Peppermint Cheesecake with Oreo Crust

If you're a fan of cheesecake, get ready. This Peppermint Cheesecake with Oreo Crust is going to rock your cheesecake-loving world.

I love the holidays and making delicious desserts to celebrate.  My favorite holiday is Christmas, but I also love Halloween! For this recipe, I decided to do a peppermint cheesecake because it goes well with the festive flavors of the holidays. This cheesecake is absolutely delicious and perfect for serving during your family dinners or parties.

I have a good friend that has a daughter that loves peppermint and cheesecake. When she was telling me about her daughter's obsession with these flavors, I decided that I wanted to get into the kitchen and whip up something her little girl would love. This Peppermint Cheesecake with Oreo Crust was what I came up, because she also loves Oreo's. Let me tell you, I hit it out of the park with this fun dessert for her daughter! Even Ken loved it and he's not a huge peppermint fan.

Not only does this Peppermint Cheesecake with Oreo Crust taste delicious but it also looks pretty when sliced and garnished. Peppermint Cheesecake is also very easy to make, even if you have never made a cheesecake before! I hope this recipe brightens up your holidays and brings joy in the kitchen.

How can I tell when a  peppermint cheesecake is done

When the middle of the cheesecake is firm and slightly golden on top, and when a thin crust has formed on the surface. Your cheesecake may still jiggly slightly in the middle, but look for a golden crust for the best single that your cheesecake is done cooking.

Where do I buy a springform pan

If you are like me, and you really don't want to get out of your pjs to head into the store to get a springform pan for your cheesecake, have no fear! You can purchase one online like I did. If you do like going into the store you should be able to find a springform pan at your local big box store or craft store in the baking aisle.

What size springform pan do I need for this Peppermint Cheesecake with Oreo Crust  recipe

This Peppermint Cheesecake with Oreo Crust recipe is designed for a 9 inch springform pan.

How long will this Peppermint Cheesecake with Oreo Crust keep

This cheesecake should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure to take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving so the cheesecake will be easier to slice.

How do I get my Peppermint Cheesecake to cool evenly

Make sure that your pan is on a wire rack, so that air can flow all around it. When the cake has cooled for an hour or two, transfer it to the fridge until you are ready to serve it.

How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake

Make sure that you don't over beat your batter and that you let the cake cool completely before placing it in the fridge. Don't worry though, we are putting chocolate on the top of our peppermint cheesecake so it will cover the imperfections.

Can I use a graham cracker crust instead

Absolutely! You can use any crust that you prefer, or have on hand. But, try it with the Oreo crust, you won't be disappointed!

Can I use a food processor to chop my Oreo's

You can use a food processor, but I prefer to do it by hand. The manual labor lets me feel like the dessert is "handmade." Plus, then I don't have to wash another dish. However, you can crush your cookies however you prefer.

What happens if my cheesecake has cracks

Don't worry! It won't affect the flavor of your cheesecake at all. Plus, we are using chocolate on the top so that will cover up the blemishes!

Why do I need a water bath

A water bath will ensure that your cheesecake is moist and creamy, not dry and tough. But make sure to be careful when you pour in the water! You don't want to get water on your cheesecake.

What does cornstarch do in this Peppermint Cheesecake with Oreo Crust recipe

Cornstarch helps to thicken the cheesecake and make it nice and creamy. I love cornstarch when baking cheesecakes! It gives the Peppermint Cheesecake with Oreo Crust such a beautiful texture.

Why add sour cream to this Peppermint Cheesecake with Oreo Crust recipe

Sour cream helps to keep your Peppermint Cheesecake with Oreo Crust nice and moist. Make sure that you are using full fat plain Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream for this recipe, not low fat! Full fat products will create the creamiest cheesecakes.

Ingredients for Peppermint Cheesecake with Oreo Crust

• 30 Oreo Cookies 
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• (2) 8oz packages of cream cheese
• 1 cup sugar
• One tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3-½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• Red food coloring
• 3 large eggs
• 6oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ⅔ cups heavy whipping cream
• Crushed candy canes or peppermints 

How to Make Peppermint Cheesecake with Oreo Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 
2. Wrap the inside of a 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil. 
3. Place the Oreo cookies inside a gallon sized Ziploc bag. Crush until they are in fine pieces. 
4. In a medium mixing bowl, mix together the Oreo cookies and melted butter. 
5. Press the cooking mixture to the bottom of the springform pan, forming the crust of the cheesecake. Be sure to cover the entire bottom of the pan and press firmly. 
6. Place the crust in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. When done, remove from heat and leave the oven on. 
7. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until soft. Add in the cornstarch and combine well. 
8. Beat in the sour cream, peppermint extract and food coloring. Start by adding 3-4 drops of food coloring. Mix well to observe the shade of red. Mix in 1-2 more drops at a time if a deeper shade is desired. 
9. Beat in one egg at a time until all 3 are added. 
10. Pour the cheesecake batter into the springform pan. 
11. Place the cheesecake in the middle of a large roasting pan. Fill the bottom of the pan with 1 inch of water. Place in the oven and cook for 60 minutes. When done, the cheesecake should only wobble slightly in the middle. 
12. Remove cheesecake from the roast pan and place in the refrigerator to cool for at least 6 hours. 
13. Once your cheesecake is fully cooled, prepare your chocolate ganache topping. 
14. Place your chocolate chips in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside. Bring heavy cream to a boil. Once boiling, pour over chocolate chips and begin stirring immediately. 
15. Once the chocolate ganache is completely melted, over the cheesecake and allow it to drip over the sides. 
16. Crush candy canes or peppermints into finely chopped pieces and sprinkle over the cheesecake with the chocolate topping is still warm. 
17. Cut and serve immediately. 

Notes:

• Dark chocolate chips can also be used for this recipe. 
• Be sure to crush Oreo cookies into fine pieces, not chunks. This allows you to more easily cut the crust and serve. 
• Cheesecake turns out best when it has cooled for 8 hours or more

With the holidays quickly approaching, that means that soon it will be time for holiday parties. This  Peppermint Cheesecake with Oreo Crust is a great recipe to bring to your holiday party. So many of my friends and family have made this Peppermint Cheesecake with Oreo Crust for their parties and everyone always loves it! Let me know in the comments below if you make this delicious recipe.

More Cheesecake Recipes: 

• Neapolitan cheesecake
• Ultimate Easy Baked Homemade Cheesecake
• Salted caramel cheesecake with brownie bottom
•  No bake cherry cheesecake icebox cake
• Red White and Blue Swirl cheesecake