Christmas Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cheesecake Bars

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Absolutely! Let’s make this a full, indulgent Christmas treat recipe—something that’s festive, show-stopping, and truly “best ever.” Here’s a detailed, big recipe for Christmas Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cheesecake Bars. 🎄🍫

🎁 Christmas Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cheesecake Bars

Introduction

This decadent dessert is a heavenly fusion of creamy cheesecake, rich chocolate, and festive peppermint crunch. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars bring together layers of chocolate, buttery crust, and a dreamy cheesecake filling sprinkled with crushed candy canes. Imagine biting into a sweet, minty, chocolaty treat that melts in your mouth while spreading holiday cheer—yes, it’s as good as it sounds!

These bars are great for family gatherings, office parties, or as a homemade gift wrapped in festive paper. Bonus: they look so beautiful, nobody will believe how easy they are to make!

History

The idea of combining chocolate and peppermint dates back to Victorian England when candy canes became a Christmas staple. Cheesecake itself has been loved since ancient Greece, but the modern creamy version became popular in the U.S. in the early 20th century. Peppermint bark—a mix of dark and white chocolate with crushed peppermint—originated in the 1960s. This recipe brings all these festive favorites together in a simple, layered bar that’s sure to be remembered year after year.

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (Oreos or chocolate graham crackers)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake layer:

  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp peppermint extract

For the topping:

  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (or peppermint candies)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until fully combined.
  3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Make the cheesecake layer

  1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
  4. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the cheesecake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles.
  2. Allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) for the best results.

Step 4: Add the chocolate peppermint topping

  1. Melt the semisweet and white chocolate separately using a double boiler or microwave (in 30-second intervals, stirring in between).
  2. Drizzle the semisweet chocolate over the cheesecake layer. Then drizzle the white chocolate on top in a decorative pattern.
  3. Sprinkle crushed candy canes evenly over the top while the chocolate is still soft.
  4. Refrigerate again until the chocolate sets, about 30 minutes.

Methods & Tips

  • Crust Tip: For extra flavor, add 1/2 tsp of cinnamon to the cookie crumb mixture.
  • Cheesecake Tip: Beat the cream cheese slowly at first to avoid lumps. Room temperature ingredients give the creamiest texture.
  • Chocolate Tip: Use high-quality chocolate for the topping—it makes a noticeable difference.
  • Cutting Bars: Warm a sharp knife under hot water and wipe it dry before slicing to get clean edges.

Formation

  1. Bottom layer: chocolate cookie crust
  2. Middle layer: creamy peppermint cheesecake
  3. Top layer: swirled chocolate with crushed candy canes
    Each layer creates a festive visual and flavor experience that’s both rich and refreshing.

Conclusion

These Christmas Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate holiday indulgence. They’re creamy, chocolaty, minty, and perfectly sweet—an irresistible combination that will impress friends, family, and even Santa himself!

For the Lovers

  • Serve chilled with a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint latte.
  • Garnish with extra crushed candy canes or edible gold stars for a festive touch.
  • Wrap them in parchment paper and tie with a red ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

If you want, I can also make a giant “Instagram-ready” version with layers of chocolate ganache, whipped cream, and candy cane shards—basically, a showstopper Christmas dessert that will wow everyone at the table.

Do you want me to do that next? 🎄✨

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