Creamy mini eggnog cheesecakes with a gingersnap crust combine the rich velvety decadence of eggnog with the lusciousness of a cheesecake. Perfect for the holiday season!
With a spiced gingersnap crust, creamy eggnog filling, and tart sugared cranberries, these mini cheesecakes are a celebration of holiday flavours. Flavoured with fresh nutmeg and real eggnog, the flavours intensify after chilling overnight.
Ingredients
Eggnog: A splash of eggnog alongside the traditional flavours of nutmeg and rum adds incredible flavour and richness to these mini cheesecakes. I used a commercial eggnog for this recipe.
Nutmeg: Use freshly grated nutmeg if possible.
Rum extract: I like to use rum extract which adds maximum flavour without adding more liquid into the filling.
Gingersnaps: Ginger spiced cookies add a delicious contrasting flavour to these sweet, creamy cheesecakes. Try to use a crisp ginger cookie rather than a soft one if possible.
Gelatin: The eggnog in this recipe makes the filling too runny to set up properly. Use one package of unflavoured gelatin to set the cheesecakes.
Icing sugar: I prefer using icing sugar in the filling when making a no-bake cheesecake. The icing sugar dissolves instantly into the cream cheese mixture while granulated sugar can sometimes feel gritty if it hasn’t been completely incorporated.
Fresh cranberries: Sugary, tart cranberries are the perfect garnish for these cute mini desserts. Be sure to use fresh cranberries and not frozen. I have also served this cheesecake topped with a dollop of cranberry sauce instead of the sugared cranberries.
Mini cheesecake pan: I love using a mini cheesecake pan with removable bottoms to make these adorable little sweet treats, however, you can certainly make this recipe if you don’t have one of these pans. To create a mini cheesecake without this type of pan, line a muffin tin with baking cups. Follow the recipe as directed using the muffin tin instead. This recipe will make about 2 dozen mini cheesecakes, so unless you have two pans, you may need to make half of them in a muffin tin anyway.
Single large cheesecake: Alternatively, you can make this into a single large cheesecake. Use a 9-inch springform pan for the full recipe.
How to make Mini Eggnog Cheesecakes
Prepare the mini cheesecake pan
To make the cheesecakes easier to remove, line the cups with parchment paper. Cut strips of parchment paper that will wrap around the inside of each cup, about 5-6 inches long. The strips should stick up over the edge of the cup, about 1 cm. Spray the pan with non-stick spray and line each cup with a strip of parchment paper. Set aside. Alternatively, line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and spray the pan with non-stick spray.
Prepare the gingersnap crust
Break the gingersnap cookies into a food processor. Blend the gingersnaps until fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a mixing bowl. Add the melted butter and mix together. Spoon one tablespoon of the crumb mixture into each cup. Press the crust down evenly. I find it easier to use something like a shot glass to press the crumbs in the pan. Repeat with a second pan or muffin tin lined with baking cups.
Make the filling
Begin by whipping the cream in a mixer using a whip attachment. Once the cream is whipped to stiff peaks, transfer the whipped cream to a bowl and set aside in the fridge for later. In the same mixer bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Beat on medium with a paddle attachment until the cream cheese is creamy and fluffy, scraping down the sides as needed.
Add the icing sugar to the cream cheese. Beat on low just until the icing sugar has been incorporated. Scrape down the sides and then beat on medium until the cream cheese mixture is smooth. Add the eggnog, nutmeg, and rum extract and beat until smooth.
In a small cup or bowl combine the water and unflavoured gelatin. Stir together and let the gelatin absorb for a minute. Carefully microwave the gelatin to melt. Start with only 5 to 8 seconds. Trust me, I learned that one the hard way! Pour the melted gelatin into the cream cheese mixture and beat to combine.
Gently fold one third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. Repeat two more times with the rest of the whipped cream – take care not to whip the mixture too vigorously as it can deflate the whipped cream.
Spoon the filling into the prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Chill until fully set, at least 6 to 8 hours or preferably overnight.
Make the sugared cranberries
Line a baking sheet with a small-grate metal rack and then set aside. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Add the cranberries to the hot syrup, stirring to coat all the berries. Use a slotted spoon to lift the berries out of the syrup and place on the rack. Spread the berries out as best you can so they aren’t touching each other.
Leave the cranberries to dry at room temperature for 1 hour. They will still feel sticky and a bit tacky. After an hour, measure the remaining sugar into a bowl. Add the cranberries to the sugar, a few at a time, and toss to coat. The sugar will easily stick to the tacky berries. Transfer the sugared cranberries to a parchment lined baking sheet. It’s best to let them sit for another hour so to fully dry and allow the sugar coating to set.
Serve the Mini Eggnog Cheesecakes with Gingersnap Crust
To serve, run a knife around the edge of each cheesecake. Remove the cheesecake by pushing up the removable bottom. Remove the parchment paper to serve. Top with sugared cranberries and enjoy!
