Description
Festive mini Christmas cheesecakes blend creamy richness with holiday cheer. Delightful dessert perfection awaits when you create these irresistible bite-sized treats that bring joy to seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional, for a festive touch)
- 1 cup graham cracker or digestive biscuit crumbs
- 4 tbsps (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsps (30 g) granulated sugar
- Whipped cream or cream cheese frosting
- Holiday sprinkles
- Crushed candy canes
- Mini edible ornaments
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Merge graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a cohesive mixture. Press firmly into cupcake liners within a muffin tin, creating a compact foundation. Toast crust in a preheated 325F oven for 5 minutes to enhance structural integrity and flavor depth.
- Batter Creation: Whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a smooth, luxurious consistency. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, gently folding to maintain a delicate texture. Carefully pour the velvety batter into prepared crusts, filling each cup approximately three-quarters full.
- Baking Process: Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven. Bake until cheesecake edges stabilize and center demonstrates a subtle wobble, typically 15-18 minutes. Remove from oven and allow natural cooling within the tin, then transfer to a wire rack to complete the cooling process.
- Finishing Touches: Chill cheesecakes thoroughly, preferably overnight. Artfully crown each miniature dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting. Embellish with festive holiday sprinkles, crushed peppermint pieces, or delicate winter-themed decorative elements to complete the seasonal presentation.
Notes
- Prevent Cracking Technique: Bake cheesecakes in a water bath or place a pan of water on the lower oven rack to create humid environment, preventing surface cracks and ensuring smooth, creamy texture.
- Cream Cheese Temperature Trick: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing, guaranteeing ultra-smooth batter without lumps and achieving perfect consistency.
- Portion Control Hack: Use an ice cream scoop or piping bag for precise, uniform filling of cupcake liners, ensuring consistent size and professional-looking mini cheesecakes every time.
- Make-Ahead Magic: These mini cheesecakes can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making them ideal for stress-free holiday entertaining.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg