Christmas Tree Mini Cheesecakes are a festive and delightful treat that brings holiday cheer to any gathering. These adorable cheesecakes not only taste delicious but also look stunning on the table. With a creamy cheesecake filling, a graham cracker crust, and topped with colorful decorations, they are perfect for celebrating the season. Making these mini cheesecakes is a fun activity and a great way to get into the holiday spirit!
Why make this recipe
There are many reasons to make Christmas Tree Mini Cheesecakes. First, they are visually appealing, making them a great centerpiece for your holiday dessert table. Second, they are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Lastly, they combine the rich, creamy flavors of cheesecake with the fun and festive theme of Christmas, bringing joy to your celebrations.
How to make Christmas Tree Mini Cheesecakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup melted white chocolate
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- Green gel food coloring
- Pomegranate arils for “ornaments”
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until crumbly.
- Press about one tablespoon of the mixture into each muffin liner in a prepared tin.
- Bake the crusts for 5 minutes and set aside to cool.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Bake the filled tin for 16 to 18 minutes until centers are just set.
- Allow cheesecakes to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 2 hours or until set.
- While chilling, make the berry compote by simmering mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice until slightly thickened.
- For the white chocolate buttercream, beat softened butter until fluffy, then add powdered sugar and melted white chocolate until smooth.
- Once cheesecakes have set, pipe buttercream on top and decorate with pomegranate arils and a dollop of berry compote.
- Chill briefly and serve!
How to serve Christmas Tree Mini Cheesecakes
To serve Christmas Tree Mini Cheesecakes, place them on a decorative platter. You can garnish each cheesecake with extra pomegranate arils and a little bit of berry compote for a beautiful presentation. These mini cheesecakes can be enjoyed as is or paired with a cup of hot cocoa or eggnog for the perfect holiday treat.
How to store Christmas Tree Mini Cheesecakes
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Keep the mini cheesecakes in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can last for up to 3 days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze them for up to a month. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to make Christmas Tree Mini Cheesecakes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to make mixing easier and achieve a smooth texture.
- Don’t overmix the cheesecake batter, as this can create cracks in the finished mini cheesecakes.
- Experiment with different toppings like crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings to add variety.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the berry compote according to your taste preferences.
Variation (if any)
You can customize these mini cheesecakes by changing the berry compote. Try using strawberries or blueberries instead of mixed berries. You can also swap the white chocolate buttercream for a chocolate ganache or whipped cream for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I make these mini cheesecakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use gluten-free cookies for the crust?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies to make the crust if you need a gluten-free option.
3. How do I know when the cheesecakes are done baking?
The cheesecakes are done when the centers are just set and slightly jiggle. Overbaking can lead to cracks in the cheesecakes.
Christmas Tree Mini Cheesecakes
- Total Time: 145 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive mini cheesecakes are adorned with colorful decorations and a creamy filling, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup melted white chocolate
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- Green gel food coloring
- Pomegranate arils for “ornaments”
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until crumbly.
- Press about one tablespoon of the mixture into each muffin liner in a prepared tin.
- Bake the crusts for 5 minutes and set aside to cool.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Bake the filled tin for 16 to 18 minutes until centers are just set.
- Allow cheesecakes to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 2 hours or until set.
- While chilling, make the berry compote by simmering mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice until slightly thickened.
- For the white chocolate buttercream, beat softened butter until fluffy, then add powdered sugar and melted white chocolate until smooth.
- Once cheesecakes have set, pipe buttercream on top and decorate with pomegranate arils and a dollop of berry compote.
- Chill briefly and serve!
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smooth texture. Experiment with different toppings for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
