Gnome Mini Cheesecakes Recipe
These adorable Gnome Mini Cheesecakes are a festive no-bake holiday dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with creamy cheesecake filling. Decorated with fresh strawberries as gnome hats, dollops of whipped cream as beards, and cute mini candy details, these mini treats are perfect for Christmas celebrations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Decoration:
- Fresh strawberries (1 per cheesecake)
- Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
- Mini white chocolate chips or small candy pearls (for noses)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners or reusable silicone molds. This makes it easier to remove the cheesecakes once baked and chilled.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Spoon about 1 tablespoon into each liner and press firmly to make an even base. Bake for 5 minutes, then let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth (2–3 minutes). Add sugar and continue beating until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract. Add eggs one at a time on low speed, then blend in sour cream or Greek yogurt carefully to avoid overmixing.
- Fill and Bake: Divide batter equally among muffin cups, filling about ¾ full. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 18–20 minutes until centers are just set with a slight jiggle. Turn off oven, crack door open, and cool cheesecakes in oven for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Prepare the Gnome Decorations: Wash and hull strawberries, trimming tops flat. Remove cheesecakes from liners once chilled. Top each with whipped cream to form the gnome’s beard. Invert a strawberry on the whipped cream as the hat. Add a small whipped cream dot on the strawberry tip for the pom-pom, and place a mini white chocolate chip or candy pearl just beneath the hat as the nose.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Lightly dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Arrange on a festive platter with pine branches, cranberries, or holiday sprinkles for a charming holiday display.
Notes
- Use a mini cheesecake pan with removable bottoms for easier removal and a polished look.
- Avoid overmixing after adding eggs to prevent cracks in the cheesecakes.
- Use a piping bag with a round or star tip for neat whipped cream decorations.
- Chill cheesecakes for at least 2 hours to ensure firmness before decorating.
Keywords: mini cheesecakes, gnome cheesecakes, Christmas dessert, no-bake cheesecake, holiday treats, festive desserts, strawberry decoration
Find it online: https://islawhite.com/gnome-mini-cheesecakes-recipe/
