Peppermint Cheesecake Bars

Pretty in pink: Creamy peppermint fluff in a rich layer of chocolate and chocolate-cookie crust! Yum!!!!! Note** Plan ahead. Bars need 4 hours to set up.

• Ready In: 4 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 24

Ingredients

• 2  cups  finely crushed  chocolate wafer cookies
• 1⁄2 cup butter, melted
• 3  tablespoons sugar
• 1  cup  semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1⁄2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
• 2⁄3 cup heavy whipping cream, divided
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 2  teaspoons  peppermint extract
• 1  cup confectioners' sugar
•  red food coloring (optional)
• 2⁄3 cup  coarsely crushed peppermint  candy cane, plus additional for garnish

Directions

1. Crust:
2. In a medium bowl, combine crushed chocolate wafer cookies, melted butter and sugar. Press mixture into bottom of an ungreased 13 x 9-in baking pan; set aside.
3. Chocolate Layer:
4. In a saucepan, melt chocolate chips and 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream, stirring occasionally. Pour chocolate mixture over crust and spread evenly to cover. Place in freezer for 20-25 minutes.
5. Peppermint Filling:
6. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer set on medium-high, whip remaining 1 1/2 cup heavy cream until thick and fluffy; set aside.
7. In another bowl beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add peppermint extract, confectioners' sugar, and if desired a few drops of red food coloring. Beat until mixture is smooth. Stir in crushed peppermint candy canes. Fold in whipped cream until just mixed. Spread evenly over chocolate layer. Sprinkle with more crushed candy canes if desired.
8. Cover pan and freeze for 4 hours.
9. This dessert can be served at room temperature or frozen. If desired, garnish each square with a peppermint candy.