This Thin Mint Cheesecake features a decadent brownie crust, a creamy mint-infused cheesecake filling, and is topped with a rich chocolate ganache and festive garnishes. It's a delightful way to enjoy the classic Thin Mint cookie flavor in a cheesecake form.
16ouncesfull-fat cream cheesesoftened to room temperature
1cuppowdered sugarsifted
0.75teaspoonmint extractMcCormick brand
0.5teaspoonvanilla extract
7dropsliquid green food coloringMcCormick brand
4ouncesfrozen whipped toppingthawed
1cupchopped Thin Mint cookiesfrom 12-13 cookies
Chocolate Ganache
1cupsemi-sweet chocolate chipsGhirardelli brand
0.5cupheavy cream
0.25teaspoonmint extract
Garnish
4ouncesfrozen whipped toppingthawed
7Whole Thin Mint cookiescut in half
1Green & white sprinkles
Instructions
Brownie Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch springform pan with a parchment round and spray the bottom and sides of the pan with baker’s spray. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the fudge brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water just until combined and no lumps remain. Do not over-mix, or your brownies will be tough.
Transfer the brownie mix to the prepared springform pan and bake for 30-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a couple of moist crumbs.
Allow the brownie crust layer to cool completely on the counter while you prepare the thin mint cheesecake layer.
Thin Mint Cheesecake Layer
Add the softened cream cheese to a large mixing bowl and beat, using a hand mixer on medium-high speed, for 1-2 minutes or until light and fluffy.
Add the powdered sugar and beat again until fully incorporated.
Add the mint extract, vanilla extract, and green food coloring to the cream cheese mixture. Mix on low speed just until all the cream cheese is uniformly colored green. Note that the cream cheese should be a slightly darker green than desired for the final cheesecake, as the whipped topping will lighten it.
Fold in 4 ounces of thawed whipped topping just until no white streaks remain.
Lastly, fold in the chopped thin mint cookies just until the cookies are evenly distributed in the cheesecake mixture.
Spread the thin mint cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled brownie crust layer. Use a small offset spatula to smooth the mixture into a smooth layer.
Chocolate Ganache Layer
Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave on high for 1 minute. Allow the warm chocolate to sit for 1 minute, add the mint extract, then stir until smooth.
Allow the chocolate ganache to cool to the touch before carefully pouring over the thin mint cheesecake layer and spreading it into a smooth layer. Be careful not to mix the ganache into the cheesecake layer.
Refrigerate the thin mint cheesecake for 4 hours or up to overnight to allow the cheesecake layer to firm up.
Before removing the outer ring of the springform pan, run a small sharp knife around the edges of the cheesecake to ensure no chocolate ganache sticks to the pan's outer ring.
Garnishing and Serving
When ready to slice and serve, add the remaining 4 ounces of thawed whipped topping to a large piping bag fitted with a large piping tip and pipe 14 decorative dollops around the outer edge of the cheesecake.
Using a small sharp knife, cut seven Thin Mint cookies in half. Place a single half cookie between each of the whipped topping dollops.
Sprinkle the whipped topping dollops with green and white sprinkles before slicing and serving.
Notes
For the most authentic Thin Mint flavor, ensure you use good quality mint extract. If you can't find Thin Mint cookies, any chocolate mint cookie will work as a substitute.