If you’re ready to wow everyone this spooky season, the Halloween Peeps Cheesecake Recipe is an absolute showstopper! This delightful no-bake cheesecake brings together a crunchy Oreo crust, a creamy pumpkin-peep-studded filling, and a vibrant splash of Halloween colors, making it the perfect treat for any festive gathering. It’s playful, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to prepare — a winning combination that will have your guests asking for seconds without hesitation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Halloween Peeps Cheesecake Recipe plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, or appearance. From the buttery crust to the festive colored chips, each element is essential to create the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and colorful.
- 20 Oreo cookies: Crushed to form a rich, chocolatey crust that holds everything together beautifully.
- 4 Tbsp Butter (melted): Binds the Oreo crumbs into a firm and buttery base.
- 2 Packages Pumpkin Peeps: Adds fun, chewy sweetness and a festive Halloween vibe around the cheesecake edges.
- 3 Packages Cream Cheese (softened): The creamy heart of the cheesecake that provides luscious texture.
- 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (Eagle-brand Milk): Sweetens and enriches the filling for that melt-in-your-mouth effect.
- 1 tsp Vanilla: Enhances every flavor with a warm, sweet undertone.
- 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips: Little bursts of chocolate add delightful texture and taste inside the cheesecake.
- 1/4 cup Mini Orange Chips: Pops of bright color and subtle orange flavor complement the Halloween theme perfectly.
- 4 Tbsp Butter (softened): For a creamy frosting that tops the cheesecake just right.
- 4 oz. Cream Cheese (softened): Adds richness to the frosting layer.
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream: Whips the frosting to a light, airy consistency.
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a smooth finish.
- Pinch salt: Balances the sweetness to keep flavors bright and fresh.
- Orange Sprinkle Mix (to sprinkle on top): Adds that final sparkly Halloween flair your cheesecake deserves.
How to Make Halloween Peeps Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Create the Oreo Crust
Start by pulsing the Oreo cookies in a food processor until they are fine crumbs, including the filling for extra flavor. Melt the butter quickly in the microwave and mix it into your crumbs, making sure every crumb is coated with buttery goodness. This crust will be the delicious and sturdy foundation of your cheesecake.
Step 2: Press the Crust into the Pan
Line a 6-inch springform pan with parchment paper to keep things tidy. Pour the Oreo crumb mixture into the pan and press it down firmly with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Getting an even layer is key to supporting the creamy filling that follows.
Step 3: Add the Pumpkin Peeps Border
Don’t separate the Peeps — keep their rows intact and carefully line them up around the edges of the crust. The Peeps add a whimsical, chewy border that’s essential to this Halloween Peeps Cheesecake Recipe and will delight anyone who sees it.
Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In your stand mixer bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the can of sweetened condensed milk and vanilla, ensuring everything is fully combined and silky smooth. Scrape down the sides to avoid any lumps — smoothness is the secret to a dreamy cheesecake.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate and Orange Chips
Gently fold the mini chocolate and orange chips into the cream cheese mixture. These chips bring texture and color throughout the cheesecake, giving every bite a fun surprise that screams Halloween.
Step 6: Assemble and Freeze
Pour the cheesecake batter over the Peeps-lined crust and spread it evenly. Freeze the cheesecake for at least 24 hours to let it set perfectly firm. This step ensures luscious slices that hold their shape and impress every time.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
While the cheesecake sets, whip the softened butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until you get a fluffy, creamy frosting. This will be spread on top, balancing the cheesecake with just the right amount of sweetness and richness.
Step 8: Final Touch and Chill
Once your cheesecake is firm, remove it from the freezer and spread the frosting over the top smoothly. Sprinkle generously with the orange sprinkle mix for an instant festive pop. Chill it briefly before serving for the perfect finish.
