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Gnome Mini Cheesecakes

Gnome Mini Cheesecakes are charming, bite-sized desserts that combine a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling with a crunchy graham cracker crust. Perfectly portioned and decorated with whimsical gnome designs, these mini cheesecakes are easy to make, versatile in flavor, and ideal for parties or any special occasion.

  • Total Time: 4 to 6 hours (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 24 mini cheesecakes

Ingredients

Cheesecake Filling

  • Cream Cheese – 16 oz (softened)
  • Sugar – 3/4 cup
  • Sour Cream – 1/2 cup
  • Eggs – 2 large
  • Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
  • Food Coloring or Natural Dyes – optional, as needed for decoration

Crust

  • Graham Crackers – 1 1/2 cups finely crushed
  • Melted Butter – 6 tablespoons
  • Sugar – 1 tablespoon

Decorative Toppings

  • Mini Berries – as desired
  • Edible Glitter – as desired
  • Candy Eyes – as desired
  • Other Decorative Edible Items – optional

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Start by crushing graham crackers finely and combine them with melted butter and a touch of sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottoms of mini muffin tins or silicone molds to create a solid base.
  2. Mix the Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add in sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs one at a time, mixing gently. If you want colored gnome hats or accents, divide the filling and add food coloring accordingly.
  3. Assemble the Cheesecakes: Spoon the filling over the prepared crusts, filling each cup nearly to the top. Use different colored fillings or piping techniques to create the gnome hat and face sections.
  4. Bake: Place the muffin tin in a preheated oven and bake at 325°F (160°C) for approximately 18-22 minutes. The centers should still jiggle slightly when done to ensure a creamy texture.
  5. Cool and Decorate: Let the cheesecakes cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 3 hours or overnight. Add your decorative toppings to create the charming gnome faces and hats, using berries, candy eyes, or edible paint.

Notes

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smoother batter without lumps.
  • Do Not Overmix: Mix just enough to combine ingredients to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks.
  • Use a Water Bath: Placing the baking pan in a shallow water bath helps prevent cracking and keeps the texture silky.
  • Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate overnight if possible; flavors intensify and texture firms up beautifully.
  • Creative Decoration: Use small spatulas or piping bags for precise decorating to bring your gnome design to life.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: mini cheesecake, gnome cheesecake, bite-sized cheesecake, party dessert, gnome dessert, easy cheesecake recipe, gluten free cheesecake