Peppermint Pattys Peppermint Mini Cheesecakes a Festive Bite of Bliss
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get that craving for something festive but easy? These peppermint mini cheesecakes are your answer. Honestly, these little beauties taste like Christmas morning, but without all the present wrapping stress.
They deliver a cool pepperminty punch with a creamy, chocolatey base.
Brief Overview
These holiday dessert recipes have origins in classic American baking traditions, with a festive twist. This easy holiday baking project is a breeze and needs about an hour and forty five minutes total.
The recipe yields twelve mini cheesecakes. Perfect for sharing, or not, I won't judge.
Main Benefits
Besides tasting divine, peppermint may actually help with digestion. You know? These Christmas party desserts are perfect for gatherings. What makes these peppermint desserts special is their simplicity and festive flair.
Time to talk Chocolate and Peppermint
Imagine biting into a chocolate peppermint cheesecake bite . That creamy filling hits your tongue. Then BAM , a burst of peppermint, with a hint of chocolate.
Did you know that peppermint has been used medicinally since ancient times. This recipe is a gift that keeps on giving.
Candy Cane Dreams
Ok, so you're thinking, " is this a festive cheesecake recipe? " You bet your Christmas stocking it is! It’s the perfect balance of sweet and minty.
It's like a candy cane cheesecake , but in mini form. We're gonna start with the ingredients for our mini cheesecake recipe Christmas.
Peppermint Cheesecake Adventures
Honestly, I've tried so many peppermint cheesecake recipes , and this one just works . Plus, it's pretty darn close to being a no bake peppermint cheesecake if you skip the crust baking.
Let's get started!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Baking!
Alright, let's talk ingredients for these peppermint mini cheesecakes . Honestly, they're not as scary as they sound. We're making easy holiday baking a breeze.
And don’t worry; I'll tell you what to look for when you're at the shops.
Main Ingredients: The Festive Lineup
- Chocolate Cookie Crust: 1 ½ cups (150g) chocolate wafer crumbs, 5 tablespoons (70g) melted unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar. For the cookie crumbs, I use Oreos, scraped clean, if you want that extra chocolate punch.
- Peppermint Cheesecake Filling: 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened, ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon pure peppermint extract. Make sure the cream cheese is completely soft, or you'll end up with lumpy cheesecake, and nobody wants that! Seriously, give it at least an hour at room temp.
- Peppermint Topping: ¼ cup heavy cream, ½ cup (60g) crushed peppermint candy canes (about 6 regular sized ones). Oh my gosh, the candy canes! If you want to call them candy cane cheesecake , you can.
Seasoning Notes: That Peppermint Zing
For these peppermint desserts , peppermint extract is key. But remember, it’s strong. Don’t go overboard, or you'll feel like you're brushing your teeth.
A half teaspoon is usually perfect. No peppermint extract? I've used peppermint schnapps in a pinch. Just a tiny bit.
It adds a nice kick! This recipe really embraces the peppermint cheesecake recipe .
Also, remember that chocolate peppermint cheesecake bites can be easily achieved by adding cocoa powder.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy equipment for these mini cheesecake recipe Christmas . Just the basics!
- 12-cup muffin tin: I prefer using paper liners to avoid sticking.
- Mixing bowls: One for the crust, one for the filling.
- Electric mixer: A handheld one is fine, or a stand mixer if you're feeling fancy.
- Measuring cups & spoons: Obvious, but worth mentioning.
- Rubber spatula: For scraping every last bit of that delicious filling.
- Food processor: For the cookie crumbs, if you don't want to crush them by hand. A ziplock bag and rolling pin works too. Been there, done that!
That’s it! See? Nothing too complicated. This festive cheesecake recipe is all about the taste, not the tools. If you have these bits and bobs, you're on your way to making some seriously scrumptious Christmas party desserts .
And who knows, maybe you'll even try a no bake peppermint cheesecake version next time! Get ready for holiday dessert recipes that will wow everyone!
Let's Get Baking: Peppermint Mini Cheesecakes
Honestly, who can resist a mini cheesecake recipe Christmas season? Not me, that's for sure. And these peppermint mini cheesecakes ? Absolute game changers.
They're the perfect bite sized holiday dessert recipes to impress your mates at that Christmas party! Think of them as the elegant cousin of your regular dessert.
Plus, they’re deceptively easy to make.
Prep Steps: Operation Mise en Place
First things first. It's mise en place time! Which sounds fancy, but basically just means getting your stuff together. Soften your cream cheese.
This is crucial ! Trust me, you do not want lumpy cheesecake, okay? Melt your butter, crush your candy canes.
Chop, chop!
Time Saving Tip: Use a food processor for the cookie crumbs. Safety Reminder: If you're melting butter in the microwave, watch it like a hawk! Burnt butter? No, thank you!
step-by-step: Cheesecake Magic
Alright, let's get this show on the road:
- Crust Time: Mix cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into muffin liners. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Cheesecake Dreams: Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Then, add that yummy peppermint extract!
