Peppermint Cheesecake Mousse Cups

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Delicate, creamy, and bursting with peppermint cheer, these Peppermint Cheesecake Mousse Cups are the perfect dessert to serve during the holidays or whenever you need a sweet moment of joy. Light as air and cool on the tongue, this mousse melts away with each bite while delivering a burst of rich cheesecake flavor and cool mint. Topped with crushed candy canes for crunch and color, they look as beautiful as they taste.

These mousse cups come together easily with no baking required, making them ideal for entertaining or last-minute gatherings. Layered into jars, cups, or even hollow chocolate spheres, they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Whether it’s a winter party or cozy night in, they always make a statement.

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Cheesecake Mousse

You’ll adore how this dessert balances creamy and refreshing so perfectly. The cream cheese brings a velvety tang, while peppermint extract and crushed candy canes offer that seasonal pop. It’s indulgent without being heavy, festive without being fussy. Plus, it only takes about 15 minutes to whip together, and it chills while you prep everything else.

These mousse cups also scale well, so whether you’re serving 4 or 40, you can adjust it effortlessly. They’re fun for kids but elegant enough for adult dinner parties. And let’s be honest, they just make you smile.

Can I Use Peppermint Candy Instead of Extract?

Peppermint extract gives a clean, even flavor throughout the mousse, which is harder to achieve with crushed peppermint candies alone. If you prefer a subtle crunch and visual flair, crushed peppermint is perfect as a topping, but it won’t deliver that iconic cool mint flavor on its own. So for the best of both worlds, use both: extract in the mousse, and crushed candy on top.

Ingredients for the Peppermint Cheesecake Mousse Cups

This peppermint mousse is made with everyday ingredients that transform into something truly special. The base is creamy and fluffy, with just enough peppermint to refresh your palate.

• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Peppermint extract
• Vanilla extract
• Crushed candy canes
• Graham cracker crumbs

Each of these ingredients plays an important role. Cream cheese gives the mousse its rich, tangy base, while heavy cream makes it light and airy. Powdered sugar sweetens it without adding grit. Peppermint extract adds that unmistakable holiday flavor, and vanilla extract brings warmth and balance. The crushed candy canes add crunch and festive sparkle, and graham cracker crumbs offer a buttery base to contrast the mousse.

How To Make the Peppermint Cheesecake Mousse Cups

Step 1: Whip the Cream

Start by whipping the heavy cream in a chilled bowl until it forms stiff peaks. This will help keep the mousse airy. Set it aside.

Step 2: Beat the Cream Cheese

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined and fluffy.

Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Cream

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula and fold carefully to avoid deflating the mixture. Chill the mousse for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Cups

Spoon or pipe a layer of graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of each cup. Top with the chilled mousse. Finish with crushed candy canes and a little extra whipped cream if you like.

How to Serve and Store These Mousse Cups

These mousse cups are best served chilled and can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, making them a stress-free option for entertaining. Store them in the refrigerator in individual jars or airtight containers. They feed about 6 people generously or up to 8 for smaller portions.

For parties, consider setting up a mousse cup bar with extra toppings like mini chocolate chips, shaved dark chocolate, or marshmallow bits. If you have leftovers, they keep well for 2 to 3 days in the fridge, but be sure to add the crushed candy canes just before serving so they stay crunchy.

What to Serve With Peppermint Cheesecake Mousse Cups?

Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows

The classic combo of chocolate and peppermint never fails, especially when the mousse is served with a steaming mug of cocoa.

Espresso or Strong Coffee

The bitterness of a rich coffee balances the sweetness of the mousse perfectly.

Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread

Shortbread cookies provide a satisfying contrast in texture and can even be used to scoop the mousse.

Winter Fruit Salad

A light and zesty mix of citrus and berries keeps the dessert course fresh and balanced.

Pistachio Cream Cake

The nutty richness of something like this Decadent Pistachio Cream Cake adds a contrasting elegance.

Baby Lemon Impossible Pies

Zesty lemon treats like these Baby Lemon Impossible Pies play well with the coolness of peppermint.

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Pairing these mousse cups with a square of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake will bring a caramel warmth to the dessert table.

Want More Cheesecake-Inspired Ideas?

If you love these Peppermint Cheesecake Mousse Cups, check out these sweet and creamy creations too:

• Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies for the ultimate nostalgic mashup.
• Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls with creamy swirl and berry delight.
• Lemon Truffles Recipe if you love bright and creamy.
• Irresistible Blueberry Lime Cheesecake Cupcakes for a fruity twist on cheesecake.
• Decadent Chocolate Smores Cupcakes if you’re craving a little more chocolate in your life.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you layer them in jars or glasses? Did you add crushed Oreos or drizzle with chocolate?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and desserts on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Peppermint Cheesecake Mousse Cups are everything you want in a holiday dessert: easy, festive, and incredibly delicious. They come together quickly, can be made ahead, and bring a smile to everyone who tastes them. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, these are the kind of cups you’ll be glad you made.

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