Description
Gnome Mini Cheesecakes That Will Wow Your Holiday Guests
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Graham Crackers
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- 5 tablespoons Melted Butter
- 16 oz Cream Cheese
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 large Eggs
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
- 12 pieces Strawberries
- 1 cup Whipped Cream
- 1/4 cup Mini White Chocolate Chips or Candy Pearls
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or silicone molds.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the muffin liners and bake for 5 minutes, then cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add in granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs one by one to blend well—avoid overmixing! Gently fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Pour the cheesecake filling into the prepared crusts until full. Bake for 18-20 minutes until they’re just set—a slight jiggle is okay! Let them cool in the oven for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely for at least 2 hours.
- Once cooled, top each cheesecake with a generous dollop of whipped cream, place a strawberry on top as the gnome’s hat, and finish with a mini white chocolate chip or candy pearl for the nose.
Notes
- Substitute with vanilla wafers or gluten-free cookies for dietary needs.
- Can be reduced sugar for a lighter option.
- Use coconut oil as a dairy-free alternative to butter.
- Low-fat options for cream cheese may alter the final texture.
- Switching to powdered sugar creates a smoother consistency.
- Consider using vanilla bean paste for an intensified flavor.
- For a no-bake version, incorporate a gelatin base.
- Can be exchanged with cream for a richer taste.
- Fresh berries are best, but feel free to use any fruit you like.
- Opt for a dairy-free version of whipped cream if needed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 135 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheesecake
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg