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Quick Peppermint Bark Cheesecake Bars: Easy Holiday Dessert

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These Quick Peppermint Bark Cheesecake Bars are a fast, no-fuss holiday dessert with a crunchy Oreo crust, creamy cheesecake layer, dark chocolate topping, and cool peppermint crunch. Ready in 20 minutes of hands-on time, they’re perfect for weeknights, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 24 Oreo cookies (regular, not double-stuffed)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips (60-70% cacao)
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (about 6–8 regular-sized candy canes)
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract

Instructions

  1. Prep your pan. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two opposite sides. Lightly spray the parchment with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Make the crust. Pulse 24 Oreo cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Alternatively, crush them in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin. Pour crumbs into a medium bowl, add 4 tablespoons melted butter, and stir until every crumb is moistened (mixture should look like wet sand).
  3. Press the crust. Dump crumb mixture into prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or flat-bottomed glass to press it down firmly and evenly, all the way to the edges and corners. Refrigerate while making filling.
  4. Start the cheesecake filling. In a large bowl, beat 16 ounces softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until completely smooth, about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides and bottom. Add ½ cup sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, beat for another minute until fluffy.
  5. Add the eggs and sour cream. Crack 2 eggs into a small bowl. With mixer on low speed, add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Add ½ cup sour cream and mix on low just until combined. Filling should be silky smooth.
  6. Assemble the bars. Take crust out of fridge. Pour cheesecake filling over crust and spread evenly to edges. Give pan a gentle tap on counter to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake. Place pan in preheated 325°F (163°C) oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until edges look set and center still has a slight jiggle when shaken. Don’t overbake.
  8. Cool completely. Let cheesecake cool on a wire rack for 1 hour at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (4-5 is better) until fully cold.
  9. Make the chocolate topping. When cheesecake is fully chilled, combine 1 cup dark chocolate chips and ¼ cup heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until completely melted and smooth (about 90 seconds total). Stir in ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract if desired.
  10. Add the topping. Pour melted chocolate over chilled cheesecake layer. Use offset spatula to spread into an even, thin layer covering entire surface. Work quickly.
  11. Add the peppermint crunch. While chocolate is still wet, sprinkle crushed candy canes evenly over top. Press in gently with fingers. Return pan to refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set chocolate completely.
  12. Cut and serve. Use parchment handles to lift entire block out of pan. Place on cutting board and cut into 16 squares (4 rows by 4 rows) with a sharp knife, wiping knife clean between slices. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Make sure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature to avoid lumps. Don’t overmix the eggs to prevent cracking. Pull cheesecake from oven when center still jiggles slightly. Chill at least 3 hours before adding chocolate topping. Bars taste even better on day two. For clean cuts, wipe knife between slices. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: peppermint bark cheesecake bars, easy holiday dessert, no-bake cheesecake bars, Oreo crust cheesecake, peppermint dessert, quick dessert recipe, Christmas dessert, potluck dessert

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/quick-peppermint-bark-cheesecake-bars-easy-holiday-dessert/