Festive Grinch Mini Cheesecakes: Easy Holiday Treat Recipe

Introduction

These Festive Grinch Mini Cheesecakes are a fun and easy holiday treat that adds a playful green twist to classic cheesecake. Perfect for parties or cozy gatherings, they combine a rich, creamy filling with a buttery cookie crust and a cute red heart decoration.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Green gel food coloring
• 1 1/2 cups cookie crumbs for the crust (chocolate sandwich cookies or graham crackers)
• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
• Red candy hearts or frosting for decoration

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the cookie crumbs with melted butter until evenly moistened. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of this mixture into the bottom of each muffin liner and press firmly to form a solid crust base.
3. Step 3: Optionally, bake the crust for 5-7 minutes to help prevent sogginess, then let it cool slightly.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating on low speed until just combined. Then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Step 6: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined.
7. Step 7: Add green gel food coloring a few drops at a time, mixing on low speed until you reach your desired shade of green.
8. Step 8: Divide the cheesecake batter evenly among the muffin liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
9. Step 9: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers have a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
10. Step 10: Turn off the oven and prop the door open slightly. Let the cheesecakes cool inside for 15-20 minutes to prevent cracking.
11. Step 11: Remove the cheesecakes from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Then chill in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours or overnight.
12. Step 12: Before serving, carefully peel away the paper liners and decorate each cheesecake with a small red candy heart or a piped red frosting heart.

Tips & Variations

• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cookie crumbs for the crust.
• You can swap the red candy hearts for other festive toppings like sprinkles or edible glitter.
• Add a splash of lemon juice or zest to the batter for a subtle citrus flavor that brightens the cheesecake.
• Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to avoid thinning the batter.

Storage

Store the mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. For best texture, re-chill after thawing and avoid reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cheesecakes ahead of time?

Yes, these mini cheesecakes are perfect for making a day ahead or even a couple of days in advance. Just keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.

What if I don’t have green food coloring?

You can omit the green coloring for a classic white cheesecake or try using natural alternatives like spinach powder or matcha, though these may alter the flavor slightly.

Festive Grinch Mini Cheesecakes: Easy Holiday Treat Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.6 from 73 reviews

These Festive Grinch Mini Cheesecakes are a delightful and easy holiday treat featuring a creamy green cheesecake filling with a crunchy cookie crumb crust. Perfect for holiday parties or festive gatherings, these mini cheesecakes are decorated with adorable red candy hearts or frosting, making them a visually appealing and delicious dessert that everyone will love.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 1/2 cups Cookie Crumbs (chocolate sandwich cookies or graham crackers), finely crushed
• 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

• 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 Large Eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• Green Gel Food Coloring (start with a few drops, adjust to desired color)

Decoration

• Red Candy Hearts or Red Frosting for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
2. Prepare Crust: In a medium bowl, combine finely crushed cookie crumbs with melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of this mixture into the bottom of each paper-lined muffin cup and press down firmly to create a solid base.
3. Bake Crust (Optional): Bake the crusts for 5-7 minutes to help prevent sogginess. Allow them to cool slightly before adding the filling.
4. Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, ensuring a lump-free texture.
5. Add Sugar and Sour Cream: Gradually add the granulated sugar, mixing on low speed until just combined. Then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
6. Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until just combined to maintain a smooth batter without overmixing.
7. Color the Batter: Add green gel food coloring starting with a few drops and mix on low speed. Continue adding and mixing until you achieve the desired bright green color reminiscent of the Grinch.
8. Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the green cheesecake batter evenly among the prepared muffin liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
9. Bake Cheesecakes: Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken, indicating perfect doneness.
10. Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and prop the door open slightly. Let the mini cheesecakes cool inside the oven for 15-20 minutes to prevent cracking.
11. Chill Cheesecakes: Remove the cheesecakes from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours or overnight for best texture and flavor development.
12. Decorate and Serve: Before serving, carefully peel away the paper liners and top each mini cheesecake with a small red candy heart or a piped red frosting heart for a festive finishing touch.

Notes

• Using room temperature cream cheese and eggs helps achieve a smooth batter without lumps.
• Baking the crust before adding the filling prevents sogginess and keeps the base crisp.
• Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding eggs to avoid cracks during baking.
• Chilling overnight enhances flavor and makes the cheesecakes firmer and easier to handle.
• Gel food coloring provides a vibrant green without affecting the batter’s consistency.

Keywords: mini cheesecakes, Grinch cheesecake, holiday dessert, festive cheesecake, Christmas treats, green cheesecake, easy holiday recipe, mini desserts