Grinch Mini Cheesecakes Recipe
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
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
- 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