Peppermint Swirl Cheesecake Recipe
Introduction
Peppermint Swirl Cheesecake is a festive and creamy dessert that perfectly captures the holiday spirit. With smooth cheesecake blending seamlessly with refreshing peppermint swirls, it’s a wonderful treat to impress your guests and enjoy at family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup sugar (for crust)
- ½ cup melted butter
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar (for filling)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract (divided)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional, for peppermint swirls)
- Optional garnishes: whipped cream, crushed candy canes, chocolate sauce, fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes until golden, then let cool.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup sugar and sour cream, mixing well. Beat in eggs one at a time until just combined. Stir in 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Divide the cheesecake batter into two bowls. Add a few drops of food coloring and 1 teaspoon peppermint extract to one bowl and mix well for the peppermint swirl.
- Step 4: Alternate spoonfuls of plain and colored batter onto the cooled crust. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two mixtures together, creating a marbled effect.
- Step 5: Wrap the springform pan in foil and place it in a larger pan filled with hot water (water bath). Bake for 60-70 minutes until the center is mostly set but slightly jiggly.
- Step 6: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for about an hour to cool gradually. Remove from oven and water bath, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use room temperature cream cheese to achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.
- For a chocolate peppermint twist, add cocoa powder to half of the batter instead of food coloring.
- Try a no-bake version by mixing cream cheese with powdered sugar and whipped cream; chill until firm.
- Garnish with crushed candy canes or drizzled chocolate sauce for added flavor and festive appeal.
Storage
Store leftover cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices slightly at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture. Do not freeze, as peppermint flavor and texture can be affected.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
What makes the Peppermint Swirl Cheesecake a great holiday dessert?
It combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the refreshing, festive flavor of peppermint. The beautiful swirls and seasonal taste bring a special touch to holiday celebrations.
Can I make a no-bake version of Peppermint Swirl Cheesecake?
Yes, by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped cream, then swirling in peppermint extract and chilling until firm. This requires no oven and is a simple alternative.
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Peppermint Swirl Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Peppermint Swirl Cheesecake is a festive and creamy dessert combining the rich texture of classic cheesecake with refreshing peppermint flavor swirled throughout. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this visually stunning cheesecake features a crunchy graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese filling enhanced by peppermint and vanilla extracts, and beautiful peppermint-colored swirls. Garnish with crushed candy canes or whipped cream for extra holiday cheer, making it a nostalgic winter favorite that delights guests with every bite.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
Filling
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (red or pink) for peppermint swirls
Optional Garnishes and Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
- Chocolate sauce
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup sugar, and ½ cup melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Bake for about 10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before adding the filling.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat 24 ounces of softened cream cheese in a large bowl until completely smooth and creamy. Add 1 cup of sugar and ½ cup sour cream, mixing well. Incorporate 3 eggs one at a time, mixing each just until combined to avoid over-beating. Stir in 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a balanced and flavorful base.
- Create the Peppermint Swirls: Divide the cheesecake batter evenly into two separate bowls. Add several drops of red or pink food coloring to one bowl and mix thoroughly to create the colored swirl component. In the prepared crust, layer spoonfuls of plain and colored batter alternately. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the two batters together to create an attractive peppermint pattern without overmixing.
- Bake in a Water Bath: Wrap the bottom and sides of the springform pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent water leakage. Place the pan into a larger roasting pan and pour hot water into the roasting pan to reach halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Carefully transfer to the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. This gentle baking method helps prevent cracks and ensures a smooth texture.
- Cool and Chill the Cheesecake: After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door slightly ajar to cool slowly, which prevents cracking. Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least four hours or preferably overnight to allow it to set and develop its full flavor and creamy texture.
Notes
- Use high-quality cream cheese at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Do not overbeat the eggs to avoid excess air that causes cracks.
- Baking in a water bath is crucial to prevent cracks and promote even cooking.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven before chilling for best texture.
- For a no-bake alternative, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped cream, then chill until firm.
- Garnish with crushed candy canes or chocolate sauce for added festive appeal.
- Use a warm knife when slicing to keep the peppermint swirls clean and distinct.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Peppermint Swirl Cheesecake, Holiday Cheesecake, Peppermint Dessert, Festive Cheesecake, Christmas Dessert, Cream Cheese Dessert, Holiday Treat
