Jolly Mini Santa Hat Cheesecakes
Jolly Mini Santa Hat Cheesecakes
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever find yourself stressing over festive mini desserts ? Well, I have! But fear not, because these mini Santa hat cheesecakes are here to save the day! Imagine biting into a creamy, dreamy cheesecake topped with a cute strawberry Santa hat, bringing joy to every palate.
Brief Overview
These individual christmas cheesecakes are inspired by classic American cheesecakes with a festive twist. They are a super easy christmas baking, only taking about one hour and fifty minutes including chilling time to make.
This recipe yields about 12 bite sized christmas treats, perfect for sharing.
Main Benefits
Honestly, these mini christmas cheesecakes are not only adorable but also a crowd pleaser, making them the perfect christmas party desserts.
I love how the fresh strawberries balance the richness of the cheesecake. What makes this recipe special is that it is no bake santa hat cheesecake and it adds a touch of whimsy to your dessert table, like a red and white christmas dessert come to life!
Ready to dive in? Let's get started with the ingredients you'll need to whip up these jolly treats.
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Mini Santa Hat Cheesecakes
Let's talk about what you'll need to whip up these mini christmas cheesecakes . It's easier than you think. Honestly, the best part is how darn cute they are.
Imagine all the compliments you'll get for these festive mini desserts !
Main Ingredients Breakdown
- Graham Cracker Crust: 1 ½ cups (150g) crumbs, ¼ cup (50g) sugar, 6 tablespoons (85g) melted butter.
- Graham Cracker Quality: Go for a brand that has a good, slightly sweet flavor. You know? It makes a difference.
- Dreamy Cheesecake Filling: 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, ¾ cup (150g) sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 large eggs , ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream.
- Cream Cheese Magic: Full fat cream cheese is a must for that proper creamy texture. Don't skimp here!
- Santa's Little Hats: 1 pint (about 500g) fresh strawberries, 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla.
- Strawberry Spotlight: Pick bright red, juicy strawberries. They make those no bake santa hat cheesecake toppers pop!
Seasoning Notes Flavour Boosters!
These individual christmas cheesecakes are pretty simple, so spices aren't a big deal. Vanilla extract is a must for the filling and whipped cream.
A pinch of lemon zest in the filling? Oh my gosh, that would be amazing too. It will give it the holiday cheesecake recipe that extra zing!
Equipment You’ll Need
You really don't need fancy gadgets for these. Here is a list of essencial equipment:
- Muffin Tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin is perfect.
- Mixer: Handheld or stand, either works.
- Bowls: Mixing bowls - you know, the usual suspects.
- Piping Bag (Optional): Makes the whipped cream look extra fancy, but a spoon works just fine.
Let me tell you a secret! If you don't have paper liners, a good spray of non-stick cooking spray will do the trick.
Just make sure you get every nook and cranny to easily release those bite sized christmas treats . Seriously, who knew making red and white christmas dessert could be so simple?
Cooking Method
Let's dive into making these adorable mini santa hat cheesecakes ! Honestly, these are the perfect bite sized christmas treats to impress your friends and family.
It's a fun and easy way to add some festive cheer to your holiday cheesecake recipe . I remember the first time I tried making them for my office Christmas party.
Everyone went absolutely bonkers for them! It felt like I was giving everyone a tiny strawberry santa hat dessert .
Prep Like a Pro!
Getting organised is key, love. This is your essential mise en place . Have all your ingredients measured out. Soften that cream cheese, trust me, it makes a world of difference.
Melt your butter and crush those biscuits. Quick tip, use a food processor if you've got one. For safety, make sure you've got oven gloves handy.
Santa's Step-by-Step Guide
- Mix the biscuit crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into muffin liners. For a super crispy base, bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 5 minutes .
- Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla, sour cream, and eggs. Don't overmix!
- Pour mixture over biscuit bases. Fill almost to the top.
- Bake at 325° F ( 160° C) for 20- 25 minutes . Edges should be set but centers still slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely, then chill for at least 1 hour . This is crucial for setting.
- Whip cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Cut tops off strawberries. Pipe cream on cheesecakes. Place strawberries on top. Add a dollop of cream on top of strawberries.
Pro Tips for the Win!
- Don't overbake! Slightly jiggly is the way to go. Overbaking leads to cracked cheesecakes, and nobody wants that.
