead preparations. You can prepare them a day or two in advance, which allows the flavors to meld together and makes your holiday meal planning a breeze.

7.2 Can I Freeze Them?

Yes, you can freeze peppermint cheesecake bars. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

---

8. Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Cheesecake Bars

8.1 A Delicious Holiday Treat

These bars are the perfect combination of creamy, minty, and crunchy. They’re a refreshing change from traditional holiday pies and cakes, offering a cool twist on classic holiday flavors.

8.2 Easy to Customize

You can add your own personal touch with different toppings or fillings. Add more mint, play with the crust, or drizzle them with chocolate to make them your own.

---

FAQs About Peppermint Cheesecake Bars

1. Can I make peppermint cheesecake bars without peppermint extract?
Yes, you can use crushed peppermint candies in the filling or topping if you prefer a more natural flavor. However, peppermint extract ensures a consistent mint flavor.

2. How do I store leftover cheesecake bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 1 month.

3. Can I use a pre-made graham cracker crust for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust, but homemade crusts tend to be fresher and more flavorful.

4. How long should I chill the cheesecake bars?
Chill them for at least 3 hours, but overnight is best for the perfect texture.

5. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust.

6. Can I add a layer of chocolate to these bars?
Yes, you can add a layer of chocolate ganache or melt chocolate and swirl it into the filling for a richer flavor.

7. What should I serve with peppermint cheesecake bars?
These bars pair well with a warm beverage like hot cocoa, coffee, or even a glass of holiday punch.

8. How can I make the cheesecake filling fluffier?
For a fluffier filling, you can add whipped cream to the batter before baking, or top the bars with freshly whipped cream.

9. How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are set and the center still slightly jiggles when you shake the pan.

10. Can I use mini cheesecake pans to make individual servings?
Yes, mini cheesecake pans would work perfectly! Just adjust the baking time accordingly, as they will likely bake faster.