Introduction

These Grinch Mini Cheesecakes are a festive and fun dessert perfect for holiday gatherings. With a creamy green filling and bright red candy accents, they bring a playful twist to classic cheesecake. Easy to make in mini form, they are sure to delight both kids and adults alike.

Grinch Mini Cheesecakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup graham cracker crumbs (for crust)
2 tbsp melted butter (for crust)
Green food coloring
Red candies for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottoms of mini muffin tins to form the crust.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in green food coloring until the desired shade is achieved.
Step 3: Pour the green cheesecake batter evenly over the crusts in the muffin tins. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the centers are just set.
Step 4: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Once cooled, press a red candy on top of each mini cheesecake for decoration.
Step 5: Chill the mini cheesecakes in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to let them firm up.

Tips & Variations

Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant green without altering the texture of the cheesecake.
Try crushed peppermint candies instead of red candies for a minty holiday twist.
If you don’t have mini muffin tins, regular cupcake liners can work but reduce baking time slightly.

Storage

Store these mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best texture and flavor, consume within this timeframe. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cheesecakes ahead of time?

Yes, they can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just add the red candy toppings right before serving to keep them fresh.

What if I don’t have green food coloring?

You can omit the coloring for plain mini cheesecakes, or try natural options like spinach juice for a subtle green hue, although it may slightly alter the flavor.

Grinch Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

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4.5 from 76 reviews

These Grinch Mini Cheesecakes are festive, bite-sized treats perfect for holiday celebrations. Creamy and tangy cheesecake is beautifully tinted green and topped with bright red candies, making a playful dessert inspired by the Grinch. These mini cheesecakes feature a buttery graham cracker crust and are chilled to perfection for a delightful, colorful holiday indulgence.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 24 mini cheesecakes 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cheesecake Filling

16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
8 drops green food coloring

For the Crust

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For Decoration

Red candies (such as red M&M’s or red hots), for topping

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottoms of a mini muffin tin lined with paper liners to form the crust bases.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Stir in green food coloring until the mixture has an even bright green color.
Fill the Mini Cheesecake Cups: Spoon the green cheesecake batter over the prepared crusts in the mini muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top but leaving a little space for the toppings.
Bake the Mini Cheesecakes: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake the mini cheesecakes for 18–20 minutes, or until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly.
Cool and Chill: Remove the cheesecakes from the oven and let them cool to room temperature in the pan. Once cooled, transfer the mini cheesecakes to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to allow them to fully set.
Add Decorative Toppings: Before serving, gently press a red candy onto the center of each mini cheesecake to create the signature Grinch look.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
Chilling time is crucial for the cheesecakes to firm up properly and develop flavor.
If you prefer, substitute red candies with fresh raspberries or cherries for a natural touch.
These mini cheesecakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Ensure not to overbake to maintain creamy texture; the center should remain slightly jiggly.

Keywords: Grinch cheesecakes, mini cheesecakes, holiday desserts, green cheesecake, Christmas treats