Save Impress all of the Whos at your Christmas party with these fun and festive neon green mini cheesecakes—perfectly sized, irresistibly creamy, and bursting with holiday cheer!
This recipe is always a hit at our holiday gatherings and never fails to bring smiles.
Ingredients
- Crust: 1 cup Oreo cookie crumbs (about 10–11 cookies), 2 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Cheesecake Filling: 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, Neon green food coloring (gel recommended)
- Optional Toppings: Whipped cream, Festive sprinkles or red heart sprinkles (for the true Grinch look)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
- Prepare Crust:
- In a food processor, pulse Oreo cookies to fine crumbs. Add melted butter and pulse again until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press Crust:
- Divide the crumb mixture evenly among the liners (about 1 tablespoon per cup) and press down firmly with the back of a spoon or a small glass.
- Mix Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add eggs one at a time, beating on low after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Add Food Coloring:
- Add neon green food coloring, a little at a time, until your desired Grinchy shade is reached.
- Fill Liners:
- Spoon about 1/4 cup cheesecake batter into each liner, filling them almost to the top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15–17 minutes, until the centers are mostly set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Chill:
- Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Add Toppings:
- Before serving, top with whipped cream and festive sprinkles if desired.
Save Making these cheesecakes is a special tradition that brings the whole family together each holiday season.
Notes
For a classic Grinch look, use a single large red heart sprinkle on each cheesecake. Cheesecakes can be made 1–2 days ahead and kept refrigerated. For best color, use gel food coloring.
Required Tools
12-cup standard muffin pan, Paper cupcake liners, Food processor, Mixing bowls, Electric mixer, Measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, butter), eggs, and wheat (Oreos). Double-check labels for possible nut or soy traces if allergies are a concern.
Save These cheesecakes are a delightful holiday treat that combines festive fun with creamy goodness.
Kitchen Guide
- → What gives these mini cheesecakes their bright green color?
Neon green gel food coloring is added to the cream cheese mixture to achieve the vivid Grinch-inspired shade.
- → Can I use a different crust instead of Oreo cookie crumbs?
Yes, chocolate graham crackers or other cookie crumbs can be substituted for a variation in flavor and texture.
- → How long should I chill the cheesecakes before serving?
Refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to let them firm up and set properly for the best texture.
- → Are there any allergen considerations to be aware of?
These cheesecakes contain dairy, eggs, and wheat from the crust, so check ingredient labels carefully if allergies are a concern.
- → What is the best way to prepare the crust?</question>
Pulse cookie crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand, then press evenly into lined muffin cups.
- → How do I achieve a festive Grinch look on top?
Add a dollop of whipped cream and decorate with festive sprinkles or a single red heart sprinkle for a classic touch.