Peppermint Bark Cheesecake Bars (Print)

Vanilla cheesecake bars atop chocolate crust, finished with a swirl of chocolates and candy cane crunch.

# Components:

→ Crust

01 - 1 1/2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs
02 - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake

03 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
04 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1/2 cup sour cream
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Bark Topping

08 - 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips, melted
09 - 3/4 cup white chocolate chips, melted
10 - 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (for dark chocolate)
11 - 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (for white chocolate)
12 - 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine chocolate wafer crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until just combined.
03 - Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 22–28 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and let cool completely to room temperature.
04 - Divide the melted dark chocolate and melted white chocolate into two separate bowls. Stir 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract into the dark chocolate and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon into the white chocolate. Dollop spoonfuls of both melted chocolates over the cooled cheesecake. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the chocolates together, creating a marble effect. Immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the swirled chocolate.
05 - Refrigerate the bars for at least 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is set. Slice into bars and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfect holiday dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make
  • Combines the beloved flavors of peppermint bark with creamy cheesecake
  • Make ahead friendly for stress free entertaining
  • Slices beautifully for serving at parties or gifting
02 -
  • These bars need at least 4 hours of total chilling time for best results
  • The recipe can easily be doubled for a 9x13 pan just increase baking time by about 5 minutes
  • Perfect make ahead dessert that actually improves after 24 hours in the refrigerator

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