Grinch Mini Cheesecakes
Delightful and colorful mini cheesecakes that embody the spirit of the holiday season with their creamy texture and festive flair.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature.
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream Use heavy cream for best results.
- ½ cup green food coloring Adjust for desired color intensity.
For the Crust
- 1 package graham cracker crumbs (about 1 1/2 cups) Substitute with gluten-free crumbs if needed.
- ¼ cup melted butter Melted before mixing with crumbs.
For Topping
- ¼ cup powdered sugar Sprinkle for extra sweetness.
- Red candy hearts for decoration To give a festive touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients and ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Prepare the Base
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until sandy.
- Press evenly into the bottom of muffin tins to form a crust.
- Bake for about 8 minutes until lightly golden and set aside to cool.
Make the Filling
- In a separate bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold in whipped cream and then add green food coloring.
Bake the Cheesecakes
- Pour cheesecake mixture over cooled crusts, filling each cup to the brim.
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes until edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.
Cooling and Chilling
- Allow mini cheesecakes to cool to room temperature to prevent cracking.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Serve
- Top each mini cheesecake with red candy hearts before serving.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best texture. These mini cheesecakes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.