Mini Peppermint Cheesecake Bites

$- 1 cup crushed graham crackers - 3 tablespoons melted butter - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract - 1 cup whipped cream - Mini chocolate chips (for garnish) - Crushed candy canes (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a special role in making these mini peppermint cheesecake bites rich and creamy. The graham crackers form a sweet and crumbly crust. The melted butter and sugar bind them together, giving them a nice texture. Cream cheese adds that wonderful creamy base. It pairs perfectly with the sweetness of powdered sugar and the warmth of vanilla extract. The peppermint extract brings in that festive flavor, making every bite delightful. Whipped cream is the secret to lightness in the cheesecake. It makes the filling fluffy and airy. The mini chocolate chips and crushed candy canes are not just for looks; they add crunch and a burst of flavor. With these ingredients, you’ll create bites that are sure to impress. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). - Line a mini muffin tray with cupcake liners. - In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of crushed graham crackers, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. - Mix until it looks like wet sand. - Take about 1 tablespoon of this mixture and press it into each liner. - Bake for 5 minutes and then cool them on a wire rack. - In a large bowl, beat 16 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth. - Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract. - Mix until all ingredients combine well and the mixture is smooth. - Carefully fold in 1 cup of whipped cream with a spatula until fluffy and creamy. - Spoon or pipe the cheesecake mixture into each muffin liner over the cooled crust. - Fill them generously to create a nice dome shape. - Place the tray in the refrigerator and let the bites set for at least 2 hours. - Before serving, sprinkle mini chocolate chips and crushed candy canes on top for a festive touch. To get a great crust, your mixture must look like wet sand. Combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar well. This step is key for a solid base. After mixing, press the mixture firmly into each muffin liner. This will help the crust hold together when baked. Adjust the peppermint extract to find your perfect taste. If you want a stronger mint flavor, add a bit more extract. On the other hand, try using vanilla or almond extract for a different twist. You can also use citrus zest for a fresh, bright taste. For a festive touch, arrange the cheesecake bites on colorful platters. You can use festive decorations, like whole candy canes or sprigs of mint. To make them sparkle, sprinkle edible glitter or colorful sprinkles on top. This little detail adds charm to your dessert and makes it extra special. Pro Tips Chill Your Tools: For a smoother cheesecake filling, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator before use. This helps maintain a cooler temperature while mixing, resulting in a creamier texture. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps and creates a smoother filling. Don't Overmix: When folding in the whipped cream, be gentle. Overmixing can deflate the airiness, resulting in a denser cheesecake bite. Garnish Creatively: In addition to mini chocolate chips and crushed candy canes, consider adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair when serving. {{image_4}} You can change up the flavor of these cheesecake bites in fun ways. Consider a chocolate peppermint twist. For this, add cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture. It gives a rich taste that pairs well with peppermint. You can also create seasonal fruit toppings. Try fresh berries or sliced strawberries. They add color and freshness to the bites. If you need a gluten-free version, swap the crust ingredients. Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour instead. Mix these with melted butter and sugar as before. This keeps the delicious taste while making it safe for everyone. You can switch up the toppings too. Instead of mini chocolate chips and crushed candy canes, try chopped nuts or caramel syrup. Sliced almonds or walnuts add a nice crunch. Drizzling with chocolate sauce gives a sweet touch. Use your favorite toppings to make these bites your own! To keep your mini peppermint cheesecake bites fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This method keeps them creamy and prevents drying. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each bite in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method helps preserve their taste and texture for later enjoyment. Mini peppermint cheesecake bites last about five days in the fridge. After this, they may start to lose their flavor and texture. If frozen, they can last up to three months. Just be sure to label your containers with the date you made them. This way, you will know when to enjoy them at their best. If your cheesecake bites feel a bit firm after storage, don’t worry. You can restore their creamy texture. Simply let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This helps soften them. For added flavor, you can top them with fresh whipped cream before serving. This little touch makes them feel fresh and exciting again. Yes, you can make these cheesecake bites a day in advance. Prepare them as directed and chill them in the fridge. This helps the flavors blend well. Just remember to add toppings before serving for the best look. You can tell they are set when they feel firm to the touch. Gently press the tops with your finger. If they spring back, they are ready. They should also look slightly glossy and smooth. You can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt as substitutes. Mascarpone gives a rich flavor, while Greek yogurt makes it lighter. Both options will change the taste a bit, but they'll still taste great. Leftover cheesecake bites make a tasty snack. You can also crumble them on top of ice cream or mix them into a yogurt parfait. Another option is to blend them into a shake for a sweet treat. In this post, we explored how to make delightful mini peppermint cheesecake bites. We covered all the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for best results. You can easily customize flavors and enhance presentation for any occasion. Remember to store your bites properly for maximum freshness. Whether you plan to share or enjoy them solo, these treats are sure to impress. Creating them is simple and fun, making your dessert game stronger. Enjoy making these tasty bites your own!$

Mini Peppermint Cheesecake Bites

Deliciously festive mini cheesecakes with a peppermint twist, perfect for holiday gatherings.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 5

Total Time 2 25

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup crushed graham crackers
3 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.25 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 cup whipped cream
to taste mini chocolate chips (for garnish)
to taste crushed candy canes (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a mini muffin tray with mini cupcake liners to prepare for the cheesecake bites.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Take about 1 tablespoon of the graham cracker mixture and firmly press it into the bottom of each mini muffin liner, creating a solid crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, then remove and allow to cool slightly on a wire rack.
While the crusts are cooling, place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Using electric mixers, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until it's smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, along with the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Continue mixing until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
Carefully fold in the whipped cream with a spatula until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. Be gentle to keep the airiness of the whipped cream.
Spoon or use a piping bag to elegantly fill each mini muffin liner with the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, making sure to fill them generously.
Place the filled muffin tray in the refrigerator and allow the cheesecake bites to set for a minimum of 2 hours.
Just before serving, decorate each cheesecake bite with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips and crushed candy canes to add that delightful festive flair.

Notes

For an impressive display, arrange the cheesecake bites on a festive serving platter. Enhance the visual appeal by adding a few whole candy canes and a sprinkle of edible glitter atop the bites for a touch of holiday magic.

Keyword cheesecake, holiday dessert, mini bites, peppermint