Frosted Diaries | Decadent Peppermint Mocha Cheesecake

What even is this month without a holiday dessert?

If there’s one thing you need on your holiday table this year, it’s a dessert that steals the spotlight & knows it.

Rich, chilled, just the right amount of peppermint, this cheese cake is SO festive.

It’s giving espresso-in-silk-pajamas energy. It’s giving “I brought dessert & I’m not helping with dishes” energy. It’s giving exactly what December needs.

The Flavor

Peppermint mocha hits different. That deep cocoa taste? Sophisticated. The espresso? Adds grown-up depth. & the peppermint? Just enough to feel seasonal without tasting like you gnawed on a candy cane.

It’s cozy but not sleepy. Sharp, cool, & actually interesting. Like a holiday party you don’t regret showing up to.

The Crust

Here’s a hot take: cheesecake crust should snap, not crumble. This one’s made with chocolate cookie crumbs, butter, & a little sugar. Simple.

The Filling

This is where things go from “yum” to “okay wait, why is this so good.”

We’re talking whipped cream cheese with zero edge. Cocoa that turns the whole thing rich & moody. Espresso powder for the glow-up. A drop of peppermint.

The texture? Like a velvet robe you can eat. No cracks. No weird grain. Just creamy perfection.

The Topping

You didn’t come all this way for a naked cheesecake.

• Pour on a shiny layer of ganache.
• Top with whipped cream clouds.
• Crushed peppermint? Yes.
• Chocolate shavings? Absolutely.

Over-the-top? Maybe. Unnecessary? Not even a little.

The Timeline (a.k.a. Cheesecake Will Not Be Rushed)

You need to know that cheesecake has one love language: time.

• Prep? Quick.
• Bake? Chill.
• Cool? She takes her sweet time.
• Chill overnight? Mandatory. You can’t fake elegance.

It’s not hard. But it does require you to plan ahead.

When to Serve This

• A holiday dinner where you want gasps
• A cozy movie night where the dessert is better than the plot
• A Christmas Eve moment where everyone leans back & says, “oh wow”
• Gifting slices to people you low-key want to impress

It doesn’t matter when. It just hits.

Why I’m Obsessed With This One

There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling out a dessert that looks like you bought it at a boutique bakery… & then casually saying, “Oh yeah, I made that.”

It’s rich, yes. A little nostalgic. Kinda chic. & for some reason, it makes you feel wildly capable & well-rested just by existing in your fridge.

Peppermint Mocha Cheesecake

Peppermint mocha is elite because it does something most holiday flavors don’t: it cuts through.You get that deep cocoa, the smooth hit of coffee, and then the peppermint glides in at the end like, “don’t worry, I’ve got you.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Resting Time 6 hours hrs

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

  

For the Crust

• 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• 6 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp sugar

For the Filling

• 24 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp instant espresso powder
• 3 large eggs room temp
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Topping

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz chocolate chopped
• peppermint crushed
• whipped cream optional

Method

 

Prep the crust:

1. Mix cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into a springform pan. Bake 8 minutes. Let cool.

Make the filling:

1. Beat cream cheese until silky. Add sugar. Mix in cocoa + espresso. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in cream, peppermint, vanilla, salt. Do not overmix.

Bake:

1. Pour filling over crust. Bake at 325°F for 55–65 minutes. Edges set, center still soft.

Cool:

1. Turn off oven. Crack the door. Let it sit 1 hour. Then cool on counter. Chill overnight.

Finish:

1. Heat cream, pour over chocolate, let melt, whisk to glossy. Pour over cheesecake. Add peppermint + whipped cream if you’re feeling extra.
2. Serve cold.
3. Don’t argue with the fridge. It knows better.

Your Invitation

If you make anything decadent this December, let it be this.

A dessert that tastes like confidence & coziness at the same time.

Bake it. Slice it. Flex a little.

You deserve a dessert that matches your energy.

See you tomorrow babes!

– L

xx