Brownie Peppermint Cheesecake
An indulgent dessert combining rich brownie layers with velvety peppermint cheesecake, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Peppermint Cheesecake Layer
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes Feel free to double this if you really love peppermint!
For Topping
- Chocolate sauce for drizzling
- More crushed peppermint candies for garnish
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get that lovely warmth going!
Make the Brownie Layer
- In a mixing bowl, blend the melted butter and sugar together until smooth.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add to the sugar mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into a greased 9-inch springform pan and smooth it into an even layer.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let it cool.
Prepare the Peppermint Cheesecake Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add sugar and mix until fully blended.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture over the cooled brownie layer in the springform pan.
Bake Again
- Bake the cheesecake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool on the counter before covering and chilling in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Serve It Up
- Before serving, drizzle some chocolate sauce on top and sprinkle with extra crushed peppermint.
- Cut a slice, grab a fork, and dig in!
Notes
Don’t skip the chilling! The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together. If the cheesecake cracks while baking, cover it with chocolate sauce. For cleaner slices, consider using a hot knife.