These Peppermint Cheesecake Popsicles feature a velvety centre paired with a crunchy chocolate shell, offering a subtle yet noticeable peppermint flavour that's pleasantly mild. The addition of crushed Oreos provides the perfect amount of crunch and a delicious chocolate touch.
Chop Oreos into chunks or place them in a ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin. Aim for small, even pieces for a consistent texture. Set aside.
Dissolve the gelatine in boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Set aside to cool.
In a small heatproof bowl, mix the gelatine with boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Allow it to cool for about 5 minutes without setting.
In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and caster sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Add the heavy cream to the cream cheese mixture. Start beating slowly, then increase speed. Add peppermint extract (begin with a small amount and adjust to taste) and a few drops of green food colouring, continuing to beat until the mixture thickens and has an even colour.
With the mixer on a low setting, gradually pour in the gelatine mixture. Continue to beat until the mixture is fully blended and has a smooth, thick consistency.
Using a spatula, gently fold the crushed Oreos into the cheesecake mixture until they are evenly distributed.
Spoon or pipe the mixture into popsicle moulds. Tap the molds gently on the counter to remove air pockets. Insert popsicle sticks and use an angled spatula to smooth the surface. Freeze overnight or for at least 6 hours.
Magic Shell
Combine melted chocolate with vegetable or coconut oil in a bowl. Stir until smooth and well-combined. This mixture should be fluid but not too runny.
Remove the frozen popsicles from the molds. Dip each one into the magic shell mixture, ensuring a complete coating. Let any excess drip off before laying them on parchment paper.
Garnish
Drizzle additional melted chocolate or candy melts over the coated popsicles. Immediately sprinkle with extra crushed Oreos for added texture and flavor.
Serve frozen for a firm ice cream texture or transfer the popsicles to the refrigerator and let them thaw for about an hour for an ideal texture.
NOTES
Cream Cheese Tip: For a lighter version, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but it may slightly alter the texture. For the creamiest texture, full-fat cream cheese is recommended.Flavour Adjustments: The amount of peppermint extract can be adjusted based on your taste preference. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.Colouring: The green food colouring is optional. Adjust the amount to achieve your desired colour intensity.Chocolate Shell Consistency: If the magic shell chocolate is too thick, add a little more oil to thin it out. This ensures a smoother coating.Alternative Moulds: If you don’t have popsicle moulds, use small cups or silicone muffin moulds. Just be sure to insert popsicle sticks before freezing.Storage: Store the frozen popsicles in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 1 month, but are best enjoyed within two weeks.Thawing Time: Before serving, let the popsicles thaw in the refrigerator for about an hour for easier biting. Adjust thawing time based on your texture preference.Sugar Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to suit your sweetness preference. A sugar substitute can also be used.