Can I make Gnome Mini Cheesecakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! These Gnome Mini Cheesecakes actually taste better after sitting overnight in the refrigerator. Make the cheesecake base up to 2 days ahead, then add decorations the day you plan to serve them. The flavors meld beautifully, and you'll have less stress on party day.

What's the best way to get smooth cheesecake filling?

The secret to silky smooth Gnome Mini Cheesecakes lies in using room temperature ingredients and not overmixing. Beat the cream cheese first until completely smooth, then add other ingredients gradually. If you do end up with lumps, press the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer before baking.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the gnome hats?

Fresh strawberries work best for the decorative hats because they hold their shape and color better. Frozen strawberries tend to become mushy and release too much liquid, which can make your gnome hats slide off. If fresh aren't available, try using small fresh raspberries or even shaped fondant pieces colored red.

Gnome Mini Cheesecakes Your Dessert Squad Will Love

Description

Bring a whimsical touch to your dessert table with these Gnome Mini Cheesecakes! Each bite-sized cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and adorable gnome decorations made from whipped cream, strawberries, and chocolate chips. Perfect for children’s parties, garden-themed gatherings, or as a creative gift, these charming treats are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cheesecake Base:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

3 tablespoons melted butter

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup sour cream

For the Gnome Decorations:

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Red food coloring

15 fresh strawberries

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

2 tablespoons shredded coconut

Pretzel sticks (broken into small pieces)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each liner, using a small glass to compact.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

Beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (≈3 minutes).
Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until combined.
Mix in eggs one at a time, just until incorporated.
Fold in vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.

3. Bake the Cheesecakes

Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with cheesecake batter.
Bake 18-20 minutes, until centers are slightly jiggly. Avoid browning the tops; reduce oven temperature by 25°F if needed.
Cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate at least 2 hours.

4. Decorate Your Gnomes

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar to soft peaks. Reserve some white for beards; tint the rest red for hats.
Hull and halve strawberries for gnome hats.
Pipe white whipped cream around the bottom third of each cheesecake for the beard.
Place a strawberry half on top for the hat. Add mini chocolate chips for eyes and a tiny pretzel piece for the nose.
Sprinkle shredded coconut around the base to create a woodland effect.

Prep Time: 25m
Cook Time: 12m
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 12 mini cheesecakes
Calories: 285
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 185mg
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g