Peppermint Patty Mini Cheesecakes a Festive Bite of Bliss
Recipe Introduction
Ever find yourself craving something sweet and festive? I know I do! These peppermint mini cheesecakes are the answer. They're a delightful treat, full of creamy, minty goodness.
A Little Bite of Christmas Magic
These little beauties are inspired by peppermint bark. They're the perfect mini Christmas desserts . Think festive flavors in a bite sized package!
Originating from the American tradition of peppermint desserts, these peppermint cheesecake bites are ideal for festive sharing, bringing joy and cheer.
This holiday cheesecake recipe is super easy. Prep time takes only 25 minutes plus 45 minutes chilling the crust, and bake time around 20- 25 minutes.
This recipe makes 12 easy peppermint desserts .
Why You'll Love These Festive Cheesecake Recipes
These cheesecakes aren't just delicious; they're also relatively light. They're perfect for a small gathering. These mini dessert recipes are special because they balance rich flavor with ease.
Honestly, the best part is the crushed candy cane topping . The chocolate peppermint cheesecake version is my favourite! These little things are packed with flavour thanks to the peppermint extract desserts .
They bring the essence of Christmas baking ideas right to your table. Ready to get baking? Let's dive into the ingredients!
Alright, let's get down to business! We're making peppermint mini cheesecakes . These little bites are epic for the holidays. Seriously, who can resist mini Christmas desserts? Plus, they're way easier than a full sized cheesecake.
Trust me!
Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment
Okay, prepping is key. Nothing worse than realizing you're missing something mid-bake!
Main Ingredients for these Festive Cheesecake Recipes
Here’s what you'll need to make about 12 yummy cheesecakes:
Crust Time:
- 1 ½ cups ( 150g ) chocolate wafer crumbs. Oreos without the filling are fab!.
- 5 tablespoons ( 70g ) unsalted butter, melted. Extra for greasing.
- 1 tablespoon ( 12g ) granulated sugar.
Cheesecake Filling Fun:
- 16 ounces ( 450g ) cream cheese, softened. Like, really soft.
- ½ cup ( 100g ) granulated sugar.
- ¼ cup ( 60g ) sour cream.
- 1 large egg.
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract. Peppermint extract desserts need that punch!
- Pinch of salt.
Crushed Candy Cane Topping Magic:
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies. About 5-6 candy canes will do!
Quality check? For the cream cheese, go with a full fat option. It makes all the difference, honestly.
Seasoning Secrets
Let's talk flavor!
The peppermint extract is crucial. It gives that signature peppermint kick. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to your liking. Vanilla extract rounds it out and complements everything.
Feeling adventurous? Add a touch of cocoa powder to the crust. Hello, chocolate peppermint cheesecake !
No peppermint extract? A few drops of peppermint essential oil (food grade only!) very sparingly will work. Seriously, be careful!
Essential Equipment.
Right, tools of the trade!
- 12-cup muffin tin. Or two 6-cup tins.
- Paper liners. Makes life easier, trust me.
- Mixing bowls (large and medium).
- Electric mixer. Handheld or stand mixer, your call.
- Rubber spatula.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Obvs.
- Small food processor. For crushing candy canes. Optional, but saves time!
Don't have a food processor? A ziplock bag and a rolling pin work wonders. Great stress relief, too!. For holiday cheesecake recipe , simple is often best, right? These peppermint cheesecake bites will become your go-to mini dessert recipes , I promise.
Get ready for a wave of Christmas baking ideas!
Peppermint Patty Mini Cheesecakes: A Festive Bite of Bliss
Oh my gosh, you guys! Get ready for the most adorable, delicious, and totally addictive peppermint mini cheesecakes you'll ever make.
These little gems are perfect for Christmas. They're also amazing all winter long, honestly. Forget those store-bought mini Christmas desserts .
These are so much better. You won't regret it.
Prep Steps: Operation Mise en Place, A-Go!
First things first, essential mise en place . That just means getting everything ready. It's French, innit? So, soften your 16 ounces cream cheese.
It needs to be room temp. Melt 5 tablespoons of butter for the crust. Crush about 1/2 cup of candy canes.
Honestly, the food processor makes that so much easier!
Time saving organization tips: Measure out all your ingredients before you start. It saves a tonne of time. I speak from experience, believe me.
And safety reminders : Don't lick the beaters while the electric mixer is still running! Not that I've ever done that.
Ahem.
step-by-step: Baking Bliss
Crust Time : Combine 1 1/2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Press into a greased 12-cup muffin tin (or use paper liners).
Chill the crust for 45 minutes .
Oven Prep : Preheat your oven to 325° F ( 160° C) .
Creamy Filling : Beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Mix in 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 large egg, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract .
Add a pinch of salt.
Assembly Time : Pour the filling over the chilled crusts.
