48 ounce blocks cream cheese, softened to room temperature
½cupwhite sugar
4envelopes hot chocolate mix with the marshmallows
1teaspoonpeppermint extract
2cupsheavy whipping cream
Whipped topping
2cupsheavy whipping cream
¼cuppowdered sugar
1teaspoonpeppermint extract
Mini marshmallowspeppermints, chocolate shavings for garnish
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Instructions
Mix your cookie crumbs and butter together.
Press the crumbs into the bottom and slightly up the side of an 8-9 inch springform pan.
Set aside.
In a large bowl using an electric mixer whip the cream cheese, sugar, hot chocolate mix and peppermint until light and fluffy.
Next using the electric mixer whip the 2 cups heavy cream into the cream cheese mixture.
Pour the batter into the pan.
Refrigerate 6 hours or freeze for 4 hours.
To make the whipped cream using an electric mixer whip up the 2 cups of heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and peppermint together until light and fluffy.
Top the cheesecake with the whipped cream.
Garnish with mini marshmallows, peppermints and chocolate shavings!
Slice and serve!
Notes
Tips & Tricks
Room temperature cream cheese – Let it soften fully so your filling is smooth and lump-free.
Chill long enough – The cheesecake needs at least 6 hours (or overnight) in the fridge to set properly.
Springform pan – Use one for easy release, but line the bottom with parchment if you want extra insurance against sticking.
Whip the cream separately – Make sure the whipped cream is nice and fluffy before folding it into the filling for the best texture.
Decorate right before serving – Marshmallows and candy can soften if left on too long.
Substitutions
Oreo crust – Swap with graham cracker crumbs or chocolate wafer cookies.
Peppermint extract – Use vanilla extract for a more classic hot chocolate cheesecake flavor.
Hot chocolate mix – Any flavor works (dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even salted caramel hot cocoa mix).
Heavy whipping cream – Cool Whip can be used in a pinch for the filling or topping.
Sugar – Swap with powdered sugar in the filling if that’s what you have on hand.
Variations
Mini Cheesecakes – Make them in cupcake liners for individual servings.
Extra Chocolatey – Stir in mini chocolate chips to the filling.
White Chocolate Peppermint – Use white chocolate hot cocoa mix and top with white chocolate curls.
Boozy Twist – Add a splash of peppermint schnapps or Irish cream to the filling for a grown-up holiday dessert.
Frozen Peppermint Cheesecake – Freeze instead of chilling for an ice cream cake-like texture.