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Decadent St. Patrick’s Mint Chip Truffle Cheesecake Bars

mint chip truffle cheesecake bars - featured image

These cheesecake bars combine cool minty freshness with creamy cheesecake and a rich chocolate truffle center, perfect for festive celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (Oreo cookie crumbs without filling preferred)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
  • ½ cup mini mint chocolate chips
  • 4 oz (115 g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
  • Fresh mint leaves for decoration (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Combine chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Stir until evenly moistened.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
  4. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer (2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and add chopped semi-sweet chocolate and butter. Let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly but not harden.
  5. Using a mixer, beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until creamy and smooth (2-3 minutes). Gradually add sugar and continue beating until well combined.
  6. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract, sour cream, and peppermint extract until batter is smooth and slightly thick.
  7. Gently fold in mini mint chocolate chips with a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
  8. Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, smoothing evenly.
  9. Drizzle about half of the truffle center over the batter in dollops, then gently swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
  10. Repeat with remaining cheesecake batter and truffle mixture, swirling again.
  11. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly but not liquid.
  12. Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature (about 1 hour). Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
  13. Lift bars out using parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for neat edges.
  14. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

Notes

Soften cream cheese completely before mixing to avoid lumps. Gently fold in mint chips to preserve texture. Avoid overbaking; the center should be slightly jiggly when done. Use a hot, wet knife to slice bars cleanly. Chill bars overnight for best texture and flavor. If truffle mixture hardens before swirling, gently warm it again until pourable but not hot.

Nutrition

Keywords: St. Patrick’s Day, cheesecake bars, mint chip, truffle center, chocolate, festive dessert, easy dessert, holiday treat