These Grinch Mini Cheesecakes bring instant cheer to any dessert table. They are creamy, lightly tangy, and dyed the happiest green with a tiny red heart on top. Perfect for parties, cookie swaps, and little hands.
Grinch Mini Cheesecakes
Equipment
- 1 12-cup muffin tin
- 12 Cupcake liners
- 1 Mixing Bowls
- 1 hand mixer or stand mixer
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Cooling rack
- 1 Offset spatula (optional)
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs finely crushed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese full-fat blocks, softened
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp alcohol-free vanilla
- 0.125 tsp salt pinch
- green gel food coloring a few drops, to tint vibrant Grinch green
Decoration
- 12 mini red heart candies one per cheesecake
- 2 oz white chocolate melted, for optional drizzle
Instructions
Prep
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Heat oven to 325°F (163°C). Set out the cream cheese to soften.
Crust
- Stir the cookie crumbs with the melted butter until evenly moistened. Spoon about 1 tablespoon into each liner and press firmly with the bottom of a measuring cup.
Filling
- Beat softened cream cheese and sugar on medium-low until smooth and creamy, scraping the bowl. Mix in sour cream, alcohol-free vanilla, and salt just until combined. Add eggs one at a time on low speed. Tint with green gel food coloring until vibrant (not neon).
Bake
- Divide batter over the crusts, filling each about 3/4 full. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles. Bake 16–18 minutes, until edges are set and centers still jiggle slightly.
Cool
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let cheesecakes rest 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool to room temperature, then chill uncovered 1 hour before covering. Refrigerate at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
Decorate
- Top each cheesecake with a single red heart candy. For extra flair, add a thin white chocolate drizzle before placing the heart.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Grinch Mini Cheesecakes
- Festive and fun: bright green filling with a sweet red heart.
- Simple ingredients: pantry staples come together in a few easy steps.
- Party perfect: bite-size, portable, and make-ahead friendly.
- Kid-approved: mild, creamy flavor and a whimsical look.
Grinch Mini Cheesecakes Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs: Finely crushed for the crust. Substitute chocolate graham crackers or digestive biscuits plus 1 tablespoon cocoa.
- Unsalted butter: Holds the crust together. Coconut oil works in a pinch.
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat blocks, softened for a silky filling.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering.
- Eggs: Room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and prevents dryness. Plain Greek yogurt also works.
- Alcohol-free vanilla: Warm flavor without altering color.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness.
- Green gel food coloring: A few drops give that iconic hue. Matcha or spinach powder can tint naturally, though flavor may change.
- Mini red heart candies: Or cut tiny hearts from red fondant or fruit leather.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Grinch Mini Cheesecakes
1) Prep the pan
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Heat oven to 325°F (163°C). Set out cream cheese so it softens.
2) Make the crust
Stir cookie crumbs with melted butter until evenly moistened. Spoon about 1 tablespoon into each liner and press firmly with the bottom of a measuring cup.
3) Mix the cheesecake batter
Beat softened cream cheese and sugar on medium-low until smooth and creamy, scraping the bowl. Mix in sour cream, alcohol-free vanilla, and salt until just combined. Add eggs one at a time on low speed. Tint with green gel coloring until you reach a vibrant but not neon shade.
4) Fill and bake
Divide batter over the crusts, filling each about 3/4 full. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles. Bake 16 to 18 minutes, until edges are set and centers still jiggle slightly.
5) Cool and chill
Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let cheesecakes rest 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool to room temperature, then chill uncovered 1 hour before covering. Refrigerate at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
6) Decorate
Top each cheesecake with a single red heart candy. If you like, add a thin white chocolate drizzle before placing the heart.
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature dairy to avoid lumps.
- Mix on low speed to prevent excess air, which can lead to cracks.
- Do not overbake. Slight wobble in the center means a creamy texture after chilling.
- Let them cool gradually to minimize sinking.
- For ultra-smooth tops, run a thin offset spatula around warm edges before chilling.
Variations of Grinch Mini Cheesecakes
- Mint twist: Add a drop of peppermint extract and garnish with crushed candy canes.
- Chocolate swirl: Marble in 2 tablespoons melted dark chocolate.
- Cookie bottom swap: Use vanilla wafers or ginger snaps for a different flavor profile.
- Glitter finish: Dust with edible glitter for extra sparkle.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Grinch Mini Cheesecakes
- Hot cocoa with whipped cream.
- Warm peppermint tea or chai.
- Fresh berries to balance the richness.
- A platter with sugar cookies and chocolate-dipped pretzels.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store covered for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze on a sheet pan until firm, then wrap individually and store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: No reheating needed. Serve chilled or let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
Memories Made Around the Table
We make these every year while a favorite green movie plays in the background. Kids place the little hearts, and somehow the tiniest hands make the sweetest treats.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead? Yes. They are best after an overnight chill, and they hold beautifully for several days.
Can I use a mini muffin pan? Absolutely. Reduce bake time to 10 to 12 minutes, watching for set edges and a slight jiggle.
How do I prevent cracks? Use room-temperature ingredients, mix on low, avoid overbaking, and cool gradually with the oven door cracked.
What if I do not have green gel coloring? Use a small amount of matcha or spinach powder for color, or skip coloring and keep them classic.
Final Thoughts
These Grinch Mini Cheesecakes are playful, creamy, and easy to share. Make them once, and they will become a joyful tradition year after year.