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Peppermint Cheesecake Dip

A creamy, no-bake cheesecake dip infused with peppermint and studded with white chocolate and crushed candy canes. The perfect easy holiday dessert!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Peppermint Cheesecake Dip
  • 16 oz full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1.5 tsp peppermint extract or to taste
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt
  • 8 oz Cool Whip thawed, or 2 cups homemade whipped cream
  • 0.5 cup crushed candy canes divided
  • 4 oz white chocolate finely chopped
For Serving (Optional)
  • Graham crackers, cookies, or fresh fruit

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Spatula
  • Serving bowl

Method
 

  1. Ensure cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and fluffy.
  2. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat for another minute to ensure no lumps remain.
  3. Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream) into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Be gentle to maintain the airy texture.
  4. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the crushed candy canes for garnish. Fold the remaining crushed candy canes and the finely chopped white chocolate into the dip until just combined.
  5. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (2 hours is ideal) to allow the flavors to meld and the dip to firm up.
  6. Before serving, garnish with the reserved crushed candy canes. Serve chilled with graham crackers, cookies, pretzels, or fresh fruit for dipping.

Notes

For best results, do not use cold cream cheese. Taste the dip after adding 1 tsp of peppermint extract and add more if desired. To prevent the dip from turning pink, avoid over-mixing after adding the candy canes.