Description
These Grinch Mini Cheesecakes are festive holiday treats featuring a creamy, green-colored cheesecake filling on a crunchy graham cracker crust. Perfect for holiday parties, they are individual-sized, easy to make, and topped with whipped cream and fun decorations like sprinkles or candy canes for a playful seasonal twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring, as needed
Toppings
- Whipped topping
- Festive sprinkles or small candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the crust and cheesecakes.
- Prepare Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Mix thoroughly and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of lined muffin tins to form the crust base.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crusts for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely to set.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Add Color: Mix in green food coloring gradually until the mixture reaches the desired Grinch-like vibrant green color.
- Fill Crusts: Spoon the green cheesecake filling into the cooled crusts, filling each about 3/4 full. Smooth the surface of each with a spatula for an even finish.
- Bake Cheesecakes: Place the filled tins back into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the centers are set but still have a slight jiggle, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the cheesecakes from the oven and let them cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until thoroughly chilled and firm.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Before serving, top each mini cheesecake with whipped topping and decorate with festive sprinkles or small candy canes for a holiday-themed presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother filling.
- Don’t overbake the cheesecakes; a slight jiggle in the center means they will set after cooling.
- Use lined muffin tins or paper liners for easy removal of mini cheesecakes.
- Adjust green food coloring to your preferred shade for a fun Grinch effect.
- Refrigeration is essential for the cheesecakes to fully set and develop flavor.
