Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Rich chocolate cheesecake bars swirled with peppermint, topped with crushed candy canes for a holiday treat.

Cook time: 55 minutes

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups chocolate wafer crumbs
• 0.25 cups butter melted
• 16 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup sugar
• 0.25 cup cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• 0.25 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips melted
• 0 crushed candy canes

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine chocolate wafer crumbs and melted butter in a bowl.
2. Press the mixture into a lined 9x9-inch baking pan to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes and let it cool.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream, peppermint extract, and melted chocolate.
5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set.
6. Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
7. Top the cheesecake with crushed candy canes before slicing into bars and serving.