PEPPERMINT CANDY CHEESECAKE

Peppermint Candy Cheesecake image

I like to use this festive peppermint cheesecake as a dramatic centerpiece on my dinner table. It's a traditional Christmas dessert in my family. -Linda Stemen, Monroeville, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h45m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup sugar
FILLING:
5 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 large eggs, lightly beaten
30 peppermint candies, crushed
Red food coloring, optional
TOPPING:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
Additional crushed peppermint candies

Steps:

Place a greased 10-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan. In a small bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, butter and sugar. Press onto the bottom of prepared pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° until set, 8-10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. , In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the sour cream, flour and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Fold in crushed candies and a few drops of red food coloring if desired. Pour over crust. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan., Bake at 350° until center is just set and top appears dull, 55 to 65 minutes. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan., In a small bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar; beat until stiff peaks form. Pipe around edge of cheesecake and sprinkle with additional crushed candies.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 526 calories, Fat 39g fat (24g saturated fat), Cholesterol 184mg cholesterol, Sodium 321mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (27g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 9g protein.