A recipe has no soul. You, as the cook, must bring soul to the recipe.
Thomas Keller
These Santa Hat Mini Cheesecakes are festive, adorable, and irresistibly delicious! Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful edible gift, they combine the spiced warmth of gingerbread with a creamy cheesecake filling, topped with whipped cream and strawberries for the ultimate festive flair.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Fun: The strawberry Santa hat topping adds a whimsical holiday touch.
- Perfect Portions: Mini cheesecakes are easy to serve and just the right size for a sweet treat.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare them in advance to simplify your holiday hosting.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 3.5 oz. / 100 g crushed gingerbread cookies
- 1.8 oz. / 50 g melted butter
For the Filling:
- 7 oz. / 200 g cream cheese
- 1/4 cup / 60 g sour cream
- 1/3 cup / 80 ml sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 egg
For the Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Strawberries
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed gingerbread cookies with melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the cavities of a muffin pan lined with muffin liners to form the base.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to combine the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the egg until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
3. Assemble and Bake:
- Spoon the cheesecake filling over the prepared crusts, dividing evenly among the muffin liners.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C / 320°F for approximately 30 minutes, or until the tops are set but slightly jiggly in the center.
4. Chill and Decorate:
- Allow the cheesecakes to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for 3–4 hours until fully set.
- Top each cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and a strawberry to create the Santa hat effect.
Pro Tips for Perfect Santa Hat Mini Cheesecakes
- Crust Options: Substitute gingerbread cookies with graham crackers or digestive biscuits for a milder base.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Toppings: Sprinkle powdered sugar over the “hats” for a snowy effect!
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 3–4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Servings: 10 mini cheesecakes
- Calories: ~150 kcal per cheesecake
Bring Joy to Your Table!
These Santa Hat Mini Cheesecakes will be the star of your dessert table this Christmas. If you try this recipe, share your creation on social media or in the comments below—we’d love to see your festive treats! 🎄✨
Happy Holidays and happy baking! 🎅🎂
