Description
Celebrate the holidays with festive Grinch Mini Cheesecakes—creamy, colorful, and perfectly portioned treats inspired by the beloved green holiday icon. These mini cheesecakes feature a smooth cream cheese filling brightened with vibrant green food coloring atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Easy to make and customizable with fun toppings and variations, they’re ideal for parties, gifting, or satisfying sweet cravings with holiday cheer.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup (135g) sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring (gel or paste), to desired vibrant color
Crust
- 1 cup (100g) graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Decorations
- Red candies for garnish
- Whipped cream dollops
- Fresh berries (e.g., raspberries, strawberries)
- Chopped pistachios or almonds for nutty crunch
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly combined. Press firmly into the bottoms of mini cupcake liners or a muffin tin to form a sturdy crust base.
- Mix the cheesecake batter: Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add sugar, then eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each. Stir in vanilla extract and green food coloring until the batter reaches a vibrant hue.
- Fill and bake: Spoon cheesecake batter over crusts, filling each cup nearly full. Bake in a moderate oven (about 325°F / 163°C) until edges are set but centers slightly jiggle, ensuring a creamy texture after cooling.
- Cool and chill: Remove cheesecakes from oven and cool on a wire rack to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and texture to firm.
- Decorate and serve: Garnish with festive red candies, whipped cream, or fresh berries. Get creative to add holiday flair and irresistible presentation.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep a tender texture without incorporating excess air.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and to prevent lumps.
- Line muffin tins with cupcake liners for easier removal and shape retention.
- Baking in a water bath is optional but helps reduce cracking and produces a silky finish.
- Chill cheesecakes thoroughly to ensure creamy, dense texture when served.
- For gluten-free option, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free crackers or cookies.
- Gel or paste food coloring is preferred to maintain batter consistency and vibrant color.
- Mini portions create perfect party-sized treats with charming presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Grinch mini cheesecake, holiday dessert, festive treats, mini cheesecakes, green cheesecake, Christmas dessert, party desserts, creamy cheesecake, easy holiday recipe