A Sweet Hello to Peppermint Season

It’s officially peppermint-everything season, and if there’s one treat that perfectly captures the joy of the holidays without the stress of complicated baking, it’s No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites. Think: creamy, dreamy cheesecake layered over a buttery graham cracker crust, kissed with peppermint flavor, dipped in luscious white chocolate, and sprinkled with crushed candy cane magic. Just look at them — festive little snowflakes of deliciousness!

The best part? No oven necessary. These bites are chilled, not baked — meaning you save time, energy, and still impress like a holiday dessert pro. Whether you’re hosting a party, assembling a cookie box, or just want something indulgent in the fridge for a midnight treat, these peppermint cheesecake bites check every box.

Why You’ll Love These Cheesecake Bites

Let’s get real — when it comes to holiday desserts, we want things that are fast, fun, and fabulous. These peppermint cheesecake bites are exactly that.

Bite-Sized Joy: Perfectly portioned so you can pop one (or five) without guilt.
No Oven Stress: Save your oven space for your roast. These babies chill in the fridge or freezer.
Kid-Approved & Crowd-Favorite: Everyone loves cheesecake. Everyone loves peppermint. Combine the two, and you’re a holiday hero.

These are the treats that make people go, “Wait, you made these?!” Yes. Yes, you did. 🎁

The Magic of Peppermint in Holiday Desserts

Peppermint is like the snowfall of dessert flavors. It’s crisp, refreshing, and instantly screams holiday cheer. It adds brightness to the creamy richness of the cheesecake, creating a balance that’s both sweet and cool — like sipping hot cocoa after playing in the snow.

And when it meets white chocolate? It’s a candy cane explosion. Trust me, your taste buds will be caroling.

Ingredient Breakdown: What You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this winter wonderland of a recipe:

Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
4 tbsp melted butter

Cheesecake Filling:

8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temp)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup Cool Whip (thawed)
½ tsp peppermint extract
½ cup crushed candy canes

Topping:

8 oz white chocolate, melted
Extra crushed candy canes for topping

Everything here is easy to find at any grocery store, and you might already have some on hand!

Tools You’ll Need

Mini cupcake liners or silicone molds (for the perfect shape)

Electric mixer (hand or stand)
Mixing bowls
Rubber spatula
Freezer-safe tray or plate
Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler for melting chocolate

Optional but helpful: piping bag for fancy swirls (as shown in the photo), a mini cookie scoop, and a spoon for layering.

Step-by-Step Instructions (with Timed Tasks)

Let’s break it down like a peppermint stick. You’ll be amazed how quick and easy these are!

1. Make the Crust (⏱️ 5 minutes)

Mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until the texture resembles wet sand. Press about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons into each mini liner or mold. Flatten it down firmly with a spoon. Chill while you prep the filling.

2. Blend the Cheesecake Filling (⏱️ 3 minutes)

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and peppermint extract, and mix until creamy and fluffy.

3. Fold in Cool Whip & Candy Canes (⏱️ 2 minutes)

Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip, being careful not to overmix. Add in your crushed candy canes for a beautiful red-and-white swirl. This gives that crunchy, minty sparkle in every bite.

4. Layer & Shape (⏱️ 4 minutes)

Spoon or pipe the cheesecake mixture on top of your chilled crusts, filling to the top. Smooth or swirl the tops depending on the look you’re going for. Tip: A piping bag with a star tip gives that pretty swirl you see in the image.

5. Freeze to Firm (⏱️ 25 minutes)

Pop the tray into the freezer. This step is key so the cheesecake sets just enough to be dipped in chocolate without falling apart.

6. Dip in White Chocolate (⏱️ 5 minutes)

Once firm, gently dip the tops into melted white chocolate. Work quickly!

7. Add Crushed Candy Canes (⏱️ 1 minute)

Immediately sprinkle the tops with more crushed candy canes before the chocolate sets.