- Egg-cellent Addition: Beat in eggs, one at a time. Stir in sour cream. Don't overmix! We don't want tough cheesecakes.
- Pour & Bake: Pour filling into crusts. Bake at 325° F ( 160° C) for 20- 25 minutes. Watch for that slight jiggle in the center!
- Chill Out: Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. This is where the magic happens!
- Topping Time: Whisk heavy cream. Spread it on each cake.
- Peppermint Blast: Sprinkle with crushed candy cane cheesecake . Garnish with mini candy canes, if you're feeling fancy.
Pro Tips: Secrets to Cheesecake Success
Want that "wow" factor? Make sure you use really good quality peppermint desserts . Cheap extract tastes... well, cheap. Common Mistake Alert : Overbaking! Nobody likes a dry cheesecake.
Aim for that slight jiggle. Seriously, these chocolate peppermint cheesecake bites are next level. You can even make the crust and filling a day ahead for easy holiday baking .
Just store them separately. Now you have the perfect Christmas party desserts .
Honestly, these festive cheesecake recipe creations are so easy, even your nan could make them (maybe with a little help).
You'll be the star baker in no time! These are so close to a no bake peppermint cheesecake ! I remember the first time I made these; I totally forgot to chill the crust.
Rookie mistake! The bottom was a crumbly mess. Live and learn, eh?
Recipe Notes to Rock Your Peppermint Mini Cheesecakes
Alright, so you’re about to tackle these delightful peppermint mini cheesecakes . Honestly, you're in for a treat! Here are a few extra tips and tricks to make sure your holiday dessert recipes are a total success.
Think of it like getting the backstage pass to easy holiday baking .
Plating Perfection: Serving Suggestions
These peppermint mini cheesecakes are adorable on their own. But let's amp up the presentation. How about arranging them on a festive platter with a sprinkle of extra crushed candy canes? Or serve them alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate? If you're feeling fancy, add a sprig of fresh mint.
Want a different vibe? Complement them with a glass of chilled Prosecco! Trust me, they’ll be the star of your Christmas party desserts.
Storage Superpowers: Keeping 'em Fresh
These little guys are best served chilled. If you have leftovers, simply pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate.
They’ll keep for about 3-4 days. I never have leftovers though. If you're thinking long term, you can freeze them! Wrap each cheesecake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer safe bag.
They’ll be good for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight. Avoid microwave reheating.
Remix Magic: Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? For a chocolate peppermint cheesecake bites , add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the filling.
Boom! You got yourself a chocolate peppermint cheesecake bites . Need a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust.
You could even try swapping the crushed candy canes for chocolate shavings!
Nutrition Nuggets: A Little Something Extra
Okay, let’s be real, these are desserts. But hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone! Each mini cheesecake packs about 250 calories.
But think of the joy! Plus, the cream cheese provides a bit of calcium. It’s all about balance, right? Think of how much you exercise by bringing the festive cheesecake recipe, and moving the ingredients.
So go forth and bake! These peppermint mini cheesecakes are a surefire hit for the holidays. Enjoy the process and don’t be afraid to get a little messy. Merry baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
My peppermint mini cheesecakes cracked! What did I do wrong?
Cracked cheesecakes are a common baking woe, a bit like a soggy bottom on Bake Off! The most likely culprit is overbaking. Make sure to take them out when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle. Also, avoid drastic temperature changes; let them cool gradually in the oven before refrigerating.
Can I make these peppermint mini cheesecakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! These are actually better when made in advance. The flavors meld together beautifully in the fridge. You can make them a day or two ahead of time and then add the peppermint topping just before serving. Think of it as getting your ducks in a row before the Christmas rush!
I don't have peppermint extract. Can I use something else?
Peppermint extract is really the key to that classic peppermint flavor. Mint extract is usually spearmint or a blend of mint oils and won't give you the same robust flavour. If you really can't find peppermint extract, try using some peppermint schnapps (about a tablespoon) for both flavour and a bit of a festive kick (for adults only, of course!).
Can I freeze these peppermint mini cheesecakes?
Yes, you can! Freeze them without the peppermint topping. Wrap each cheesecake individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer safe container. They'll keep for about 2-3 months. Defrost them in the refrigerator overnight, then add the crushed candy canes before serving.
It's like having a secret stash of Christmas cheer for a rainy day!
What's the best way to crush the candy canes for the peppermint mini cheesecakes topping?
There are a couple of methods! The easiest is to put the candy canes in a zip-top bag and bash them with a rolling pin (a great stress reliever, if you've had a rough day!). You can also pulse them in a food processor for a finer crumb. Just be careful not to over process them into a powder!
A few larger chunks add a nice textural contrast.
Peppermint Pattys Peppermint Mini Cheesecakes A
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 1g |
