Name: Gnome Mini Cheesecakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup graham cracker crumbs; 3 tablespoons melted butter; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; Fresh strawberries (1 per cheesecake); Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade); Mini white chocolate chips or small candy pearls (for noses); Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Introduction

These charming Gnome Mini Cheesecakes are a delightful treat perfect for festive occasions or everyday indulgence. With a creamy filling, buttery crust, and adorable strawberry gnome decorations, they’re sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

This image shows small round cheesecakes on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each cheesecake has three layers: a crumbly brown base, a smooth pale yellow cheesecake middle, and a topping of white whipped cream shaped like a beard. On top of the whipped cream is a red strawberry cut into a cone shape forming a hat, dusted with powdered sugar, with a small round beige candy or cream ball placed between the hat and whipped cream resembling a nose. Fresh whole strawberries with green leaves sit on the plate around the cheesecakes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Fresh strawberries (1 per cheesecake)
Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
Mini white chocolate chips or small candy pearls (for noses)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or silicone molds to make removing the cheesecakes easier after baking and cooling.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar until the texture resembles damp sand. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of this mixture into each liner and press down firmly with the back of a spoon or the bottom of a small glass. Bake for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add ½ cup sugar and continue beating until light and well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, blending on low speed after each addition. Finally, fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt to achieve a silky texture. Avoid overmixing after adding the eggs to prevent cracks.
Step 4: Divide the cheesecake batter evenly among the liners, filling about three-quarters full. Bake for 18–20 minutes at 325°F (160°C), until the centers are set but still slightly wobbly. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let cool inside for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack until completely cool. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
Step 5: Prepare the decorations by washing and hull the strawberries, trimming the base so they can stand upright. Once cheesecakes are chilled, remove the liners. Add a generous dollop of whipped cream on each cheesecake to form the gnome’s beard. Place a strawberry upside down on the cream for the hat. Add a small dot of whipped cream on top as a pompom and place a mini white chocolate chip or candy pearl just below the hat for the nose.
Step 6: Lightly dust the finished gnomes with powdered sugar to mimic snow. Arrange the mini cheesecakes on a festive platter for a charming presentation.

Tips & Variations

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier flavor and lighter texture in the filling.
Swap graham cracker crumbs with digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer crumbs for a different crust taste.
For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake batter.
Try decorating with raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries for colorful variation.

Storage

Store these mini cheesecakes covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep decorations fresh, add whipped cream and strawberries just before serving. They can be chilled overnight for convenient preparation. If needed, bring to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve

The image shows small cheesecake desserts arranged closely on a white plate over a white marbled surface. Each cheesecake has three layers: a brown crumb crust at the bottom, a thick light yellow creamy cheesecake middle layer, and a smooth top. Each one is decorated with a white whipped cream beard that is ruffled and fluffy, topped with a whole strawberry placed upside down to look like a red pointed hat dusted with powdered sugar. A small round beige candy sits where a nose would be between the whipped cream and the strawberry. Around the cheesecakes are whole strawberries and small green pine branches, adding a festive touch. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these mini cheesecakes?

Yes, you can freeze the cheesecakes without decorations. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before decorating and serving.

What can I use instead of strawberries for the gnome hats?

If strawberries aren’t available, you can use raspberries, small pieces of red apple, or even maraschino cherries to create the gnome hats. Just make sure they are small enough to balance on the whipped cream beards.