8. Chill Again (⏱️ 30 minutes)

Place everything in the fridge to fully chill and set. These taste best when cold — rich, creamy, minty perfection.

Tips for Picture-Perfect Cheesecake Bites

Want your peppermint cheesecake bites to look as stunning as they taste (just like the image)? Here’s how to nail the look every time:

Use Silicone Molds or Mini Liners: These help you pop them out cleanly without losing the shape. Plus, they make that perfect round bite with defined layers.

Pack That Crust Tightly: Use a small flat-bottomed tool (like a shot glass or spoon) to really press the graham cracker crust in. This keeps the crust from crumbling.
Room Temp Cream Cheese: Don’t skip this! Cold cream cheese clumps and ruins the creamy texture.
Crush Candy Canes Finely for Topping: Coarse pieces look festive, but finer bits stick better and offer a clean finish.

White Chocolate Tips: Melt it slowly (in 15-second bursts in the microwave or using a double boiler) and stir often. Overheating makes it clumpy.

Wanna go extra fancy? Pipe the cheesecake layer using a large star tip, just like frosting on cupcakes. It gives that swirl effect seen in the image and looks super professional!

Customizations & Variations

Let’s say you want to remix these bites into something new — here are some creative ways to switch it up:

Chocolate Peppermint Version: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cheesecake mix and use Oreo crumbs for the crust.
Vegan Swap: Use vegan cream cheese, coconut whipped topping, and plant-based white chocolate.
Add Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips mixed into the filling = more indulgence.

Gingerbread Crust: Use crushed ginger snaps instead of graham crackers for a spiced twist.
Different Extracts: Not a peppermint fan? Try almond or vanilla extract and top with festive sprinkles instead.

Make it yours! You really can’t mess these up.

How to Serve Them

These bites are pure eye candy when served right. Here’s how to make your holiday platter stand out:

Use a White or Silver Tray: The red-and-white color of the bites will pop beautifully.
Add Greenery: Small sprigs of rosemary or mint leaves add that Christmas tree vibe.
Serve Cold: These are best when chilled — they stay firm and refreshing.

Pro tip: Serve with tiny holiday cupcake wrappers for easy handling at parties. Zero mess, maximum wow.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

One of the best parts of this recipe? It’s totally make-ahead friendly.

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw for 15–20 minutes at room temp before serving.

They actually taste amazing slightly frozen — like a peppermint cheesecake popsicle!

No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites Recipe

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Author: Lora
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Christmas • No-Bake Desserts • Mini Cheesecakes • Holiday Treats

Print Recipe

Description

🎄❄️ Creamy, minty, festive, and totally irresistible! These bite-sized peppermint cheesecake treats bring all the magical holiday vibes without even turning on the oven. Perfect for parties, gifting, or enjoying straight from the fridge! 🍬✨

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
4 tbsp melted butter
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup Cool Whip, thawed
½ tsp peppermint extract
½ cup crushed candy canes
8 oz white chocolate, melted
Extra crushed candy canes for topping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until fully combined, then press into mini liners or silicone molds. 🥄
⏱️ Duration: 5 minutes

Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar and peppermint extract. Mix until creamy. 💚
⏱️ Duration: 3 minutes
Gently fold in Cool Whip, followed by crushed candy canes. ❄️
⏱️ Duration: 2 minutes
Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the crusts, filling each cup almost to the top. 🍰
⏱️ Duration: 4 minutes

Freeze for 20–25 minutes to help them firm up for dipping. ❄️
⏱️ Duration: 25 minutes
Dip the tops of each cheesecake bite into melted white chocolate and place back on a tray. 🤍
⏱️ Duration: 5 minutes
Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before the chocolate sets. 🍬
⏱️ Duration: 1 minute

Refrigerate for 30 minutes until fully set and chilled. 🧊
⏱️ Duration: 30 minutes

Notes

These bites are no-bake, making them perfect for quick holiday treats or last-minute party prep.
Press the crust firmly into the liners to prevent it from crumbling when adding the cheesecake mixture.

