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 has become a holiday favorite with my family every year since I first tried it.
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:
- 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 & Flavor:
- Add eggs one at a time, beating on low after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Color Filling:
- 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 & Chill:
- Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Serve:
- Before serving, top with whipped cream and festive sprinkles if desired.
Save My family always gathers around the table eagerly waiting for these festive treats during Christmas.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 220, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 19 g, Protein: 3 g (per serving)
Save These mini cheesecakes are sure to be the highlight of your holiday dessert spread and bring smiles all around.
Common Questions
- → What gives the bright green color to these cheesecakes?
Gel food coloring is used to achieve the vibrant neon green hue characteristic of the Grinch theme.
- → Can I substitute the Oreo crust with another option?
Yes, chocolate graham crackers can be used instead of Oreo crumbs for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- → How do I know when the cheesecakes are baked perfectly?
Bake until the centers are mostly set but still slightly jiggly to ensure a creamy texture after chilling.
- → What is the best way to prevent cheesecakes from sticking to liners?
Using paper cupcake liners designed for muffins helps release the mini cheesecakes easily after baking and chilling.
- → Can these mini treats be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made 1–2 days in advance and stored refrigerated to maintain freshness and texture.