Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). While the oven heats, start working on your crust. A good cheesecake crust is crucial to providing a sturdy base and a flavorful contrast to the creamy filling.

In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate wafer crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture looks like wet sand. You want the crumbs to hold together when pressed.

Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making sure to pack it tightly so it forms a solid crust. Use the back of a spoon to press it down and smooth it out. This ensures that your crust doesn’t crumble once the cheesecake is sliced.

Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, just long enough for it to set and become fragrant. After baking, set it aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling. You can also put it in the fridge for a few minutes to speed up the cooling process.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to get rid of any lumps.

Add the sour cream and granulated sugar, and continue to mix for another minute. This will help ensure that the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Overmixing can introduce too much air into the filling, so mix only as much as necessary. After the eggs are incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. The peppermint extract is what gives this cheesecake its holiday flavor, so make sure to add it generously. If you like a more intense peppermint flavor, feel free to increase the amount.

Finally, add the heavy cream and mix until the filling is completely smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the cheesecake batter into the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for about 55 to 60 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the center is still a bit wobbly. A slight jiggle in the center is perfectly fine and will firm up as the cheesecake cools.

Once the cheesecake is done, turn off the oven and let it cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour. This step helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking. After an hour, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.

Step 4: Chill the Cheesecake

Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. Chilling the cheesecake is essential to let the flavors develop and allow the filling to firm up to the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Prepare the Peppermint Bark Topping

While the cheesecake chills, you can prepare the peppermint bark. Melt the dark chocolate and white chocolate separately. The easiest way to do this is by using a double boiler method, where you place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until both chocolates are completely melted.

Once melted, add peppermint extract to the melted dark chocolate and mix. Then, pour the dark chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it into a thin layer. Repeat the same with the white chocolate, pouring it over the dark chocolate and swirling it together to create a marbled effect.

Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies evenly over the top and let the bark cool and harden. This should take about 30 minutes at room temperature or about 15 minutes in the fridge. Once set, break the bark into shards.

Step 6: Assemble the Cheesecake

Once the cheesecake has fully chilled, carefully remove the springform pan and transfer the cheesecake to a serving platter. Top the cheesecake with the shards of peppermint bark, arranging them in a beautiful, festive pattern.

For an added festive touch, sprinkle extra crushed peppermint over the top and drizzle with a little extra melted chocolate if desired.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice the cheesecake into 12 wedges and serve chilled. The creamy filling, crunchy bark, and minty sweetness make every bite an indulgence.