Festive Gingerbread Spice Cheesecake Cups Recipe

Jolly Gingerbread Spice Cheesecake Cups Recipe – Tiny Treats!

Decadent holiday treats like these gingerbread spice cheesecake cups bring warmth to chilly winter evenings.

Creamy cheesecake blends perfectly with rich, warming gingerbread spices that dance across your palate.

Festive desserts often feel complicated, but these individual cups simplify elegant entertaining.

Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweet and spicy notes that capture classic holiday flavors.

Smooth cream cheese mingles with molasses and classic gingerbread spices for a truly memorable dessert experience.

Layers of texture and depth make these cups a standout addition to any seasonal celebration.

Serve these delightful cups and watch your guests fall in love with every single spoonful.

Ways to Serve Cheesecake Cups for Holidays

  • Holiday Dessert Platter: Create a festive display by arranging the gingerbread cheesecake cups on a rustic wooden board with fresh mint leaves, cinnamon sticks, and whole gingersnap cookies for a stunning holiday presentation.
  • Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside warm mulled wine, spiced apple cider, or a rich espresso to complement the cheesecake's warm, cozy spice profile and enhance the overall dessert experience.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these cups up to 3 days in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator, which makes them perfect for holiday gatherings and stress-free entertaining with minimal last-minute preparation.
  • Seasonal Gift Idea: Package individual cheesecake cups in clear gift boxes with festive ribbons, turning them into delightful homemade gifts that showcase your culinary creativity during the holiday season.

Save No-Bake Cups for the Sweet Tooth Later

  • Chilling Champion: Refrigerate the cheesecake cups for 2-4 hours to achieve perfect texture and let flavors meld together, ensuring a delightful dessert experience.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these cups up to 3 days in advance, keeping them tightly covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and save time before serving.
  • Freezer-Friendly Delight: Wrap individual cups in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Smart Storage Strategy: Keep cheesecake cups in sealed containers, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their beautiful presentation. Always store in the coldest part of the refrigerator to extend their delicious lifespan.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 368 kcal

Servings: 4

What’s in Gingerbread Cheesecake Cups

For Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, crispy foundation with warm, toasty notes that complement the creamy filling.
  • Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients.
  • Cinnamon: Introduces a warm, aromatic spice that enhances the gingerbread theme.
  • Butter: Ensures the crust holds together and creates a rich, smooth texture.
For Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a luxurious, smooth base with tangy richness.
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers deep caramel undertones and additional warmth.
  • Molasses: Adds intense, robust sweetness characteristic of traditional gingerbread.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and rounds out the complex flavor profile.
  • Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Blend classic gingerbread spices for an authentic, cozy taste sensation.
  • Whipped Cream: Lightens the filling, adding airiness and silky texture.
For Garnish:
  • Whipped Cream: Provides a cloud-like, creamy topping.
  • Gingersnap Cookies: Offers delightful crunch and extra spice.
  • Cinnamon Stick, Mini Gingerbread Man: Optional decorative elements that enhance visual appeal.

Kitchen Tools for No-Bake Cheesecake Cups

  • Electric mixer: Essential for beating cream cheese and creating smooth, creamy filling.
  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining cream cheese, sugar, and spices.
  • Spatula: Great for folding whipped cream and smoothing cheesecake tops.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • 6 serving glasses or cups: Needed to create individual no-bake desserts.
  • Whisk: Helpful for mixing crust ingredients and incorporating spices.
  • Piping bag (optional): Useful for creating decorative filling layers.

Assemble Gingerbread Cheesecake With No Oven

  • Create Crunchy Cookie Base

Crush graham crackers and blend with melted butter, creating a rich foundation that will hold your delightful dessert together. Press this mixture firmly into serving glasses, forming a delectable bottom layer.

  • Whip Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Blend cream cheese with brown sugar until silky smooth, then incorporate warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gently fold in whipped cream to create an airy, luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.

  • Layer and Chill Dessert

Carefully spoon the spiced cheesecake mixture over your cookie base, creating elegant swirls or smooth surfaces. Refrigerate for a couple of hours until the filling sets and becomes wonderfully firm.

  • Add Festive Finishing Touches

Crown each dessert cup with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream. Sprinkle crushed gingersnap cookies on top and consider adding a charming cinnamon stick or adorable gingerbread man decoration for extra holiday spirit.

Gingerbread Add-Ons for a Bolder Taste

  • Perfect Spice Balance: Adjust ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg amounts to match your personal taste preference, ensuring a warm and cozy flavor profile.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these delightful cheesecake cups up to 3 days in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator for stress-free entertaining.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almond meal to create a celiac-friendly dessert option.
  • Vegan Transformation: Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, use coconut whipped cream, and select plant-based butter to craft a completely vegan version of this festive treat.
  • Holiday Gift Potential: Package these individual cups in clear mason jars with festive ribbons for a charming homemade edible gift that's sure to impress family and friends.
Print
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Festive Gingerbread Spice Cheesecake Cups Recipe

Festive Gingerbread Spice Cheesecake Cups


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4.9 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Gingerbread spice cheesecake cups celebrate holiday comfort with creamy layers of festive flavor. Rich graham cracker base and silky cream cheese filling deliver sweet warmth that delights winter palates.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (120 g) graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream, whipped
  • ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsps granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsps molasses
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • Whipped cream
  • Crushed gingersnap cookies
  • Cinnamon sticks or mini gingerbread men (optional)

Instructions

  1. Crust Creation: Pulverize graham crackers and combine with melted butter, blending until the mixture resembles damp sand. Press firmly into individual serving glasses, creating a compact, even layer that will serve as the dessert’s foundation.
  2. Spice Infusion: Whip cream cheese until ultra-smooth, gradually incorporating brown sugar and a symphony of holiday spices – molasses, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Beat until the mixture becomes light and thoroughly integrated, developing a rich, aromatic profile.
  3. Texture Enhancement: Gently fold whipped cream into the spiced cream cheese mixture, maintaining a delicate, airy consistency. Ensure complete incorporation without deflating the voluminous texture that defines this luxurious dessert.
  4. Assembly and Chilling: Carefully pipe or spoon the spiced cream cheese filling over the prepared crust, creating smooth or artfully swirled surfaces. Transfer to the refrigerator and allow to set completely, typically for 2-3 hours, enabling flavors to harmonize and texture to firm.
  5. Finishing Flourish: Just before serving, crown each cheesecake cup with a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with crushed gingersnap cookies, and optionally accent with a cinnamon stick or delicate gingerbread cookie for an extra festive touch.

Notes

  • Chill Ingredients Thoroughly: Ensure cream cheese and whipped cream are cold for optimal texture and easier blending, preventing lumpy or separated mixtures.
  • Press Crust Carefully: Use the back of a spoon or measuring cup to compact graham cracker base evenly, creating a stable foundation that won’t crumble when serving.
  • Fold Gently: Incorporate whipped cream into cream cheese mixture with light, sweeping motions to maintain the delicate, airy structure and prevent deflating the mixture.
  • Control Spice Balance: Adjust holiday spices to personal preference, starting with smaller amounts and tasting as you go to avoid overwhelming the creamy base flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 398
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 79 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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