Ready to make your holidays sweeter? These Peppermint Cheesecake Bars are the perfect festive treat. With a creamy cheesecake filling, a crunchy crust, and delightful peppermint candies, they’ll delight your taste buds. I’ll guide you through each step so you can impress family and friends this season. Let’s dive in and create a mouthwatering dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and peppermint creates a delightful and refreshing taste that perfectly captures the holiday spirit.
- Easy to Make: This recipe involves simple steps that even beginner bakers can follow, making it accessible for everyone.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, these cheesecake bars are ideal for parties, gatherings, or holiday celebrations.
- Chill & Enjoy: The chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a creamy texture that's simply irresistible.
Ingredients
List of Essential Ingredients
- 1 ⅔ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup whipped cream (optional, for topping)
These ingredients create a rich and creamy peppermint cheesecake. The graham cracker crumbs form a sweet crust that pairs well with the filling. Cream cheese gives that smooth, rich texture. The peppermint extract adds a refreshing twist which makes these bars festive.
Optional Ingredients for Variation
- Dark chocolate for drizzling
- Additional flavored extracts (like almond or chocolate)
Adding dark chocolate can enhance the flavor. It balances the sweet and minty notes. You can also use flavored extracts for a twist. Almond or chocolate extracts can change the taste in fun ways.
Equipment Needed
- 8x8-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Parchment paper (optional)
The 8x8-inch pan makes perfect-sized bars. Mixing bowls help keep things organized. An electric mixer saves time and effort when blending the cream cheese. Parchment paper helps with easy removal and cleanup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, prepare your baking pan. You can grease an 8x8-inch pan or line it with parchment paper. Using parchment paper helps with easy removal later.
Making the Crust
Now, let’s make the crust. In a medium bowl, combine 1 ⅔ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix well until everything is combined. This mixture should look wet and crumbly. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Make sure it is even. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After baking, take it out and let it cool slightly.
Preparing the Cheesecake Filling
Next, we will prepare the cheesecake filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 packages of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer. Beat until the cream cheese is smooth. Once smooth, gradually incorporate 1 cup of powdered sugar. Mix until there are no lumps. Now, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each addition. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
Baking the Cheesecake Bars
Now it’s time to add some fun! Gently fold in ½ cup of crushed peppermint candies into the cream cheese mixture. This step adds a nice crunch and burst of flavor. Pour the cream cheese filling over the pre-baked crust and spread it evenly. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be slightly puffed, and the center may jiggle a bit. This is normal! Once done, remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and let them cool completely. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait. Once chilled, cut into bars and serve. Enjoy the festive flavors!
Tips & Tricks
Tips for Perfect Crust
- Ensuring even crust thickness: Use a measuring cup to press the crumbs evenly. This helps the crust bake evenly, giving you a nice base for your bars.
- Avoiding overmixing the crust ingredients: Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter just until combined. Overmixing can make the crust tough. You want it crumbly but cohesive.
Baking Tips for the Cheesecake
- How to check doneness without cracking: Gently shake the pan. If the center has a slight jiggle, it's done. If it moves too much, bake a bit longer.
- Cooling the bars properly: Let the bars cool at room temperature first. Then, refrigerate them for at least 4 hours. This firms them up and improves the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Ideas for garnishing: Top each bar with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies. This adds color and enhances the festive look.
- Pairing with beverages: These bars pair well with hot cocoa or mint tea. The flavors complement each other and create a cozy treat.
Pro Tips
- Chill Your Cream Cheese: For a smoother cheesecake filling, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This helps eliminate lumps and creates a creamy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the eggs, mix just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in your cheesecake bars.
- Perfectly Set Bars: For the best results, allow your cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps it set properly without developing cracks.
- Garnish Ideas: For an extra festive touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate or adding a layer of chocolate ganache on top of your cheesecake bars.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change the taste of your peppermint cheesecake bars easily. Adding chocolate or fruit flavors can bring a new twist. For a chocolatey treat, swirl in melted dark chocolate. You can also add fruit, like raspberry puree, for a fresh touch. Using different candy toppings adds more fun. Try using crushed Oreos or mini chocolate chips instead of peppermint candies. These small changes can wow your guests.
Dietary Adjustments
Not everyone can enjoy the same treats. For those needing a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. It keeps the bar's texture and taste intact. If you want to make these bars vegan, vegan cream cheese alternatives work well. Brands like Tofutti or Kite Hill can give you the creaminess you need. Just make sure to check the labels for any added sugars or flavors.
Seasonal Variations
You can make these bars fit other holidays too! For Halloween, swap peppermint for crushed candy corn and add orange food coloring. For Thanksgiving, mix in pumpkin spice and top with pecans. These small changes make the bars festive for any occasion.
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep your peppermint cheesecake bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the bars in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors intact and prevents them from drying out. If you want to store them for a longer time, try freezing them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps to avoid freezer burn.
How to Reheat
To enjoy the bars again, you can let them sit at room temperature. This helps bring back their creamy texture. If you want to warm them slightly, use the microwave. Heat them in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until just warm. Avoid overdoing it, as too much heat can change the texture.
Shelf Life
These cheesecake bars last about 5 days in the fridge. If you freeze them, they can last up to 2 months. Just remember to label your containers with the date. This way, you’ll know when to enjoy them by!
FAQs
Common Questions about Peppermint Cheesecake Bars
Can I use a different type of candy?
Yes, you can use other candies. Try crushed chocolate or seasonal candies. Just keep the flavor in mind. You want the taste to match the creamy cheesecake.
How can I make these bars ahead of time?
You can bake the bars a day before serving. Just cool them and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to blend well. They stay tasty and fresh in the fridge.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use Greek yogurt or vegan cream cheese. Both options give a creamy texture. They may change the taste slightly, but they work well.
Baking and Texture Questions
Why did my cheesecake bars crack?
Cracks often happen from baking too long or at high heat. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate. Also, let the bars cool slowly at room temperature.
How can I tell when they are fully baked?
Look for the edges to puff up. The center should have a slight jiggle. It will firm up as it cools. A toothpick test can also help. If it comes out clean, they are ready.
Serving and Presentation Questions
What can I serve with peppermint cheesecake bars?
These bars pair well with hot cocoa, coffee, or tea. You can also serve them with fresh berries. They add a nice color and flavor contrast.
How to cut the bars neatly?
Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Dip the knife in hot water between slices. This helps prevent sticking and makes for beautiful pieces.
In this blog post, we explored the ingredients, steps, and tips for making delicious peppermint cheesecake bars. You've learned about essential and optional ingredients, plus how to customize your bars. Remember to check for doneness and cool them properly. Storing these treats well keeps them fresh longer. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with flavors, enjoy every bite. Dive into your baking adventure and impress everyone with your peppermint cheesecake bar
