Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these mini Christmas cheesecakes! They are absolutely delightful and the perfect treat for all your holiday gatherings. Imagine a creamy, dreamy cheesecake nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, each one topped with colorful red and green sprinkles that scream festive cheer! These little bites of joy are not just a feast for the eyes; they’re also a crowd-pleaser that will have your friends and family coming back for seconds. The best part? They’re simple to make, so you can whip up a batch without breaking a sweat. Trust me, once you bring these mini Christmas cheesecakes to your next holiday party, they’ll become your go-to dessert for the season!
Ingredients List
Getting your ingredients ready for these mini Christmas cheesecakes is super easy! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for a smooth and creamy batter.
- 1/2 cup sugar: This will sweeten up the cheesecake beautifully.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds that warm, comforting flavor that makes cheesecake so irresistible.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: For extra creaminess and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: These will help the cheesecake set perfectly. Remember to add them one at a time!
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers: This will be the base for your crust, giving it that classic cheesecake flavor.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: This combines with the graham crackers to create a delicious, buttery crust.
- Red and green sprinkles: For that festive touch on top—because who doesn’t love a little holiday cheer?
(Tip: You can find the exact measurements and details in the recipe card below!)
How to Prepare Mini Christmas Cheesecakes
Preparing these mini Christmas cheesecakes is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to creating a delicious holiday treat that everyone will love. First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C)—this is key for getting that perfect bake! While that’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine your softened cream cheese and sugar. Blend them together until it’s super smooth and creamy; you don’t want any lumps in your cheesecake!
Next, add in the vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing well until everything is combined. Now, it’s time to incorporate the eggs. Add them one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to ensure a velvety texture. In another bowl, mix your crushed graham crackers and melted butter until they’re well combined. This will be your delicious crust!
Now, press that crust mixture firmly into the bottom of your mini cupcake liners. Once that’s done, pour the cheesecake filling over the crust, filling each liner about three-quarters full. Bake these cuties for about 20 minutes or until they’re set but still a little jiggly in the center. Let them cool for a bit, then pop them in the fridge for at least 2 hours to chill. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle on those festive red and green sprinkles, and get ready for smiles all around!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add in the vanilla extract and sour cream, and mix well.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers and melted butter.
- Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of mini cupcake liners.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust in each liner.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the centers are set and gently jiggle.
- Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let them set.
- Top with festive sprinkles just before serving.
And there you have it! Just be sure not to overbake, as they’ll firm up a bit more as they cool. If you see them puffing up in the oven, don’t worry—that’s totally normal! Let them chill, and you’ll have the most scrumptious mini Christmas cheesecakes ever.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, let me count the ways you’ll adore these mini Christmas cheesecakes! They’re not just delicious; they come with a whole sleigh full of benefits:
- Irresistible flavor: The creamy filling combined with the buttery crust creates a heavenly bite that’s hard to resist!
- Perfectly portioned: Each mini cheesecake is just the right size for satisfying your sweet tooth without overindulging.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these beauties whipped up in no time!
- Festive presentation: The colorful sprinkles on top add a cheerful touch that makes them perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare them ahead of time, so you can enjoy your holiday without last-minute baking stress!
- Crowd-pleaser: Trust me, they’ll be a hit at any holiday party, and everyone will be asking for your secret!
Seriously, once you try these, you’ll understand why they’re a holiday must-have!
Tips for Success
To make sure your mini Christmas cheesecakes turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some fantastic tips for you! First, always use room temperature cream cheese—this makes blending so much easier and prevents lumps in your batter. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. Also, don’t skip the chilling time! It’s essential for achieving that luscious texture you crave.
When it comes to baking, keep an eye on the time. If you’re using larger liners or making mini cheesecakes in a different size, you might need to adjust the baking time. Just remember, they should be set but still jiggle slightly in the center when you take them out. Lastly, experiment with toppings! A dollop of fruit preserves or a drizzle of chocolate can take these little treats to a whole new level. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
While I strive to provide you with the best nutritional info for these mini Christmas cheesecakes, keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Typically, each mini cheesecake contains about 150 calories, 9g of fat, 3g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. There’s also 10g of sugar in each delightful bite! So, feel free to enjoy these treats in moderation and remember, the joy they bring to your holiday gatherings is worth every calorie!
FAQ Section
I know you might have a few questions about these mini Christmas cheesecakes, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones!
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Absolutely! If you want a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but still gives that creamy texture. You could also try Greek yogurt for a tangy twist, but keep in mind it may alter the flavor a bit.
How do I store leftovers?
These mini cheesecakes store beautifully! Just place them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before freezing!
Can I add other flavors?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative—add some lemon zest for a citrusy vibe or mix in melted chocolate for a rich chocolate version. You can also top them with fresh fruit or chocolate sauce for an extra special treat. The possibilities are endless!
So, don’t hesitate to experiment and make these mini Christmas cheesecakes your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover mini Christmas cheesecakes is super simple! Just pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, so you can enjoy them throughout the holiday week. If you’ve got a big batch and want to save some for later, feel free to freeze them! Just wrap each cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months—perfect for those unexpected cravings!
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cheesecakes, just take them out and let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. No reheating needed—serve them chilled, and they’ll taste just as delicious as the day you made them! Trust me, they’re a treat worth saving!
Mini Christmas Cheesecakes: 6 Irresistible Bites of Joy
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious mini cheesecakes perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Red and green sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and sour cream, mix well.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- In another bowl, combine crushed graham crackers and melted butter.
- Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of mini cupcake liners.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until set.
- Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Top with sprinkles before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth batter.
- Adjust baking time for larger or smaller cheesecakes.
- Try adding fruit toppings for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: mini christmas cheesecakes, holiday desserts, cheesecake recipe