Freezing for 20–25 minutes before dipping in chocolate ensures a smooth, clean coating without melting the cheesecake.
Use finely crushed candy canes for both folding into the batter and decorating the tops — it gives a beautiful festive crunch.
Can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days or in the freezer for longer-term storage.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 12–14 bites
Calories: ~150 kcal per bite

Peppermint Party Pairings

Want to serve these bites as part of a full holiday spread? Here’s what to pair them with:

Hot Chocolate Bar: Peppermint + cocoa = heaven.
Eggnog Lattes: Rich, creamy drinks pair perfectly with the minty freshness.
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: Sweet, salty, and crunchy.
Mini Candy Canes for Decor: Scatter around the table for a cohesive look.

These also make adorable gifts! Pack 3–4 in a festive treat bag or tin and tie with ribbon.

You may like also :

Peppermint Chocolate-Dipped Sandwich Cookies: A Festive Holiday Treat You’ll Crave All Year Round

Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe: Sweet, Buttery, and Melt-in-Your-Mouth Magic for the Holidays! 🎄

Fun for the Family

This is a GREAT recipe to get kids involved with holiday baking.

Let them crush the candy canes (they’ll love smashing them in a bag with a rolling pin).
They can layer the crust with a spoon and help decorate the tops.
It’s mess-free, no oven needed, and full of edible holiday magic.

Family-approved and memory-making? Count us in. 🎅

Nutritional Info (Estimated Per Bite)

This dessert isn’t exactly “health food,” but hey — it’s the holidays. Here’s a ballpark estimate per bite:

Nutrient	Amount (per bite)
Calories	~150 kcal
Total Fat	10g
Sugar	12g
Carbs	16g
Protein	2g

These are approximations, but they’re helpful if you’re planning portions.

Troubleshooting & FAQs During Prep

Cheesecake too soft?
Make sure you gave it enough chill time. If it’s still too loose, freeze longer before dipping.

Chocolate not sticking?
Ensure your bites are cold when dipped. Warm cheesecake will repel melted chocolate.

Crust crumbling?
Not enough butter or not pressing firmly. Adjust ratio slightly next time.

Candy cane bits melting?
This can happen if sprinkled too early on hot chocolate. Always wait a few seconds after dipping.

Conclusion: A Bite of Holiday Magic

No-bake peppermint cheesecake bites are everything you want in a Christmas dessert: easy, festive, creamy, and so dang pretty. They’re like edible snowflakes — cold, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth magical. Whether you’re making them for a party, gifting them to friends, or just treating yourself on a snowy night in, they bring all the peppermint joy without breaking a sweat (or turning on the oven!).

So go ahead, grab that peppermint extract and get swirling. These are the kinds of treats that make the season feel truly merry and bright. ❄️🎁

FAQs

1. Can I make this with regular whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes! Just use homemade whipped cream whipped to stiff peaks. But know that Cool Whip helps stabilize the filling longer in the fridge/freezer.

2. Can I use chocolate graham crackers instead?
Absolutely. They’ll add a chocolaty base that pairs beautifully with peppermint.

3. How far in advance can I prep these?
Make them up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge, or freeze for up to 2 months.

4. Can I use full-size cupcake tins?
Yes, but they’ll take longer to chill and set. Add 10–15 extra minutes to freezing time.

5. What’s the best way to crush candy canes?
Place them in a zip-top bag and smash with a rolling pin or heavy pan. Don’t crush them too fine — you want that peppermint crunch!

Hi, I’m Lora!

I'm so glad you've found your way here. My kitchen is my happy place, and if you're just starting your own cooking journey, I want you to know you're in the right place.

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No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites Recipe: The Ultimate Festive Treat You’ll Crave All Winter Long 🎄❄️