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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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