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Whimsical Gnome Mini Cheesecakes That Steal the Show - Featured Image

Whimsical Gnome Mini Cheesecakes That Steal the Show

Learn how to make delicious Gnome Mini Cheesecakes. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 full sheets)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 ounces (2 cups) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Optional: fresh berries or mini gnome figurines for decoration

If you’re looking to swap things up, feel free to use digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers. For a dairy-free version, try a plant-based cream cheese and coconut yogurt in place of sour cream.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 12-cup mini muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease it.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press about a tablespoon of the crust mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to compact it firmly.
  4. Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
  5. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar together until smooth and creamy. I like to use a hand mixer here, but a sturdy whisk can do the trick if you’re in a pinch.
  6. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Then, gently fold in the sour cream until the batter is silky.
  7. Divide the cheesecake batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. I find a small cookie scoop works wonders for this step, keeping things neat and even.
  8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still have a slight jiggle. This is key to that creamy texture I adore.
  9. Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecakes cool inside for an hour. This helps prevent cracks—trust me, cracked cheesecakes are still tasty, but smooth ones just feel more special.
  10. Remove from the oven and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or overnight. Patience here makes all the difference.
  11. Before serving, decorate with fresh berries or place a tiny gnome figurine on top for that signature whimsy. My kids love this part—it turns dessert into a little story we share at the table.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Gnome Mini Cheesecakes, recipe, cooking, food