Description
No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites are a festive and effortless dessert that will brighten any holiday gathering. These creamy, minty delights feature a luscious cheesecake filling nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with crushed candy canes for a delightful crunch. Perfect for busy holiday schedules, these treats come together without the need for baking, making them a quick and reliable go-to dessert. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a thoughtful edible gift, these bites are sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup whipped topping
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
1: Prepare the Crust
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar until evenly combined. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Form the Crust: Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly. Press about 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture into each cavity, packing it down firmly with the back of a spoon or the bottom of a small glass.
- Chill: Place the crusts in the refrigerator to set while preparing the filling.
2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Soften Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sweetness and Flavor: Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until fully incorporated. Then, mix in the peppermint extract. Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to suit your preference.
- Incorporate Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping using a spatula. This adds a light and fluffy texture to the filling.
- Add Crunch: Fold in 1/4 cup of crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for a festive crunch.
3: Assemble the Cheesecake Bites
- Fill the Crusts: Remove the prepared crusts from the refrigerator. Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling onto each crust, filling each cavity generously.
- Garnish: Sprinkle extra crushed candy canes or peppermint candies on top of the bites for a decorative finish.
- Chill: Place the filled muffin tin in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the cheesecake filling to set.
4: Serve
Carefully remove the cheesecake bites from the muffin tin and transfer them to a serving platter. Enjoy these delightful treats chilled for the best flavor and texture.