Decadent Chocolate Mint No-Bake Cheesecake
This Decadent Chocolate Mint No-Bake Cheesecake is a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. Combining rich cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk and zesty lemon juice, this cheesecake achieves a luscious texture and a perfect balance of flavors. The chocolate mint topping adds a refreshing twist, making it an ideal dessert for mint lovers. Easy to prepare, this cheesecake requires minimal baking time, though it will need some time to chill and set. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch it become an instant favorite among family and friends!
N/A
Servings
292
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
cookie crumbs or plain cookies, crushed
7 ounces (Crushed into fine crumbs)
cocoa powder
2 tablespoons (Optional, increase for a richer chocolate flavor)
butter
1/4 cup (Melted)
cream cheese
18 ounces (At room temperature)
sweetened condensed milk
28 ounces (2 cans) (Not required to prepare)
lemon juice
3/4-1 cup (Freshly squeezed)
after dinner mints
5 ounces (Squares cut in half diagonally)
thickened cream
10 fluid ounces (Whipped and sweetened to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by melting the butter in a small saucepan or microwave. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the cookie crumbs and cocoa powder until fully combined.
2
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch round pan lined with two layers of foil, ensuring the base is even (there's no need to cover the sides). Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
3
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
4
Slowly add the sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese, beating continuously to maintain a smooth consistency.
5
Incorporate the lemon juice gradually, mixing until the mixture becomes thick and glossy.
6
Pour the cheesecake filling into the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Return it to the refrigerator and allow it to chill until set (approximately 4-6 hours or overnight for best results).
7
Once the cheesecake is set, you may freeze it for about an hour to make it easier to remove from the pan. After freezing, carefully lift the cheesecake out using the foil edges and place it on a serving plate.
8
To prepare the chocolate mint topping, melt around 8 of the after dinner mints with a small amount of thickened cream using a microwave on low for 15-30 seconds. Stir until melted and smooth, then spread the mixture evenly over the top of the chilled cheesecake.
9
Gently spread the whipped cream over the melted chocolate mint layer, smoothing the top as desired. You may choose to pipe additional whipped cream around the edges for a decorative touch.
10
Finally, decorate the cheesecake with the remaining halved mints, arranging them around the edge. Feel free to get creative with additional decorations and enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
35g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Chocolate Mint No-Bake Cheesecake?
It is a luscious dessert that combines rich cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice with a refreshing chocolate mint topping on a cookie crumb base.
Does this cheesecake require baking?
No, this is a no-bake recipe that only requires chilling in the refrigerator to set.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 main ingredients, including cookie crumbs, cocoa powder, butter, cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, after dinner mints, and thickened cream.
What type of cookies should I use for the crust?
You can use 7 ounces of plain cookies crushed into fine crumbs or pre-made cookie crumbs.
Is the cocoa powder in the crust mandatory?
The cocoa powder is optional, but you can increase the amount if you want a richer chocolate flavor in the base.
How do I prepare the cheesecake base?
Melt the butter and combine it with the cookie crumbs and cocoa powder, then press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch round pan.
How should I line the pan for easy removal?
Line the 9-inch round pan with two layers of foil, ensuring the edges are long enough to lift the cheesecake out later.
Why do I need to use room temperature cream cheese?
Using room temperature cream cheese ensures that you can beat it until smooth and creamy without any lumps.
What makes the cheesecake filling thick and glossy?
The gradual incorporation of lemon juice into the cream cheese and condensed milk mixture causes it to thicken and become glossy.
How long does the cheesecake need to chill?
It should chill in the refrigerator for approximately 4-6 hours, though overnight is recommended for the best results.
Can I freeze the cheesecake to help it set?
Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake for about an hour after it has chilled to make it easier to remove from the pan.
How do I make the chocolate mint topping?
Melt 8 after dinner mints with a small amount of thickened cream in the microwave on low for 15-30 seconds until smooth.
What is the best way to melt the mints?
Use a microwave on low power for short intervals of 15-30 seconds and stir until the mixture is completely melted.
How do I apply the final layers of the dessert?
Spread the melted chocolate mint mixture over the chilled cheesecake first, followed by a layer of whipped thickened cream.
How should the top be decorated?
You can decorate the edge with the remaining after dinner mints cut in half diagonally and pipe additional whipped cream if desired.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 292 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this cheesecake?
Each serving contains 17g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 35g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this dessert?
The cheesecake provides 3g of protein per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, its decadent flavor and beautiful presentation make it an ideal party food and a crowd favorite.
What type of mints should be used for decoration?
The recipe calls for 5 ounces of after dinner mints, typically squares that are cut in half diagonally.
Do I need to whip the cream before adding it?
Yes, the thickened cream should be whipped and can be sweetened to taste before being spread over the cheesecake.
Can I make this cheesecake a day in advance?
Absolutely, letting it chill overnight is the best way to ensure the filling is perfectly set.
Is the lemon juice flavor prominent?
The lemon juice primarily serves to set the filling and balance the sweetness, resulting in a zesty but balanced flavor.
Should the base go up the sides of the pan?
No, you only need to cover the bottom of the pan with the crumb mixture.
What size pan is recommended?
A 9-inch round pan is the standard size used for this recipe.
How should I store the leftover cheesecake?
Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain the texture and freshness of the cream cheese and cream layers.
How much condensed milk is used?
The recipe uses 28 ounces of sweetened condensed milk, which is typically two standard cans.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used as a substitute.
What tags describe this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as cheesecake, no-bake, chocolate, mint, dessert, easy recipe, party food, and refreshing.