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If you’re dreaming of a festive dessert that feels as joyful as the holiday season itself, then this No-Bake Christmas Mini Cheesecakes Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These delightful little treats combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a luxuriously creamy peppermint-infused cheesecake filling, all topped with a fun sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies. They’re charming, easy to make, and perfect for sharing at any holiday gathering. No oven required, just some patience and love to chill these beauties into show-stopping mini masterpieces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this No-Bake Christmas Mini Cheesecakes Recipe is wonderfully simple because each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the buttery crunch of the crust to the smooth, fluffy filling, these essentials bring everything together beautifully.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 ½ cups): Provides the classic base with a subtle sweetness and a crunch that holds the cheesecake together.
- Unsalted butter, melted (6 tablespoons): Binds the crumb crust for a firm and buttery foundation.
- Cream cheese, softened (16 ounces): The star of the show giving that rich, tangy, and creamy cheesecake texture.
- Powdered sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the filling smoothly without grit, perfect for a luscious mouthfeel.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, balancing the peppermint and cream cheese flavors.
- Peppermint extract (â…› teaspoon, optional): Brings that festive, cooling holiday vibe without overpowering the cheesecake.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Whipped to stiff peaks to lighten the filling into a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth treat.
- Crushed peppermint candies (½ cup): Sprinkled on top for a crunchy, colorful holiday touch.
- Whipped frosting or piped cream (1 cup, optional): Adds an elegant, creamy garnish that makes these minis look extra special.
How to Make No-Bake Christmas Mini Cheesecakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by combining your graham cracker crumbs with the melted unsalted butter in a bowl, mixing until the texture feels like wet sand. This ensures every crumb sticks together for a crisp, buttery crust. Then, firmly press this mixture into lined muffin tins, shaping each into a sturdy base for the cheesecake filling. Pop the tins into the freezer for 15 minutes – this step helps the crust hold its shape when you add the creamy filling later.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Next, whip together the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until you have a silky smooth and fluffy mixture. This is what gives your minis that rich, dreamy creaminess everyone loves. Blend in the vanilla extract and, if you’re feeling festive, a touch of peppermint extract to brighten the flavor with holiday cheer. Be careful with the peppermint; it’s powerful, so a little goes a long way.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip your heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. This airy cream will lighten the dense cream cheese mixture, turning your filling into a delicate cloud of creamy goodness. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese blend, being careful to keep that fluffiness intact. This folding technique is essential for the perfect texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Mini Cheesecakes
Once your crusts have chilled and set, spoon or pipe the fluffy cheesecake filling on top, smoothing the surface so each mini looks picture-perfect. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight – this chilling time is key to letting the flavors meld and the filling to firm up properly.
Step 5: Add Festive Toppings
Just before serving, adorn your cheesecake minis with piped whipped frosting or cream for an elegant flourish. Then sprinkle crushed peppermint candies generously over the top for that fun crunch and festive pop of color. For a bit of extra holiday spirit, consider adding tiny candy canes or themed sprinkles – the presentation really makes these little delights stand out on your dessert table.
How to Serve No-Bake Christmas Mini Cheesecakes Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you get to play and personalize your No-Bake Christmas Mini Cheesecakes Recipe. Fresh mint leaves, edible glitter, or holiday sprinkles can brighten the look and add layers of subtle flavor. Whipped frosting piped decoratively gives them an elegant finish that will wow guests and make them irresistible to dig into.
Side Dishes
These mini cheesecakes shine as a dessert on their own but pair beautifully with warm spiced drinks like eggnog or a rich hot chocolate. If you’re serving a larger holiday meal, consider fresh fruit platters or crunchy nut assortments nearby to balance the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing each mini cheesecake in decorative cupcake liners or on festive plates for a pop of color. Arranging them on a tiered dessert stand adds height and drama to your holiday spread. You can even serve them alongside small jars of berry compote or drizzle a bit of warm chocolate sauce for added decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cheesecakes keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, so leftovers can taste even better the next day. Just make sure to keep them chilled so the texture remains creamy and firm.
Freezing
If you want to prepare your No-Bake Christmas Mini Cheesecakes Recipe ahead of time, they freeze beautifully. Place each mini in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for an hour before transferring to a sealed freezer bag or container. They can last up to 2 months frozen, making them a perfect make-ahead holiday treat.
Reheating
As these cheesecakes are best served chilled, avoid reheating. Simply thaw frozen cheesecakes overnight in the refrigerator and serve cold to enjoy the creamy texture and fresh flavors at their best.
FAQs
Can I use crushed cookies instead of graham cracker crumbs?
Absolutely! While graham cracker crumbs give a classic cheesecake crust, crushed ginger snaps or chocolate cookies add a delicious twist and can amp up the festive flavor depending on your preference.
Is peppermint extract necessary in this recipe?
Peppermint extract is optional but highly recommended for that unmistakable holiday spirit. If you prefer a subtler taste, you can leave it out or reduce the amount to suit your palate.
How do I soften cream cheese quickly?
To soften cream cheese faster, cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 10-second intervals, just be careful not to melt it.
Can I make these cheesecakes without heavy cream?
Heavy cream is key for the fluffiness of the filling, but if needed, you can substitute whipped topping. Just keep in mind that the texture and richness may be slightly different.
What’s the best way to prevent the crust from crumbling?
Make sure your melted butter is evenly mixed into the graham cracker crumbs and press the mixture firmly into the muffin tin. Freezing the crust before adding the filling also helps it hold together better.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this No-Bake Christmas Mini Cheesecakes Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a special touch to their holiday celebrations. It’s straightforward, festive, and utterly delicious—a true crowd-pleaser without the fuss of baking. Gather your ingredients, embrace the cheer, and enjoy creating these sweet little bites of holiday magic with your loved ones. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a yearly favorite!
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No-Bake Christmas Mini Cheesecakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No-Bake Christmas Mini Cheesecakes are a festive and creamy dessert perfect for the holiday season. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a fluffy peppermint-infused cream cheese filling, they require no baking and are easy to make ahead. Topped with whipped frosting and crushed peppermint candies, these mini cheesecakes bring a delightful combination of flavors and textures in bite-sized portions.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- â…› teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Topping & Garnish
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies (for topping)
- 1 cup whipped frosting or piped cream (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare crust mixture: Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until the texture resembles wet sand, ensuring the crumbs are well coated with butter to create a firm base.
- Form crusts: Press the crust mixture firmly into lined muffin tins, creating individual mini crusts. Freeze the tins for 15 minutes to set the crusts properly before adding the filling.
- Make cream cheese mixture: Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy, ensuring no lumps remain for a creamy filling.
- Add flavor extracts: Stir in vanilla extract and peppermint extract (if using) to the cream cheese mixture, blending flavors evenly throughout.
- Whip heavy cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. This will add a light and airy texture to the filling.
- Combine mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture carefully until fully combined, preserving the fluffy texture.
- Fill crusts: Spoon or pipe the cream cheese filling onto the chilled crusts in the muffin tins, smoothing the tops for an even finish.
- Chill cheesecakes: Refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the filling to set firmly.
- Add toppings: Before serving, garnish with whipped frosting or piped cream and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive touch.
- Optional decorations: Enhance presentation by adding extra holiday sprinkles or mini candy canes as desired.
Notes
- For best results, use cream cheese at room temperature to ensure a smooth filling.
- If peppermint extract is unavailable, a small amount of crushed peppermint candy can add a similar flavor.
- The freezing step helps in setting the crust quickly and prevents sogginess.
- These mini cheesecakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure heavy cream is cold before whipping to achieve stiff peaks easily.
