Introduction
Get ready to delight your taste buds this holiday season with these delightful Mini Christmas Cheesecakes! Perfectly portioned and incredibly rich, these little treats promise to bring a smile to every face at your festive gatherings. With a luscious cream cheese filling that’s flavored with warm spices and a buttery graham cracker crust, they are just the right amount of indulgence. Top them off with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh berries or festive sprinkles, and you have a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Fresh berries or holiday sprinkles, for garnish
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Spoon the mixture into the lined muffin tin, filling each liner to form the crust. Press down firmly to ensure a solid base.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese and mix until well combined and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, along with the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over each crust in the muffin tin, filling each liner about two-thirds full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once completely cooled, refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for at least 2 hours before serving to allow them to firm up.
- Before serving, top each cheesecake with a generous dollop of whipped cream and garnish with fresh berries or festive holiday sprinkles.
Notes or Tips
For an extra festive touch, consider adding a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cream cheese filling. This simple addition will create a delightful peppermint flavor that pairs wonderfully with the holiday theme. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought whipped cream.
Cooking Techniques
When making cheesecakes, ensuring that your cream cheese is softened is key to achieving that luxuriously smooth texture. Take it out of the fridge about an hour before you start baking. Also, avoid opening the oven door during baking to prevent temperature fluctuations that could affect the cheesecake’s texture.
FAQ
Can I freeze these cheesecakes? Yes! These mini cheesecakes freeze well. Once they are completely cooled and set in the refrigerator, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What can I use to garnish besides whipped cream? Sliced almonds, chocolate shavings, or crushed candy canes make wonderful alternatives to whipped cream, adding an exciting texture and flavor contrast.
Conclusion
These Mini Christmas Cheesecakes are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavor and joy! Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or gathering around the family table, these delightful treats are sure to be a hit. Give them a try this season, and enjoy every rich, creamy bite — your taste buds will thank you!