How to Serve Halloween Peeps Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a bit of flair is easy with this Halloween Peeps Cheesecake Recipe. Top your frosted cheesecake with extra mini chocolate chips, a few more Peeps in fun scarecrow or pumpkin shapes, or even edible glitter to amp up the spooky sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair your cheesecake with light sides such as fresh fruit slices or a cup of hot apple cider to balance the richness. These simple accompaniments round out the dessert and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy, sweet cheesecake.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cheesecake right in the springform pan for rustic charm or gently transfer it to a Halloween-themed serving plate. You can even place tiny plastic spiders or candy eyeballs around the edges for an extra festive, slightly spooky touch that’s sure to get laughs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store the cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 5 days, allowing you to enjoy a little spooky treat whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
This Halloween Peeps Cheesecake Recipe freezes beautifully. Keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil for up to a month. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving for a perfectly creamy texture.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake cheesecake, reheating is not necessary. Simply allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature if desired, but it’s best enjoyed chilled or lightly softened to preserve the refreshing, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other flavors of Peeps in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pumpkin Peeps provide a perfect Halloween vibe, you can mix it up with ghost, bat, or even classic Peeps in bright colors to personalize your cheesecake and keep things fun.
Is it necessary to use a springform pan?
A springform pan is highly recommended because it makes releasing the cheesecake easy without messing up the crust or the Peeps border. If you don’t have one, a well-lined regular cake pan can work, but be extra careful when unmolding.
Can I make this cheesecake vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on cream cheese and condensed milk, so substitutions can be tricky. However, vegan cream cheese and condensed milk alternatives exist and could be experimented with; just expect a slightly different texture and taste.
How long should I let the cheesecake set before serving?
For the best texture, freeze the assembled cheesecake for at least 24 hours. This allows it to firm up perfectly so your slices hold together when cut.
Can I prepare this recipe without a food processor?
Yes, you can crush the Oreos by placing them in a ziplock bag and using a rolling pin or heavy bottle to crush them into fine crumbs. It takes a bit more elbow grease but works just as well!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the Halloween Peeps Cheesecake Recipe — it’s delightfully fun, beautifully colorful, and effortlessly delicious. Perfect for sharing with friends and family at any fall celebration, it’s a dessert that brings warmth and smiles to the table. Give this recipe a try; I promise it will become a seasonal favorite you look forward to making every year!
Print
Halloween Peeps Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Halloween Peeps Cheesecake is a no-bake, festive dessert perfect for the spooky season. It features an Oreo cookie crust, a creamy sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese filling, and a unique border of colorful pumpkin-shaped Peeps marshmallows. Mini chocolate and orange chips add delightful bursts of flavor throughout the cheesecake, which is frozen to set and topped with orange sprinkles for a festive finish.
Ingredients
Crust
- 20 Oreo cookies
- 4 Tbsp Butter, melted
Peeps Border
- 2 Packages Pumpkin Peeps
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 Packages Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (Eagle-brand Milk)
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
- 1/4 cup Mini Orange Chips
Frosting
- 4 Tbsp Butter, softened
- 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar
- Pinch salt
Topping
- Orange Sprinkle Mix (to sprinkle on top)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a food processor or blender, pulse the Oreo cookies including the filling until fine crumbs form. Transfer the crumbs to a bowl. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in the microwave for about 15 seconds, then pour over the crumbs and stir well to coat evenly.
- Form the crust base: Line a 6-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Pour the coated crumbs into the pan and press firmly and evenly into the bottom with the back of a spoon or your fingers to create the crust layer.
- Arrange Peeps border: Without separating the rows, place the pumpkin Peeps marshmallows against the inner sides of the springform pan, creating a colorful border lining the crust.
- Freeze crust and Peeps: Place the pan with the crust and Peeps border into the freezer to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Mix cheesecake filling: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. Add the vanilla and blend on low speed until smooth and fully incorporated, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add mix-ins: Remove the mixing bowl from the mixer and gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and mini orange chips to the creamy filling.
- Fill the pan: Take the springform pan out of the freezer and pour the cheesecake batter carefully into the pan, filling it evenly within the Peeps border.
- Freeze cheesecake: Return the pan to the freezer and let it set for at least 24 hours, or until firm to the touch.
- Prepare frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and pinch of salt, continuing to beat until light and fluffy.
- Decorate and serve: Once the cheesecake is set, optionally frost the top with the prepared frosting and sprinkle with orange sprinkle mix for a festive touch. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for smooth blending and a creamy filling texture.
- Do not separate the Peeps marshmallows to maintain their shape and make lining the pan easier.
- This cheesecake requires freezing to set, so plan ahead to allow for at least 24 hours of freezing time.
- If you do not have mini orange chips, you can substitute with finely chopped orange-flavored candy or omit them.
- The cheesecake is best served cold and stored in the freezer until ready to serve; transfer leftovers back to the freezer promptly.
