Gnome Mini Cheesecakes Recipe
These charming Gnome Mini Cheesecakes combine a classic creamy cheesecake filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust, decorated with whimsical fresh strawberries and whipped cream to resemble cute gnome hats. Perfect for festive occasions or as a delightful dessert treat, these individual cheesecakes are both visually fun and delectably rich.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 3 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 crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a muffin tin lined with paper liners to form the crust.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth.
- Fill and bake: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crusts in the muffin tin, filling each about three-quarters full to allow space for rising. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until the centers are mostly set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool and chill: Remove the cheesecakes from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Afterward, refrigerate for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight to firm up completely.
- Decorate the gnomes: Once chilled, top each mini cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream shaped like a gnome’s hat. Place a fresh strawberry upside down on the whipped cream to resemble the hat. Add a mini white chocolate chip or small candy pearl at the base of the strawberry for the gnome’s nose. Lightly dust with powdered sugar for a whimsical snowy effect.
- Serve: Carefully remove the paper liners before serving or serve them as-is for easy handling. Enjoy your adorable and delicious gnome mini cheesecakes!
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Use sour cream or Greek yogurt depending on your preference for tanginess.
- Do not overbake; the cheesecakes should be slightly jiggly in the center when done.
- Decorate just before serving to keep whipped cream fresh.
- These cheesecakes can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: mini cheesecake, gnome dessert, cute cheesecakes, holiday dessert, strawberry cheesecake, individual cheesecakes
Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/gnome-mini-cheesecakes-recipe/