Peppermint Bark Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in the festive delight of Peppermint Bark Cheesecake Bars. These creamy, rich bars blend velvety cheesecake with refreshing peppermint and are topped with a luscious layer of chocolate and crunchy candy canes. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings, they’re sure to impress your guests and become a cherished seasonal favorite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure peppermint extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well blended. Press firmly into the bottom of a lined baking dish to form an even crust.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar while mixing until no lumps remain. Add peppermint extract and mix well.
- Gently fold in whipped cream until light and airy. Pour the filling over the prepared crust evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set with a slight jiggle in the center. Allow to cool completely before refrigerating for at least two hours.
- Melt chocolate chips and spread evenly over the cooled cheesecake layer. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes before slicing into bars.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For a gluten-free version, substitute regular graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free crackers. Consider using flavored cream cheese for added richness or try white chocolate as an alternative topping for a sweeter finish.