Name: No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 5 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 15 Peppermint hard candies, crushed; 1/2 cup hot boiling water; 14 grams unflavored gelatin (2 – 7 gram packets); 24 ounces full fat cream cheese (3 – 8 ounce packages, room temperature); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold; 10 Peppermint hard candies, crushed; 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 5 reviews

No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bars are the dessert dream come true for anyone who loves the cool, invigorating flavor of peppermint paired with the creamy, irresistible richness of cheesecake. Incredibly easy to pull together—without ever turning on your oven—these bars boast a buttery graham cracker crust, a mousse-like peppermint cheesecake filling, and a cloud of whipped cream topping. Every bite is danced with crunchy peppermint candy bits, giving these bars a festive flair perfect for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you want a sweet minty treat that feels effortless but tastes spectacular.

No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I absolutely love about this recipe is how each ingredient is chosen for a reason: for richness, for fluffiness, for that pop of flavor or color. These simple items do all the heavy lifting, so don’t skip anything—your No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bars will thank you!

Graham cracker crumbs: The classic cheesecake base! They provide a subtly sweet, crunchy crust that melts in your mouth.
Granulated sugar: Balances tartness and brings a gentle sweetness to both the crust and the filling.
Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust and lends a luxurious, rich flavor that holds everything together.
Peppermint hard candies, crushed: The star of the show—these bring both bold peppermint punch and festive color throughout.
Hot boiling water: Dissolves the peppermint candies and helps the flavor and color infuse right into the filling.
Unflavored gelatin: Gives structure and ensures your cheesecake bars slice perfectly every time.
Cream cheese, room temperature: The creamy, tangy foundation of our filling—it blends better when softened.
Heavy whipping cream, cold: Adds dreamy lightness and stabilizes the cheesecake as well as the topping.

Additional peppermint candies (garnish): Extra crunch and color right on top—because more peppermint is always the right answer!
Granulated sugar (for whipped topping): Just a touch to sweeten the airy cloud of whipped cream.

How to Make No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Mix and Press the Crust

Start with a large bowl and combine your graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Use a fork to mix everything together until the mixture becomes the texture of wet sand. Press this mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch pan, making sure to compact it well so the crust holds its shape when sliced. Pop the crust into the fridge while you prepare the filling—this quick chill will set it beautifully.

Step 2: Crush and Melt the Peppermint Candies

Now, let’s make some noise! Put 15 peppermint candies in a large Ziploc bag. Seal, leaving a small air gap so the bag doesn’t burst, and place it within another bag for extra security. Place on a sturdy cutting board, then use a heavy skillet or kitchen mallet to crush the candies into small pieces. Empty the crushed candy into a medium bowl, pour half a cup of boiling water over the top, and stir for 3-5 minutes until the candies are completely melted and the water turns rosy pink.

Step 3: Bloom and Mix in the Gelatin

Sprinkle the two packets of unflavored gelatin evenly over your warm, melted peppermint mixture. Let it sit and “bloom” for about a minute—this is what gives the bars their shape and lift. Whisk until the gelatin is fully dissolved, and set aside while you move on to the filling.

Step 4: Whip up the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat room temperature cream cheese and granulated sugar with a hand mixer (or stand mixer, if that’s your jam) until smooth, creamy, and luscious. Scrape down the sides a few times to make sure there are no lumps. With the mixer on low, slowly pour in your peppermint-gelatin mixture. Once that’s incorporated, turn the speed up and whip until it’s completely smooth and blended.

Step 5: Fold in Whipped Cream

Grab a cold bowl and pour in your heavy whipping cream. Beat it until soft peaks form—when you lift the beater out, the cream should hold its shape but still look billowy, not stiff. Using a spatula, gently fold this whipped cream into the cheesecake-cream cheese mixture. This step makes your No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bars so airy and mousse-like you’ll swoon after the first bite.

Step 6: Assemble and Chill

Spread the cheesecake mixture over the chilled crust, using a spatula to smooth the top. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours—for best results, give it the full five to eight hours. The wait is worth it: chilling firms up the bars for clean, dreamy slices.

Step 7: Whip and Add Garnish

Right before serving, beat together the remaining cold heavy cream and granulated sugar in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form. Pipe or spoon generous swirls of whipped cream on each cut bar, then sprinkle with more crushed peppermint candies. This final flourish makes your No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bars look joyful and taste even more festive!

How to Serve No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

A dollop of whipped cream and a shower of crushed peppermint candies is classic, but don’t hesitate to add some white chocolate curls or a sprig of fresh mint for extra flair. The pink-and-white color pops instantly say “holiday magic” but suit any celebration.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a mug of hot cocoa or a good strong coffee—the contrast of the creamy, pepperminty bars is just perfect next to a warm drink. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve alongside fresh berries or a tangy fruit salad to cut the sweetness and brighten up your dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your bars into bite-sized cubes and arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for party-friendly nibbles. You can also layer cubes in mini mason jars with fresh whipped cream as charming single serves. Add a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce for an extra decadent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bars tightly covered in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to four days, making them a great make-ahead dessert for busy weeks or prep-ahead entertaining.

Freezing

These bars freeze extremely well! After slicing, arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. To serve, just thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours—so easy for last-minute sweet tooth cravings.

Reheating

No reheating required, and that’s part of the charm. Just slice, top with your whipped cream and peppermint garnish, and enjoy them straight from the fridge or after a gentle thaw from the freezer.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese instead of full fat?

For the creamiest and most stable bars, full-fat cream cheese is best. Low-fat versions can result in a softer, less rich filling and sometimes compromise that dreamy texture. If you’re set on it, the bars will still taste great, but may be a bit less firm.

Why do I need to use gelatin for this recipe?

The gelatin is key for setting the bars firm enough to slice. Without it, the No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bars would be much softer and might collapse when you try to serve them, especially at room temperature.

How finely should I crush the peppermint candies?

Aim for small pieces, but not powder—you want some lovely little crunch and sparkle, but not so much that the peppermint becomes sandy. Use short, firm smashes with your mallet and check frequently.

What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?

Use a long, sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between slices. This keeps the edges crisp and neat, especially after a solid chill time!

Can I swap in chocolate graham crackers for the crust?

Definitely! Chocolate graham crackers make a delicious twist and pair beautifully with the cool peppermint flavor. The bars will look and taste extra decadent—go for it if you’re a chocolate lover!

Final Thoughts

There’s something simply magical about sharing No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bars with those you love—every slice promises a burst of creamy, minty joy! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a winter treat, or just want to brighten up your week, go ahead and give these bars a try. You’ll be hooked from the very first bite!