Christmas is a time to indulge in sweet treats that bring joy and warmth. One festive favorite is the peppermint candy cheesecake! This recipe combines the rich flavors of cream cheese with the refreshing taste of crushed peppermint candies, creating a delightful dessert that's perfect for the holiday season.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp (75g) granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 packages (882g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 15-20 peppermint candies, crushed
#### Equipment:
- Baking dish (9-inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Parchment paper or foil
- Aluminum foil
#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Line the bottom of a 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. **Make the Crust:**
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
- Add melted butter and stir until well combined.
- Press this mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish using your fingers or the back of a spoon to form an even crust layer.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
3. **Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:**
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Gradually add sugar and continue beating until well combined.
- Stir in vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more.
- Slowly pour in the heavy whipping cream, stirring gently to combine but avoid overmixing.
4. **Assemble the Cheesecake:**
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies evenly across the top of the cheesecake.
5. **Bake the Cheesecake:**
- Cover the edges of the pan with aluminum foil to prevent overbrowning.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but no longer liquid-like.
- Turn off the oven and let it sit inside for another hour. This gradual cooling helps achieve a smooth texture.
6. **Chill the Cheesecake:**
- Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature before refrigerating it for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:**
- Once chilled, remove from the baking dish using the parchment paper.
- Slice into portions and garnish with additional peppermint candies if desired.
- Serve and enjoy this festive holiday treat!
#### Tips & Variations:
- For an extra festive touch, add a few drops of green food coloring to the cream cheese mixture before layering it in the crust.
- Consider topping each slice with a drizzle of white chocolate ganache for added elegance.
#### Conclusion:
This Christmas Peppermint Candy Cheesecake is not only visually appealing but also bursting with delicious flavors. Perfect for sharing at your holiday gatherings, this recipe guarantees to become a new family tradition!