Description
These No-Bake Christmas Mini Cheesecakes are festive, creamy treats perfect for holiday gatherings. With a crunchy graham cracker crust and a smooth, peppermint-infused cream cheese filling, they are easy to prepare without using an oven. Topped with whipped frosting and crushed peppermint candies, these mini cheesecakes bring joy and holiday spirit in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies (for topping)
- 1 cup whipped frosting or piped cream (for garnish, optional)
- Holiday sprinkles or mini candy canes (optional for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the mixture achieves a wet sand-like texture.
- Form the crusts: Press the crumb mixture firmly into lined muffin tins to create individual crusts. Place the tins in the freezer for 15 minutes to allow the crusts to set.
- Make the cream cheese base: Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, removing any lumps.
- Add flavor extracts: Stir in the vanilla extract and optional peppermint extract into the cream cheese mixture, blending well for consistent flavor.
- Whip the cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, ensuring it holds its shape well.
- Combine mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture carefully to maintain volume and create a light, airy filling.
- Assemble the cheesecakes: Spoon or pipe the filling evenly onto the chilled crusts, smoothing out the tops for a neat finish.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the assembled mini cheesecakes for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow firming up and flavors to meld.
- Add toppings: Just before serving, garnish each cheesecake with whipped frosting or piped cream and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for crunch and festive color.
- Optional decoration: Enhance presentation with additional holiday sprinkles or mini candy canes for extra festive appeal.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- If peppermint extract is unavailable, the cheesecake can be made without it for a classic flavor.
- For firmer crusts, refrigeration can be extended beyond 15 minutes prior to filling.
- Use lined muffin tins or silicone molds to easily remove mini cheesecakes.
- Keep cheesecakes refrigerated until just before serving to maintain texture and freshness.
