the best peppermint cheesecake
Desserts
The Best Peppermint Cheesecake
To crush candy canes, dump the unwrapped candies into a resealable bag. Seal the bag, then place it on a stable work surface (lay down a kitchen towel underneath to protect the countertops). Gently crush with a hammer or rolling pin or the smooth side of a meat mallet until they’re broken into small pieces.
Ingredients
- 25 oreo cookies, finely crushed (about 2-1/2 cups)
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 5 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 package (10 ounces) andes creme de menthe baking chips or 2 packages (4.67 ounces each) mint andes candies, chopped
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed (4-1/2 cups)
- crushed candy canes and chocolate shavings, optional
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325°. Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan.
- In a small bowl, combine cookie crumbs and butter. Press onto bottom and 1 in. up the side of prepared pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake until set, 12-14 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in sour cream, flour and extracts. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Fold in chips. Pour into crust. (Pan will be full.) Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. hot water to larger pan.
- Bake at 325° until center is just set and top appears dull, 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight. Remove side of pan.
- For topping, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Stir one-fourth of the whipped topping into mixture; fold in remaining whipped topping. Spread or pipe onto cheesecake. Garnish with crushed candy canes and shaved chocolate if desired.
