No-Bake Christmas Mini Cheesecakes

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I absolutely love the festive season, and nothing gets me more excited than the opportunity to whip up a dessert that’s as merry as the holiday itself. These No-Bake Christmas Mini Cheesecakes are my go-to treat when I want something cheerful, creamy, and downright irresistible. They bring the magic of Christmas into every bite—bright, colorful, and packed with sweet peppermint crunch that feels like a winter wonderland in your mouth.

What I adore most about these cheesecakes is how easy they are to make. No oven, no stress, just a simple, creamy cheesecake base nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust and crowned with swirls of whipped cream and festive candy. They’re perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or a cozy night in with a warm drink. Every time I serve them, they disappear within minutes.

Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Christmas Mini Cheesecakes

These mini cheesecakes are incredibly easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy holiday schedules. They require no baking, which frees up your oven for other holiday dishes. Their individual size makes them perfect for serving and sharing, and they’re endlessly customizable depending on your favorite flavors or festive toppings. Plus, their vibrant red and green sprinkles make them a showstopper on any dessert table.

What Kind of Crust Should I Use?

Graham cracker crust is a classic choice and works beautifully here, offering that familiar sweet crunch. You can also try ginger snap cookies for a spiced twist or chocolate wafers for a richer base. The key is to finely crush the cookies and mix them with melted butter to form a base that sets well and holds together after chilling.

Options for Substitutions

• Crust Alternatives: Swap graham crackers for digestive biscuits, Oreo cookies, or shortbread for different flavor profiles.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping for a plant-based version.
• Sugar-Free: Choose sugar-free cookies and a sugar substitute like erythritol to cut down on sugar content.
• Toppings: Crushed peppermint is festive, but you can use mini chocolate chips, caramel drizzle, or even fresh berries.

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Ingredients for These No-Bake Christmas Mini Cheesecakes

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the buttery, crunchy base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted and mixed with the crumbs to bind the crust together and give it a rich, smooth taste.
• Cream Cheese: The star of the show! Softened cream cheese creates that lush, creamy texture essential for any cheesecake.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a silky smooth filling without any graininess.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash to bring a warm, cozy aroma that enhances all the other flavors.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, it adds volume and airy lightness to the cheesecake filling.
• Crushed Peppermint Candies: These bring a festive crunch and a cool minty flavor that screams Christmas.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Red and green sprinkles give that cheerful Christmas look and a pop of sugary crunch.
• Whipped Cream (for topping): Optional, but highly recommended for a beautiful, bakery-style finish.

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Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by combining graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture has the texture of wet sand. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and press about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the crumb mixture into the bottom of each. Press it down firmly using the back of a spoon or a small glass. Place the tray in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.

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Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the vanilla extract and beat again. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream — this is what keeps the filling light and fluffy.

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Step 3: Assemble the Mini Cheesecakes

Spoon or pipe the cheesecake mixture over the chilled crusts, filling each cupcake liner nearly to the top. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon or offset spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles.

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Step 4: Chill Until Set

Place the tray in the refrigerator and let the mini cheesecakes chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the filling to firm up so they hold their shape when unwrapped.

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Step 5: Decorate and Serve

Once the cheesecakes are set, top them with swirls of whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, and red and green holiday sprinkles. You can also drizzle them with white chocolate or dust with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

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How Long to Prepare the No-Bake Christmas Mini Cheesecakes

Making these mini cheesecakes is wonderfully time-efficient. For prep time, you’ll need about 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish. This includes making the crust, mixing the filling, assembling the cheesecakes, and topping them off. If you’re decorating with whipped cream and peppermint, allow a few extra minutes for that final festive touch.

As for chilling time, they should be refrigerated for a minimum of 4 hours to ensure they set properly. Overnight chilling is even better if you want them to be perfectly firm and flavorful. That means you can easily prepare these the night before your holiday gathering and check dessert off your list early.

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Tips for Perfect Mini Cheesecakes

• Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the filling.
• Chill the crust before adding filling so it firms up and doesn’t mix with the cheesecake base.
• Whip the cream to stiff peaks for the fluffiest texture.
• Pipe the filling for a cleaner, bakery-style look.
• Decorate just before serving to keep the toppings fresh and crisp.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Don’t overmix the whipped cream into the filling, or it will deflate.
• Avoid using warm cream cheese, as it can make the filling runny.
• Don’t skip chilling time, or the cheesecakes won’t hold their shape.
• Too much peppermint can overpower the flavor—use it as an accent.
• Using paper liners without reinforcement can lead to collapsing sides; opt for foil or sturdy liners.

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What to Serve With No-Bake Christmas Mini Cheesecakes?

1. Hot Chocolate

A cozy mug of hot cocoa pairs beautifully with these minty cheesecakes, especially during holiday gatherings.

2. Mulled Wine

The warm spices of mulled wine contrast deliciously with the cool peppermint flavor.

3. Fresh Berries

A small bowl of raspberries or strawberries can cut through the richness of the cheesecake.

4. Coffee or Espresso

Perfect for serving after dinner, the boldness of coffee balances the creamy sweetness.

5. Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

For a sweet and salty combo, these crunchy snacks complement the smooth texture of the cheesecakes.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:

Store the mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep the toppings separate until serving if you want to maintain the best texture and appearance.

Freezer:

You can freeze these mini cheesecakes without the toppings. Place them on a baking tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before decorating and serving.

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Estimated Nutrition

Note: Approximate values per mini cheesecake

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 14g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Cholesterol: 45mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make these cheesecakes?

You can prepare them up to 2 days in advance. Just hold off on adding the toppings until right before serving.

Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, but for mini versions, it’s best to make your own so it fits perfectly into cupcake liners.

Do I need a stand mixer?

No! A hand mixer works just fine for this recipe, especially since it’s no-bake.

Can I make this recipe without peppermint?

Absolutely. You can replace it with chocolate chips, caramel swirls, or just keep it vanilla.

Are these gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use gluten-free cookies for the crust to make them gluten-free.

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Conclusion

These No-Bake Christmas Mini Cheesecakes are the perfect make-ahead dessert that packs tons of holiday cheer in a bite-sized treat. With their velvety smooth filling, crunchy crust, and festive toppings, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or looking for a sweet addition to your dessert spread, these little cheesecakes deliver flavor, style, and ease. Make them once, and they’ll become a beloved tradition in your holiday kitchen.

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