No Bake Peppermint Bark Cheesecake

Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings 12 slices

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This No Bake Peppermint Bark Cheesecake is the perfect Christmas dessert. It’s rich, creamy, loaded with white chocolate, peppermint bark and topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.

You might also like this Peppermint Bark Cheesecake Dip or this Peppermint Mocha Recipe!

close up image of no bake peppermint bark cheesecake with whipped cream crushed candy canes and chocolate shavings.

There’s nothing I love more than having dessert already prepped and ready to go before a holiday party. And this No Bake Peppermint Cheesecake is the perfect way to do that!

It’s also seriously delicious, rich and creamy — with little bits of crunch from the chopped peppermint bark.

This recipe takes just 20 minutes to prep and is the perfect make-ahead dessert since it needs 8 hours to chill in the fridge. It’s so light and fluffy and has just the right amount of peppermint flavor.

Looking for more easy Christmas desserts? Check out my Christmas Desserts, 31 Best Christmas Cookies Recipes, Christmas Sugar Cookies and loads of no bake Easy Christmas Treats.

Ingredients Needed:

ingredients needed for no bake peppermint cheesecake.
  • Crust: our two-ingredient crust is made up of melted butter and crushed chocolate sandwich cookies.
  • White Chocolate Chips: melted with heavy whipping cream to create the base for the cheesecake filling.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: make sure you use heavy whipping cream, not a lighter cream, for the creamiest texture.
  • Cream Cheese: get full-fat cream cheese blocks for the perfect cheesecake texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: sweetens and stabilizes the filling.
  • Vanilla: adds flavor depth.
  • Mint Extract: gives the cheesecake its peppermint flavor.
  • Peppermint Bark: we’re using crushed peppermint bark in the filling to add texture and extra peppermint flavor.
  • Garnishes: heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, crushed candy canes
one slice of cheesecake being pulled out of the whole.
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How to Make No Bake Peppermint Bark Cheesecake

This delicious no-bake dessert takes a quick 20 minutes to prep! You can find the detailed recipe down in the recipe card.

  1. Make the crust: Combine crushed cookies and melted butter, then press into a springform pan.
  2. Make the filling: Melt your chocolate first so it can cool, then combine cream cheese with other filling ingredients. Add in melted, cooled chocolate.
  3. Chop the peppermint bark and mix that into the filling.
  4. Assemble and chill: Spread the filling into the crust, then chill in the fridge until firm. Garnish and serve!

No Bake Cheesecake FAQs

Why is my No Bake Cheesecake not firm?

If your cheesecake isn’t firm yet, then it likely hasn’t chilled long enough. Plan for a minimum of 8 hours to give it time to set up completely.

How to cut a cheesecake without making a mess:

To make a clean cut, run a sharp knife under hot water to warm it. Dry it with a towel, then slice into your cheesecake. Repeat this between slices and you’ll have a mess-free cut every time!

How long does homemade cheesecake last?

Homemade No-Bake Cheesecake will last for up to 1 week in the fridge, provided that your ingredients were fresh when you used them.

Does cheesecake have to stay refrigerated?

Yes! Cheesecake will get soft if it’s stored on the counter and it won’t last nearly as long. Definitely keep it in the fridge!

Can you freeze a cheesecake?

Totally! Just make sure you freeze it without the whipped cream on top. To freeze your cheesecake, let it chill completely in the fridge. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
You can unwrap and thaw in the refrigerator overnight to serve, or enjoy partially frozen! Just let sit at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.

overhead image of one slice of peppermint cheesecake being removed.

Tips and Notes

  • Use a springform pan. A springform pan is the key to removing the cheesecake without damaging it. I like to pinch a piece of parchment between the bottom and the sides so I can easily lift the cheesecake out after.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese blocks. Other varieties of cream cheese won’t yield nearly the same creamy texture.
  • Chill fully. The cheesecake needs a minimum of 8 hours in the fridge to set up properly. Give it time!
  • No Oreos? Swap them out for 2 ½ cups crushed chocolate cookies and ½ cup melted butter.
one slice of peppermint bark cheesecake on a white plate with candy canes.

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No Bake Peppermint Bark Cheesecake

4.99 from 50 votes
This No Bake Peppermint Bark Cheesecake is the perfect holiday dessert. It's rich, creamy, infused with peppermint flavor, and topped with chopped peppermint bark.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Chilling time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Servings 12 slices
Calories 600cal

Ingredients

Crust

  • ½ cup melted butter
  • 300 grams chocolate sandwich cookies (about 25 cookies)

Cheesecake Filling

  • 1 cup white chocolate chips (170g)* (or chopped white chocolate baking bar)
  • 1 cup + 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (divided)
  • 24 oz full fat cream cheese (room temperature) 3 packages or 750 grams
  • 1-1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon mint extract
  • ½ recipe peppermint bark (prepared)* (about 300 grams or 1¼ cups chopped)
  • 2 peppermint candy canes optional

Garnish

  • cups heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • crushed candy canes for garnish

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, stir together white chocolate and 2 tablespoons cream. Microwave on high for 40 seconds, then stir until completely smooth (heat another 15 seconds if necessary). Place in the fridge just to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.

