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Grinch Mini Cheesecake

Grinch Mini Cheesecake

The Grinch Mini Cheesecake is a festive and charming holiday dessert featuring a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a vibrant green hue and delightful decorative touches. Perfect for celebrations, this easy-to-make mini cheesecake recipe offers customizable flavors and portion sizes, sure to become a holiday favorite for bakers of all skill levels.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Green food coloring, enough to achieve desired vibrant green color

Crust

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Toppings

  • Whipped cream, for topping
  • Optional decorations: sprinkles, candy eyes, red candies (for the Grinch’s features), or crushed peppermint

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Combine 1 cup crushed graham crackers with 4 tablespoons melted butter and 1 tablespoon sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of mini cheesecake molds or a mini muffin tin lined with cupcake liners to form a crunchy base.
  2. Mix the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and mix until creamy. Add 2 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to achieve a silky texture. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and green food coloring until the mixture reaches a vibrant Grinch-like green.
  3. Bake the Mini Cheesecakes: Pour the green cheesecake filling over the prepared crusts, filling each almost to the top. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15-18 minutes, until the edges are set but the center slightly jiggles to ensure creaminess without overcooking.
  4. Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecakes to cool to room temperature after baking. Refrigerate them for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight, so they firm up and develop enhanced flavors.
  5. Add Festive Toppings: Before serving, top each mini cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream. Decorate with festive elements such as candy eyes, red candies for the nose, or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint to add holiday charm.

Notes

  • Use room temperature dairy ingredients for a smooth batter without lumps.
  • Avoid overmixing to prevent air bubbles that cause cracking.
  • For a smooth finish, consider baking in a water bath.
  • Gel food coloring is recommended for vibrant color without thinning the batter.
  • Add toppings just before serving to keep whipped cream fresh and decorations intact.
  • Experiment with crusts like ginger snap or Oreo for unique flavors.
  • Try dairy-free versions by substituting vegan cream cheese and coconut cream.
  • Enhance flavor with lime zest or peppermint extract.
  • Use natural fruit decorations for a healthier touch.
  • Mini muffin tin can be used instead of springform pans for perfectly portioned bites.
  • Store leftovers covered in fridge up to 4 days; freeze wrapped individually for up to 2 months.
  • Cheesecakes are best served chilled; let sit at room temp for 15-20 minutes if softer texture is desired.

Nutrition

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