Christmas Peppermint Candy Cheesecake

Christmas Peppermint Candy Cheesecake Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

This Christmas Peppermint Candy Cheesecake is a festive and delicious dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. The combination of creamy cheesecake, crunchy graham cracker crust, and refreshing peppermint candy canes is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.

History

Cheesecake has been enjoyed for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient Greece. The addition of peppermint candy canes to this classic dessert gives it a modern twist and makes it perfect for the Christmas season.

Ingredients

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
0.75 cup sugar
0.25 cup Melted butter plus
2 tbsp Melted butter
1.5 cup sour cream
2 eggs
1 tbsp flour
2 tsp vanilla
16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
0.5 cup Coarsely crushed candy canes
whipped cream
chocolate leaves
more coarsely chopped candy canes

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C).
In the bottom of an ungreased 8" springform pan, blend together 1⁄4 cup of sugar, 1⁄4 cup of melted butter, and graham cracker crumbs. Press the mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan.
In a blender or food processor, combine sour cream, remaining 1⁄2 cup of sugar, eggs, flour, and vanilla. Blend until smooth.
Add cream cheese to the mixture and blend again. Then, blend in 2 tbsp of the remaining melted butter until the mixture is completely smooth.
Stir in crushed candy canes and pour the mixture over the crust in the pan.
Place the pan in the lower third of the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
The chocolate leaves will form the petals of a poinsettia flower, with the crushed candy canes in the very center.

Variations

Substitute peppermint extract for the vanilla extract for an extra minty flavor.
Use chocolate graham crackers for the crust for a chocolatey twist.
Top with a chocolate ganache drizzle for added decadence.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe to ensure a smooth and creamy cheesecake.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense and tough cheesecake.

- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent cracking.

- Garnish with whipped cream, chocolate leaves, and additional crushed candy canes for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Christmas Peppermint Candy Cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a festive touch.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to blend the cream cheese until smooth to avoid lumps in the cheesecake batter.

- Bake the cheesecake in the lower third of the oven to prevent the top from browning too quickly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a lighter option.

Make Ahead Tips

This Christmas Peppermint Candy Cheesecake can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the cheesecake with chocolate leaves and crushed candy canes to create a festive and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this Christmas Peppermint Candy Cheesecake with a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a cozy and festive dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this Christmas Peppermint Candy Cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Christmas Peppermint Candy Cheesecake contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Christmas Peppermint Candy Cheesecake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Christmas Peppermint Candy Cheesecake contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this Christmas Peppermint Candy Cheesecake contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This Christmas Peppermint Candy Cheesecake is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, butter) and eggs.

Summary

This Christmas Peppermint Candy Cheesecake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high fat and calorie content.

Summary

This Christmas Peppermint Candy Cheesecake is a delicious and festive dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. With a creamy cheesecake filling, crunchy graham cracker crust, and refreshing peppermint candy canes, it is sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, during a snowy Christmas season, that I stumbled upon the recipe for Christmas Peppermint Candy Cheesecake. It was a cold and blustery day, and I had just finished baking a batch of gingerbread cookies when I decided to delve into my collection of old recipe cards.

As I sifted through the stack of worn and weathered cards, my eyes fell upon a faded, yellowed card that was tucked away in the back. The title read, "Christmas Peppermint Candy Cheesecake," and my curiosity was piqued. I had never attempted to make a cheesecake before, let alone one with peppermint candy in it, but something about the recipe called out to me.

The ingredients were simple enough – cream cheese, sugar, eggs, peppermint extract, crushed peppermint candy – but it was the method that intrigued me. The recipe called for baking the cheesecake in a water bath to ensure a creamy and smooth texture, and the addition of crushed peppermint candy promised a burst of festive flavor.

I set to work immediately, gathering the ingredients and preheating the oven. As I mixed the cream cheese and sugar together, I could already smell the sweet and creamy aroma wafting through the kitchen. The addition of peppermint extract added a fresh and minty scent to the mix, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within me.

Once the cheesecake was in the oven, I watched with bated breath as it slowly rose and set to perfection. The smell of peppermint candy filled the kitchen, mingling with the warm and comforting scents of the holiday season. As I removed the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool, I knew that this recipe was something special.

When it was finally time to taste the finished product, I took a bite and was immediately transported to a winter wonderland of flavors. The creamy texture of the cheesecake paired perfectly with the crunchy bits of peppermint candy, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and minty goodness. It was a taste sensation like no other, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my holiday baking repertoire.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing it down through the generations. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that snowy Christmas day when I first discovered the magic of Christmas Peppermint Candy Cheesecake. It has become a beloved tradition in our family, a symbol of the joy and warmth of the holiday season.

As I look back on that fateful day, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures that cooking and baking can bring. The memories that we create in the kitchen are just as important as the dishes we prepare, and I am thankful for the moments of joy and connection that this recipe has brought into my life.

So here's to the magic of Christmas Peppermint Candy Cheesecake – may it continue to bring love, laughter, and delicious moments to all who taste its sweet and minty goodness.