Peppermint Cheesecake Cake

INGREDIENTS

CHEESECAKE:

2 8 ounce packages

cream cheese, at room temperature

2/3 cup

granulated white sugar

salt

large eggs

1/3 cup

sour cream

1/3 cup

heavy whipping cream

1 1/2 cups

chopped white chocolate-peppermint bar (see *Tips below)

CAKE:

3 cups

Gold Medal® All-Purpose Flour

1 1/2 cups

granulated white sugar

1 tbsp

baking powder

1/2 tsp

salt

large egg whites

1 cup

milk

1/2 cup

unsalted butter, at room temperature

3/4 tsp

peppermint extract

FROSTING, etc::

2 8 ounce packages

cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 cup

unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 1/2 cups

powdered sugar

(few drops of red/pink color completely optional)

2 cups

(more or less, as desired) chopped white chocolate peppermint bar (see *Tips below)