Description
Delicious bite-sized Mini Christmas Cheesecakes that are perfect for holiday gatherings, combining a creamy filling with a festive crust.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12–14 full crackers)
- 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
- 24 oz (680g) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries or jam
- 3 tbsp chopped pistachios
- 2 tbsp melted white chocolate for drizzling (optional)
- Mini peppermint pieces or edible gold dust (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners or silicone cups.
- Make the crust: combine graham crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Divide about 1–1 1/2 tbsp of crumbs into each liner and press firmly to form an even base.
- Chill the crusts in the fridge for 10 minutes while you make the filling.
- Make the filling: beat cream cheese on medium speed until smooth (about 2 minutes). Scrape the bowl well.
- Add sugar and mix until combined on low speed. Avoid overbeating.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Finish with sour cream/heavy cream, vanilla, and lemon zest, mixing until smooth.
- Fill crusts: divide filling evenly among liners (about 2–3 tbsp each).
- Bake for 16–20 minutes for standard minis. Centers should be slightly jiggly but not liquid.
- Cool gradually: turn off oven, crack the oven door, and let cheesecakes sit for 20–30 minutes. Then cool completely on a rack.
- Chill: refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours (preferably overnight) to fully set.
- Decorate: add jam or compote, fresh cranberries, pistachios, and drizzle with white chocolate.
Notes
For best results, use room-temperature ingredients and avoid overbeating to prevent cracks.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Christmas cheesecake, mini desserts, holiday recipes, bite-sized treats, festive sweets