No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake

Looking for a dessert that’s effortlessly festive and incredibly delicious? This No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake is your new go-to!

It’s a satisfyingly easy, budget-friendly treat that brings all the cozy vibes of a hot chocolate dessert with a refreshing peppermint twist.

Perfect for busy moms and professionals, it uses pantry staples and comes together quickly.

No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake
No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake

Why You’ll Love This No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake

  • No Bake Convenience: Skip the oven and enjoy a creamy dessert with minimal effort, perfect for busy schedules.

  • Festive Flavors: Indulge in the perfect blend of rich hot chocolate and cool peppermint, ideal for winter gatherings.

  • Budget-Friendly: Made with common, affordable ingredients, this dessert won’t break the bank.

  • Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare it the day before your event, allowing flavors to meld and freeing up your special day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Primary components: You’ll start with chocolate sandwich cookies for a delicious crust and cream cheese for that signature cheesecake tang.

Liquids & Seasoning: Melted butter binds the crust, while heavy cream creates a light, airy filling. Peppermint extract and unsweetened cocoa powder deliver the classic hot chocolate dessert flavor.

Optional add-ins: Mini chocolate chips can be folded into the filling for extra richness, and whipped cream, crushed peppermints, or chocolate shavings make delightful garnishes.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Exact quantities appear in the printable recipe card below.
No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake ingredients
No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake ingredients

How to Make No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake

Creating this delicious No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake is a breeze! You’ll prepare a simple cookie crust, whip up a creamy, flavorful filling, then let the refrigerator do all the hard work. For more no bake cheesecake inspiration, check out other recipes.

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Graham Cracker Base

Combine crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with melted butter and press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish or springform pan. Chill while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Filling

Beat softened cream cheese with sugar, peppermint extract, and cocoa powder until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined, then stir in mini chocolate chips if desired.

The whipped cream filling
The whipped cream filling

Step 3: Assemble Your No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake

Pour the prepared cheesecake filling over the chilled cookie crust. Spread it evenly using a spatula to ensure a smooth top.

Step 4: Chill to Perfection

Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until it is completely firm.

Step 5: Add Optional Toppings

If desired, whip additional cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and peppermint extract until stiff peaks form for a fresh topping.

Step 6: Serve Your Delightful Hot Chocolate Dessert

Once firm, slice and serve your No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake. Garnish with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, or chocolate shavings.

A slice of No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake
A slice of No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake

Pro Tips for Making Your No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake

  • Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened for a perfectly smooth, lump-free filling.

  • Cold Cream for Whipping: Chill your heavy cream and mixing bowl for 10-15 minutes before whipping to achieve the best stiff peaks.

  • Gentle Folding: Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently to maintain its airy texture.

  • Overnight Chill: While 4 hours is fine, chilling overnight allows the cheesecake to set perfectly and flavors to deepen.

  • Crushing Peppermints: Place candies in a zip-top bag and gently tap with a rolling pin for easy crushing.

  • Clean Slices: For neat slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between each cut.

Final Thoughts

This No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake truly delivers on flavor and ease, making it a perfect winter cheesecake for any occasion. It’s a delightful way to bring festive cheer to your table without the stress of baking.

If you can’t get enough of that cozy hot chocolate flavor, you’ll love my hot cocoa cookies. They’re soft, fudgy, and topped with gooey marshmallows, making them a perfect match for this creamy peppermint cheesecake.

No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake slice
No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake slice

FAQs

How long does No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake need to chill?

For optimal firmness and flavor, this cheesecake needs at least 4 hours of refrigeration, but chilling it overnight is highly recommended.

Can I make this hot chocolate dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! This No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake, simply substitute regular chocolate sandwich cookies with a gluten-free variety for the crust.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

While peppermint extract gives the signature flavor, you could use a small amount of pure vanilla extract for a classic hot chocolate cheesecake, or even a different flavored extract like almond, though it wouldn’t be peppermint then.

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No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake

No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake satisfyingly easy and delicious Budget Friendly


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  • Author: Donna
  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 810 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake is the ultimate winter dessert! It’s incredibly easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with festive peppermint and rich hot chocolate flavors. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in, this creamy cheesecake requires no oven and comes together quickly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Crust:
    • 2 cups chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs (about 2024 cookies)
    • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • For the Filling:
    • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
    • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 cup heavy cream, cold
    • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
  • For the Topping (Optional):
    • 1/2 cup heavy cream, cold
    • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
    • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
    • Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, for garnish
    • Chocolate shavings, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish or a springform pan. Place in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
  2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, peppermint extract, and cocoa powder with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
  3. In a separate cold bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain. If using, fold in the mini chocolate chips.
  4. Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the pie dish or springform pan. Spread evenly with a spatula.
  5. Chill: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until firm.
  6. Prepare the Topping (Optional): In a cold bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and peppermint extract until stiff peaks form.
  7. Serve: Once chilled and firm, slice the cheesecake. Top with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, and chocolate shavings, if desired. Serve cold.

Notes

  • For best results, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth filling.
  • Chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment for the heavy cream for about 10-15 minutes before whipping for stiffer peaks.
  • You can make this cheesecake up to 2-3 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator.
  • To easily crush peppermint candies, place them in a zip-top bag and gently hit them with a rolling pin or the back of a heavy pan.
  • This recipe is naturally vegetarian. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of cheesecake)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 35
  • Sodium: 200
  • Fat: 30
  • Saturated Fat: 18
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 5
  • Cholesterol: 90

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