Mini Christmas Tree Cheesecakes – Full Recipe

📝 Ingredients

Crust

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

3 tablespoons melted butter

2 tablespoons sugar

Cheesecake Filling

8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

¼ cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg

2 tablespoons sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)

Green gel food coloring (about 1–2 drops)

Decorations

Whipped cream

Sprinkles, stars, edible pearls

Optional: white chocolate drizzle

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✨ Directions

1️⃣ Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Line a muffin/cupcake tray with 12 paper liners.
3. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined and sandy.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of crust mixture into each cupcake liner.
5. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon or a small cup.
6. Bake for 5 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.

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2️⃣ Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy (no lumps).
2. Add the ¼ cup sugar and beat again until fully combined.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream (if using).
4. Add the egg and beat on LOW speed (to avoid air bubbles) until just combined.
5. Add 1–2 drops of green food coloring to get a Christmas-tree green color.
6. Mix gently until the color is even.

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3️⃣ Fill the Cupcake Liners

1. Spoon the cheesecake batter evenly over the crusts—fill each liner about ¾ full.
2. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.

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4️⃣ Bake the Mini Cheesecakes

1. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 13–15 minutes, or until the centers are mostly set but still slightly jiggly.
2. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open, and let them cool inside for 10 minutes (prevents cracking).
3. Remove from the oven and cool completely.
4. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours to fully set.

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5️⃣ Decorate – Christmas Tree Style 🎄✨

Once chilled, decorate as follows:

🌲 Tree Shape:

Pipe whipped cream on top in a swirl to form a tall “tree.”

✨ Decorations:

Add colorful sprinkles as ornaments

Place a star-shaped sprinkle on top

Add edible pearls to look like tiny lights

Optionally drizzle with melted white chocolate for “snow”

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🎉 Serve & Enjo