Description
This Mini Gingerbread Cheesecake Recipe offers a festive and delightful twist on classic cheesecake with a spiced Biscoff cookie crust and creamy gingerbread-flavored filling. Perfectly portioned as cupcakes, these treats are topped with fluffy homemade whipped cream and a cookie for added texture and flavor, making them an ideal dessert for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups (186g) Biscoff cookie crumbs
- 3-4 tablespoons (43-56g) unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces (452g) full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ cup (95g) light brown sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120g) sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) molasses
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup (236ml) heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup (65g) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with baking liners to ensure easy removal of the mini cheesecakes after baking.
- Make the Crust: Grind the Biscoff cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or blender. In a medium bowl, mix these crumbs with 3 tablespoons of melted butter, adding an extra tablespoon if the mixture seems too dry.
- Form the Crust Base: Spoon about 1 heaping tablespoon of the cookie mixture into each cupcake liner and press it down firmly with a spoon to form an even crust layer. Set aside for filling.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Scrape down the bowl walls as needed.
- Add Sour Cream and Molasses: Beat in the sour cream and molasses until fully incorporated, then add the eggs one at a time, beating until the batter is completely smooth.
- Fill the Cupcake Liners: Using a large cookie scoop or a ¼ cup measuring cup, evenly distribute the cheesecake batter over the prepared crusts, filling each liner nearly to the top but leaving about a ¼-inch space.
- Bake the Mini Cheesecakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until the centers are slightly jiggly but the edges are set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Chill the Cheesecakes: Once cooled, refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for at least 2 hours to set properly before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prepare Whipped Cream: Place a mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to chill. Pour the heavy whipping cream into the chilled bowl and beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks begin to form.
- Sweeten and Finalize Whipped Cream: Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to beat on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Serve: Pipe or spoon the whipped cream on top of each chilled mini cheesecake and garnish with a cookie for an attractive finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and even baking.
- Watch the cheesecakes closely during baking; overbaking can cause cracking and dryness.
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the whipped cream before serving.
- Use a gentle folding technique when mixing eggs to avoid incorporating too much air into the batter.
- If you prefer a non-dairy option, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with vegan alternatives and use coconut cream for whipping.