Bake : Bake for 20- 25 minutes . The edges should be set. The centre will still have a slight jiggle.
Cool Down : Turn off the oven. Crack the door and let them cool for 30 minutes. Then cool completely at room temperature.
Chill Out : Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
Candy Cane Magic : Top with your crushed candy cane topping just before you serve.
Pro Tips: Secret Baker Moves
Want holiday cheesecake recipe perfection? Make sure your cream cheese is definitely room temperature. Lumps are the enemy, you know? If you over bake these easy peppermint desserts , they'll crack. It’s devastating.
make-ahead option? You can make the cheesecakes a day ahead. Just don’t add the candy canes until you're ready to serve.
They can get a bit sticky. These festive cheesecake recipes will have everyone asking for more, honestly. You can even swirl some melted chocolate into the batter for chocolate peppermint cheesecake .
It’s like a mini dessert recipes party in your mouth. I hope you'll agree. So, there you have it. A little bit of Christmas baking ideas for you.
Go on, give these peppermint extract desserts a go! You won't be disappointed, my friend!
Recipe Notes for Perfect Peppermint Mini Cheesecakes
Right, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs to make these peppermint mini cheesecakes absolutely spot on! Honestly, these mini Christmas desserts are so easy, but a few tweaks can elevate them from good to amazing .
I learned the hard way about overbaking, so listen up.
Serving 'Em Up Like a Pro
Okay, so presentation is key. These festive cheesecake recipes deserve to be shown off. I like to arrange these peppermint cheesecake bites on a pretty platter.
A little dollop of whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of crushed candy cane topping ? Absolutely! These are fab with a mug of hot choccy or even a sneaky glass of Baileys.
Talk about getting into the Christmas spirit!
Storing Your Festive Fancies
Got leftovers? Rare, I know, but hey, it happens. Keep these peppermint mini cheesecakes in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Pop them in an airtight container. Wanna freeze them? Go for it! They'll keep for about a month. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
When reheating, I like to let them sit out at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving, so they are not completely frozen.
Remixing the Recipe: Variations Galore
Fancy a change? No sweat! Try swapping out the chocolate wafer crumbs for gluten-free cookies if you need a gluten-free option.
You can play around with other flavors using other flavour extracts, too. To make these easy peppermint desserts even more festive, you could swirl in some melted chocolate for a chocolate peppermint cheesecake vibe.
Or you can replace the peppermint with lemon for a refreshing taste! There are countless Christmas baking ideas available!
Nutrition Nibbles
Let's talk about the boring stuff sort of. Each of these mini dessert recipes is about 220 calories. They've also got roughly 3g of protein, 14g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 15g of sugar.
Of course, that's just an estimate. They're a treat, not health food, but hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone, especially during the holidays! Peppermint has been known to help digestion so its a perfect peppermint extract desserts !
So there you have it. My guide to making these Peppermint Patty Mini Cheesecakes: A Festive Bite of Bliss . Now go on, get baking and make some delicious memories with these holiday cheesecake recipe .
I really hope you enjoy them!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these peppermint mini cheesecakes ahead of time? I'm planning a Christmas party!
Absolutely! In fact, it's highly recommended. These peppermint mini cheesecakes are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They actually taste even better after they've had some time to chill and let the flavors meld together.
Less stress on the day, more time for a sherry!
My cheesecake filling cracked! What did I do wrong, and how can I prevent it next time I make these peppermint mini cheesecakes?
Cracked cheesecakes are a common baking woe, but easily avoided! The most common culprit is overbaking, so be sure to take them out when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Cooling them gradually in the oven with the door ajar helps prevent rapid temperature changes that can cause cracking.
Think of it like a gentle spa day for your cheesecakes!
I don't have chocolate wafers for the crust. Can I use something else for my peppermint mini cheesecakes?
No worries, you've got options! Graham crackers or digestive biscuits make excellent substitutes for the chocolate wafer crumbs. Simply crush them up and proceed with the recipe as written. You could even use gingersnaps for a more festive, spiced flavor that would go brilliantly with the peppermint.
How long will these peppermint mini cheesecakes last in the fridge?
These little beauties will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing any other flavors from the fridge. Although, let's be honest, they're unlikely to last that long! They're a bit too tempting.
Can I freeze peppermint mini cheesecakes?
You bet! If you want to get ahead of the game, these freeze beautifully. Wrap each cheesecake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer safe container or bag. They'll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Just maybe add the crushed candy canes after thawing, to stop them from getting sticky.
Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract in these peppermint mini cheesecakes? What's the difference?
Peppermint oil is much more potent than peppermint extract. If you're using peppermint oil, you'll need to use significantly less start with just a drop or two and taste as you go! Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away. Think of it like adding chili a little goes a long way!
Peppermint Patty Mini Cheesecakes A Festive Bite
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 220 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 0g |
