Description
Peppermint Cheesecake Mousse Cups are a festive easy dessert with layers of chocolate cookie crust, fluffy peppermint cheesecake mousse, and whipped cream on top. This easy recipe is perfect for holiday dessert tables, Christmas party food ideas, no-bake dessert lovers, and make-ahead sweet treats when you want simple food ideas that still look beautiful.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
4 drops pink food coloring, optional
1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies
2 tablespoons white chocolate curls, optional
4 small mint leaves, optional
Instructions
1. Stir together the chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until evenly combined. Divide the mixture among 4 to 6 dessert cups and press it down gently to form the crust layer.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and pink food coloring if using, then beat until creamy and fully blended.
3. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until light and fluffy, then fold in the crushed peppermint candies.
5. Spoon or pipe the peppermint cheesecake mousse over the crust layer in each cup. Smooth the tops or leave them swirled.
6. Refrigerate the cups for at least 2 hours until chilled and lightly set.
7. Before serving, top with whipped cream, extra crushed peppermint, white chocolate curls if using, and mint leaves if desired.
Notes
Use fully softened cream cheese so the mousse turns out smooth without lumps.
Do not overdo the peppermint extract because a small amount gives plenty of flavor.
Add the whipped topping and crushed candy just before serving for the freshest texture and best presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg