If you’re looking to serve a holiday dessert that brings together the cool sparkle of peppermint and the irresistible creaminess of cheesecake, No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites are the ultimate treat. With each bite, you’ll get a taste of festive cheer, crunchy peppermint, and velvety smooth cheesecake, all wrapped up in a no-fuss, no-oven-required recipe. These delightful morsels are as fun to make as they are to eat, perfect for parties, edible gifts, or a sweet ending to a cozy winter night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites lies in a lineup of simple, familiar ingredients. Each one plays a specific role, blending into a bite-size dessert that’s as rich and beautiful as it is easy to whip up.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): This is the creamy foundation that gives every bite its signature cheesecake texture.
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a light, melt-in-your-mouth filling.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the bold peppermint with a subtle touch of warmth.
- Peppermint Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses that iconic minty coolness that makes each bite pop.
- White Chocolate Chips (1 cup, melted and slightly cooled): Brings a rich sweetness and helps bind the mixture.
- Graham Cracker or Chocolate Cookie Crumbs (1 cup): Adds a delightful cookie crunch and depth to the cheesecake base.
- Finely Crushed Peppermint Candies (1/3 cup, plus extra for topping): Peppermint pieces dot the mixture for crunch and a burst of holiday color.
- Whipped Topping (1 1/2 cups): Lifts everything with a fluffy, light texture—making these bites cloud-soft and dreamy.
How to Make No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites
Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese
Start with a large mixing bowl and a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and lump-free. This step is key to getting that luxurious, creamy texture that makes every bite irresistible.
Step 2: Mix in Sugar and Extracts
Next, add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to your bowl. Continue mixing until these ingredients are fully incorporated. Your kitchen will start to smell wonderfully minty at this point, so don’t be surprised if people start drifting in to see what you’re making!
Step 3: Add the Melted White Chocolate
Pour in the melted (and slightly cooled) white chocolate and mix until the filling is glossy and completely smooth. The chocolate not only brings richer flavor but also helps the finished bites hold together perfectly.
Step 4: Fold in Whipped Topping, Cookie Crumbs, and Peppermint
Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, stir in the crushed graham crackers or chocolate cookie crumbs, along with the crushed peppermint candies. You’ll see bits of red and white peeking through—festive and so pretty!
Step 5: Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl and slide it into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the mixture is firm enough to handle. This step sets up all those creamy and crunchy components for easy rolling.
Step 6: Shape into Bites
Once chilled, scoop out small amounts of the firm cheesecake mixture and roll them between your hands to form bite-sized balls. If you like them extra tidy, use a small cookie scoop for uniform size. It’s a little hands-on, but very fun!
Step 7: Coat and Chill Again
Finish by rolling each bite in extra crushed peppermint candies or more cookie crumbs for that show-stopping finish. Set the bites on a parchment-lined tray and give them one more chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes so they’re set and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites
Garnishes
Top your No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites with a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate for an extra indulgent touch. For a pop of color, sprinkle more crushed peppermint candies on top just before serving. Tiny edible pearls or gold sprinkles transform them into a festive centerpiece on any dessert table.
Side Dishes
These cheesecake bites are wonderful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a platter of fresh berries, chocolate-dipped pretzels, or cookies for variety. If you’re hosting a party, set out mugs of hot cocoa or peppermint tea—they’re the perfect complement to this cool, creamy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, nestle the bites into mini cupcake liners or decorative paper cups. Arrange them in a wreath shape on a platter for a holiday party, or tuck a few into a gift box lined with parchment for a thoughtful homemade present. You can even serve them on skewers for a whimsical dessert kabob at casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites store beautifully! Keep any extras in an airtight container in the fridge—they’ll stay fresh and creamy for up to 5 days. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
Freezing
If you’d like to make them ahead for a special event or busy week, these bites freeze like a dream. Place the finished bites in a single layer on a tray to freeze solid first, then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to two months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Since these bites are meant to be enjoyed cold, there’s no reheating required. Simply bring them out of the refrigerator about 10 minutes before serving so they’re perfectly chilled and creamy—not too hard and not too soft.
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping?
Absolutely! Freshly whipped cream can be used in place of whipped topping. Just whip a bit of heavy cream with a touch of powdered sugar until soft peaks form, and use the same amount as the recipe calls for. Keep in mind, homemade whipped cream is a bit less stable, so the bites may be slightly softer.
What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?
For easy, mess-free crushing, pop your peppermint candies into a sturdy zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy glass. You can also pulse them quickly in a food processor if you want a finer texture, especially for rolling the finished bites.
Can I make No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the graham crackers or cookie crumbs for a gluten-free alternative. Many stores now carry gluten-free graham crackers and chocolate sandwich cookies, so your gluten-free friends and family won’t miss out on the fun.
Are these bites suitable for kids?
Definitely! Kids love rolling the cheesecake mixture and coating the bites in candy or cookie crumbs. Just make sure the peppermint flavor isn’t too strong for little ones—feel free to adjust the amount of peppermint extract to taste.
Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
While white chocolate helps keep the bites snowy and sweet, you can certainly try milk or dark chocolate for a different twist. Keep in mind, dark chocolate will change the flavor and color, but it adds a delicious, sophisticated richness.
Final Thoughts
No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites are a joyous way to combine everything you love about winter desserts: cool mint, creamy cheesecake, and a bit of crunch—all with hardly any effort. Whether for your next gathering, a sweet gift, or just a treat-yourself moment, give these festive bites a try and watch them disappear!