- Pat those strawberries dry before assembling! Trust me on this one. The whipped cream will stick better.
- Want to save time? The biscuit bases and cheesecake filling can be made a day ahead! Just store them separately. This is the easy christmas baking hack everyone needs.
These individual christmas cheesecakes are seriously addictive. I bet you cannot eat just one of these red and white christmas dessert ! Next time you are looking for great christmas party desserts be sure to consider this recipe.
Recipe Notes for Perfect Mini Santa Hat Cheesecakes
Honestly, these mini christmas cheesecakes are easier than they look! I know, sometimes baking seems scary. But trust me, this holiday cheesecake recipe is pretty foolproof.
So, here are a few extra tips to make them absolutely perfect .
Ace the Presentation: Plating and Presentation Ideas
Presentation is key, right? These festive mini desserts deserve to look as good as they taste. Try arranging them on a pretty platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
It's like a little flurry of snow! You could also add some fresh mint leaves for a pop of green.
Serve alongside a warm glass of mulled wine chef's kiss .
Mastering Storage: Refrigeration and Freezing Tips
These individual christmas cheesecakes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can totally prep ahead. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Just keep them covered. Want to freeze them? Do it before you add the whipped cream and strawberries. Then, thaw them in the fridge overnight and decorate just before serving.
I tried freezing decorated ones once... It was a melty, strawberry disaster!
Adaptations and Swaps: Variations for Everyone
Got allergies? No problem! Use gluten free biscuits to make these bite sized christmas treats gluten free. You can also swap the strawberries for raspberries.
But honestly, it won't have that lovely strawberry santa hat dessert look. Also, to make it a red and white christmas dessert , use white chocolate shavings.
Or if you like the festive flavor you can include peppermint extract to the cheesecake.
Keeping it Healthyish: Nutrition Basics
Okay, let's be real: these are treats! But they're also packed with joy. Each mini santa hat cheesecakes is around 250 calories.
It also gives you a bit of protein and calcium. Honestly, sometimes a little treat is good for the soul, you know?
So there you have it! These easy christmas baking are sure to impress. Don't be afraid to give it a go.
Happy baking, and happy holidays! I've included all my pro tips so you too can make these christmas party desserts like a professional!
Frequently Asked Questions
My mini santa hat cheesecakes cracked! What did I do wrong?
Cracking usually happens when the cheesecakes are overbaked. Remember, they should be slightly jiggly in the center when you take them out of the oven a bit like a wobbly jelly! Also, avoid sudden temperature changes; let them cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar before chilling.
Can I make these mini santa hat cheesecakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cheesecake bases can be baked and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before decorating. You can even freeze the plain cheesecakes (without the whipped cream and strawberries) for longer storage just thaw them in the fridge overnight before adding the festive toppings.
Assembling them closer to serving prevents the strawberries from getting soggy.
I don't have graham crackers; can I use something else for the base of my mini santa hat cheesecakes?
No worries, mate! Digestive biscuits (like McVitie's) or even shortbread cookies make a fantastic substitute for graham crackers. Simply crush them into crumbs and follow the same recipe instructions. For a chocolatey twist, try using Oreo cookies (without the cream filling, of course!).
Can I substitute anything to make these mini santa hat cheesecakes a bit healthier?
You can use reduced fat cream cheese for a lower fat version, but the texture might be slightly different. Greek yogurt can also be used in place of the sour cream in equal measure.
For a sugar free option, consider using a granulated sugar substitute designed for baking, but be sure to check the product's guidelines, as some may affect the texture.
My whipped cream keeps melting! What can I do to keep it stiff for my mini santa hat cheesecakes?
Melting whipped cream is a common problem! Make sure both your bowl and beaters are chilled before whipping the cream. You can even pop them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes beforehand. Also, be careful not to overwhip the cream, as it can become grainy.
Stabilizing the whipped cream with a little gelatin or cornstarch can also help it hold its shape longer.
Are there any fun variations I can try with these mini santa hat cheesecakes to impress my friends?
Oh, loads! You could add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cheesecake filling for a citrusy kick, or swirl in some melted dark chocolate for a decadent treat. For a boozy twist (strictly for the adults, of course!), add a tablespoon of Baileys or Kahlúa to the filling.
A little peppermint extract in the whipped cream also adds a festive touch.
