Description
These Grinch Mini Cheesecakes are individual bites of pure holiday joy, capturing the spirit of everyone’s favorite green grumpy guy. With their vibrant green color and creamy texture, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any festive gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- Green food coloring (optional)
- 2 packages (8 oz each) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract or lime zest (optional)
- Whipped cream or Cool Whip, for topping
- Red heart sprinkles or candy hearts, for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 12-cup mini muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. If using, mix in green food coloring until you achieve a light green hue.
- Distribute the crumb mixture evenly among the 12 lined muffin cups. Press the crumbs firmly into the bottom of each liner.
- Bake the crusts for 5-7 minutes, then remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating until just combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time on low speed until just combined. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Add green gel food coloring until you achieve the desired vibrant shade. If using, add peppermint extract or lime zest.
- Spoon or pour the cheesecake filling over the par-baked crusts, filling each liner about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers have a slight wobble.
- Let the mini cheesecakes cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours or overnight.
- Once chilled, remove the cheesecakes from their liners. Top each with whipped cream and a red heart sprinkle or candy heart.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg