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Gnome Mini Cheesecakes

Delightful mini cheesecakes topped with strawberries that resemble tiny gnome hats, perfect for gatherings and cozy family moments.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crust Ingredients
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs Use finely crushed crumbs.
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter Unsalted butter preferred.
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened Ensure fully softened for easy blending.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs Add one at a time.
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt Adds tanginess.
Toppings
  • 1 each Fresh strawberries One per cheesecake.
  • 1 cup whipped cream Store-bought or homemade.
  • 1/4 cup mini white chocolate chips or small candy pearls For the gnome's nose.
  • to taste powdered sugar For dusting.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners or silicone molds.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each cupcake liner.
  3. Bake the crusts for 5 minutes and let them cool.
Cheesecake Filling
  1. In a large bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar and mix until fluffy.
  2. Introduce the vanilla extract, and then the eggs, one at a time, ensuring a smooth blend.
  3. Stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  4. Fill the muffin cups with the cheesecake batter until about 3/4 full.
  5. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until just set. Let them cool in the oven with the door cracked, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Assembly
  1. Once cooled, gently remove the cheesecakes from the liners.
  2. Top each cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and place a trimmed strawberry upside down on top.
  3. Add a small dollop of whipped cream at the tip of the strawberry and press a chocolate chip or candy pearl as the gnome's nose.
  4. Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, keeping strawberries separate until serving. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and flavors.