Crust

  • Combine melted butter and cookies in a food processor and process until smooth and a ball forms (Alternately, you could crush the cookies finely and stir together with melted butter)
  • Press into a 9″ Springform pan.

Cheesecake Filling

  • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add 1 cup sugar, vanilla, mint extract and beat on high until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes.
  • Add cooled melted white chocolate and beat on medium speed until incorporated.
  • In a separate bowl, beat remaining 1 cup cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold into the cheesecake mixture. Crush candy canes and stir in if using. Taste and remaining ¼ cup sugar if desired.
  • Take half of the peppermint bark (¼ of the full recipe) and chop into small chunks. Stir into cheesecake mixture.
  • Spread cheesecake filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top. Refrigerate at least 8 hours (overnight is even better) until chilled and firm.

Garnish

  • In a medium bowl, whip cream and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
  • Swirl around the edge of the cheesecake and garnish with the remaining peppermint bark and some crushed candy canes as desired.
  • Slice and serve.

Notes

*I use Hershey Chipits but white chocolate baking bars or candy melts will also work great. The brand of chocolate used can affect the way it melts so I recommend choosing something you have had success with before or that is made to be melted.
*This recipe uses prepared or store bought peppermint bark, but if you don’t have any you can get a similar effect but adding a mix of finely chopped chocolate, finely chopped white chocolate and crushed peppermint candy canes.
**No Oreos? Swap for 2 ½ cups crushed chocolate cookies and ½ cup melted butter.
 

Nutrition Information

Calories: 600cal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 598mg | Potassium: 354mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 715IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 300mg | Iron: 3mg
Keywords no bake cheesecake, peppermint bark

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Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

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Comments

  1. NinA says

    First, this turns out fantastic. It is a great recipe. However, 20 minutes? Not a chance. It took me almost an hour. It was so so good and worth it but I hate when recipes are so off on the prep time.

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      I’m sorry to hear that, NinA. I’m not sure what could of taken an hour to prep but glad you enjoyed it!

  2. Lacey says

    Is the whipped cream garnish stable enough to be made ahead? I need to make this for a work potluck but unsure if the swirls will stay nice if I do then the night before. Or other suggestions for the garnish?

    • Satina says

      I have the same question. I need it for a church potluck and I think cutting into squares would be easier serving. I’m going to give it a try.

      • The Recipe Rebel says

        Hi! It might but I would like it with parchment paper to make sure you can remove it from the pan.

  3. SJB says

    I have made this recipe numerous times always to oohs and ahhs. I sometimes make it in small individual cups for potlucks or freezing.

  4. Jim Caron says

    I made this for an office party, and everybody loved it deliriously! I did not even get a slice, though the beaters tasted wonderful. The crust was quite thick: I will use 15 Oreos next time, which will be… tomorrow.

  5. Stephanie says

    Hi! I’d love to make this but in individual small ones. Is this something that would hold together in silicone cupcake liners?

    Also silly question, do you take out the creme filling from the chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust?

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Stephanie! No need to remove the filing. You should be able to make this into mini cheesecakes. It’s just not something I’ve tested out with this one. Hope you enjoy it!

      • Karma says

        You say here not to remove the filling from the cookies but you answered someone else saying use only the cookie part. Which is right?

      • The Recipe Rebel says

        Hi! Sorry for the confuse you can leave the filling in. But either way would work as long as you are using 300 grams. Enjoy!

    • Nova says

      The recipe says to add 2 tablespoons of the cream to white chocolate for melting… I did this in the microwave and it seized up? Fortunately I had more white chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli’s) and I then heated them up in a double boiler on the stove. Even then they seemed really thick?
      In Your video it looks like you had WAY more than 2 Tbsp of cream before heating and the consistency is very smooth and creamy?
      I am really hoping this turns out okay, but I am wondering if the instructions could be wrong?

  6. Chelsea says

    I’m wanting to make this for Christmas, but have a question. In the video you show yourself spreading whipped cream all over the top after it has chilled and before you pipe around the edges. Is it the same mixture that you are using to pipe the border? I didn’t see a separate recipe for just the whipped cream to spread all over the top… Thank you!

  7. Marznuk says

    This looks delicious! The recipe calls for half a recipe of peppermint bark but can you give me an idea of what that looks like in cups? I would most likely be using store-bought bark, maybe even the Ghirardelli squares. Thanks!

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Christine! It’s the garnish I made that is listed in the recipe. It’s made with heavy cream and powdered sugar.

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Dawn, I guess you could but not sure of the size and if it fits all of the filling. If you decide to experiment, let me know how it goes!

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