White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake

1. Stage

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with 2 sheets of aluminum foil.

2. Stage

Crush chocolate cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor. Add melted butter and stir until well combined. Transfer crumb mixture into the prepared pan. Press down crumbs to create an even crust, completely covering the bottom of the pan.

3. Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until just set, 8 to 10 minutes.

4. Stage

Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

5. Stage

Beat cream cheese in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer with an electric mixer until smooth. Add sugar and mix well. Mix in melted almond bark, flour, heavy cream, peppermint extract, and salt, scraping the bowl prior to each new addition; mix well. Add 1 egg at a time on medium-low speed. Mix until smooth. Fold in creme de menthe and peppermint crunch baking chips.

6. Stage

Transfer the springform pan with the cooked crust to a large roasting pan. Pour filling into the crust. Add enough hot water to the roasting pan to reach halfway up the sides of the springform pan.

7. Stage

Bake in the center of the preheated oven until set, about 1 hour. Turn off the oven. Leave cake in the oven, keeping the door shut, for an additional 45 minutes. Remove and allow to sit for at least 1 hour before chilling.

8. Stage

Chill for 4 hours, to overnight.

9. Stage

Beat softened cream cheese, white chocolate, whipped topping, sugar, and vanilla extract for mousse together in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and slightly thickened. Add mousse to the top of the cheesecake. Chill for at least 4 more hours.

10. Stage

Remove the sides of the springform pan. Cut into slices and enjoy.