Description
The Grinch Mini Cheesecake is a festive and delicious holiday dessert featuring creamy, smooth cheesecake with a vibrant green color inspired by the beloved Grinch. Perfectly portioned as mini servings, this easy-to-make treat combines a crunchy graham cracker crust with a rich and velvety filling, making it ideal for holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or cozy nights in. Customize it with gluten-free or dairy-free options, and embellish with fun toppings to capture the spirit of the season in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 5–10 drops green food coloring
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs, then combine them with melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottoms of a mini muffin tin or small cheesecake pans to create a crisp and flavorful base.
- Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and green food coloring until evenly combined. If using, fold in sour cream to enrich the texture.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon the green cheesecake mixture evenly over the prepared crusts and smooth the tops. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the mini cheesecakes from the oven and let them cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to firm up and develop full flavor.
- Add Finishing Touches: Before serving, decorate with whipped cream, sprinkles, or small edible holiday decorations to enhance the festive appearance.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Do not overbake; slightly underbaking keeps the texture creamy.
- Chill well for clean slices and best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of green food coloring to achieve your desired shade.
- For an ultra-smooth texture, bake cheesecakes in a water bath to regulate heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Grinch cheesecake, mini cheesecake, holiday dessert, Christmas cheesecake, green cheesecake, festive dessert, gluten-free cheesecake