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Gnome Mini Cheesecakes

Gnome Mini Cheesecakes

Gnome Mini Cheesecakes are adorable, creamy, and perfectly portioned mini desserts featuring a smooth, rich cheesecake filling on a crunchy graham cracker crust. These whimsical treats, decorated with fondant or icing gnome hats and beards, are perfect for parties, celebrations, or a delightful sweet bite any time.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration

  • Red and white fondant or icing for gnome hats, beards, and noses

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into mini muffin cups or a similarly sized mold to form the base crust. Chill in the refrigerator to set while preparing the filling.
  2. Mix the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until completely smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract to enhance flavor and ensure a velvety texture without lumps.
  3. Bake to Perfection: Pour the filling over the chilled crusts, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 18 to 20 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Let cool completely on a wire rack, then chill in the refrigerator.
  4. Create the Gnome Designs: While the cheesecakes chill, use red and white fondant or icing to craft tiny gnome hats, beards, and noses. Place the hats on top of each mini cheesecake, add a small fondant ball for the nose, and use fluffy white icing or fondant strips to simulate beards, bringing the magical gnome look to life.

Notes

  • Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth batter without lumps.
  • Do not overbake; a slight jiggle in the center means perfect creaminess after chilling.
  • Chill thoroughly for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture and flavor.
  • Use silicone molds for easy removal without cracking the mini cheesecakes.
  • Dust fondant work surfaces with powdered sugar to prevent sticking when shaping decorations.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: mini cheesecake, gnome cheesecake, bite-sized dessert, party dessert, whimsical dessert