The holiday season is filled with joy, family, and of course, amazing food. But let’s be honest, it can also get a little hectic. Finding the time to bake something impressive for a gathering can feel like a huge task. That’s where this recipe comes in to save the day. These are truly some of the best Easy Christmas Party Desserts you can make.
These mini cherry cheesecakes are adorable, delicious, and incredibly simple. They have a creamy, rich cheesecake filling and a sweet vanilla wafer crust, all topped with a bright cherry pie filling. They look so festive on a dessert table and are already portioned, which makes serving a breeze. If you are looking for Easy Christmas Dessert Recipes Quick, you have found a real winner.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the simplicity here is a huge plus. You do not need any special baking skills to whip these up. The ingredient list is short and uses common items you might already have in your pantry, especially around the holidays.
They are also a fantastic make ahead option. You can prepare them a day or two before your event, which frees up so much time on the day of the party. This makes them ideal Christmas Potluck Desserts because they travel well and require no last minute fussing.
Another great thing is their size. Being bite size, they are easy for guests to grab and enjoy without needing a plate and fork. This is wonderful for casual get togethers and parties where people are mingling and chatting.
And let’s talk about how they look. The vibrant red cherry topping against the creamy white cheesecake is just so festive. They add a beautiful pop of color to any dessert spread, making them one of my favorite Christmas Dessert Ideas For Party tables.
Ingredients
What I appreciate most about this recipe is the straightforward ingredient list. No need to search for fancy or hard to find items. Here is what you will need to get started on these Simple Christmas Desserts.
- 1 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafers
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get baking? Following these steps will give you delicious mini cheesecakes every time. It’s one of the easiest Easy Christmas Party Desserts you’ll find.
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C. This ensures your oven is at the right temperature when your cheesecakes are ready to go in. Next, line two miniature muffin tins that hold twenty four cups each with paper liners. This recipe makes 48 mini cheesecakes, so you’ll need both tins!
Step 2: Make The Crust
Now for the crust. Take your vanilla wafers and crush them until they form fine crumbs. You can do this easily in a food processor. If you do not have one, a resealable plastic bag and a rolling pin work just fine. Press about a half teaspoon of the crumbs into the bottom of each paper liner. This creates a simple and tasty base.
Step 3: Mix The Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this. Mix everything together until the batter is light, fluffy, and smooth. Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps.
Step 4: Fill The Muffin Cups
Carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture into each miniature muffin liner. Fill them almost to the top. The filling will not rise much, so you can be generous. A small cookie scoop can make this process really quick and tidy.
Step 5: Bake And Cool
Place the muffin tins in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cheesecake is set. It should not jiggle much when you gently shake the pan. Once baked, let them cool completely in the pan. This is a very important step for the texture.
Step 6: Add The Topping
Once the mini cheesecakes are completely cool, it’s time for the finishing touch. Top each one with about a teaspoon of cherry pie filling. Then they are ready to serve and enjoy. These are truly beautiful and Simple Christmas Desserts.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, storing them is easy. Place the mini cheesecakes in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to five days. The crust might soften slightly over time, but they will still be delicious.
You can also freeze them! For best results, freeze them without the cherry topping. Arrange the cooled cheesecakes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months. When you are ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator and add the topping just before serving. This makes them amazing Christmas Potluck Desserts.
Tips
Want to make your Easy Christmas Party Desserts even better? Here are a few handy tips. Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients combine smoothly for a creamy, lump free filling.
Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the eggs. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which can cause the cheesecakes to crack as they bake. Mix just until everything is combined.
Also, try not to overbake them. The cheesecakes should be just set. A little jiggle in the center is okay. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture.
Feel free to get creative with the crust. While vanilla wafers are classic, you could also use gingersnap cookies for a warm, spicy flavor. Chocolate wafer cookies would also be a wonderful choice, especially paired with the cherry topping.
You can also switch up the topping. Canned blueberry, strawberry, or even lemon pie filling would be fantastic. For a different touch, a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce would be delicious. Fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream are great options too. These variations give you many Christmas Dessert Ideas For Party tables.
Looking for more Easy Christmas Dessert Recipes Quick? This recipe is a great base. You could even stir some mini chocolate chips or a little citrus zest into the batter before baking for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are quite broad.
Conclusion
There you have it! A straightforward and delicious recipe for mini cherry cheesecakes. They are a festive, fun, and flavorful addition to any holiday celebration. I really hope you give these a try for your next event.
They truly are one of the most reliable Easy Christmas Party Desserts you can have in your recipe collection. They take the stress out of holiday baking while still delivering a dessert that everyone will enjoy. Happy baking, and happy holidays!
FAQ
Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! These are wonderful to make ahead. You can bake the cheesecakes and store them, undecorated, in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Add the cherry topping just before you plan to serve them.
Do I Need A Food Processor For The Crust?
No, a food processor is not necessary. You can place the vanilla wafers in a sturdy, resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or even the bottom of a heavy glass. You just want to make sure the crumbs are fine and uniform.
Can I Use A Different Topping?
Of course! The cherry pie filling is just a suggestion. Any canned pie filling like blueberry or strawberry works well. You could also top them with lemon curd, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or even fresh fruit and whipped cream. This is a very versatile recipe when it comes to toppings.
How Do I Know When The Cheesecakes Are Done?
The cheesecakes are done when the centers are just set. They should not look wet, but they might have a very slight wobble when you gently shake the pan. They will firm up completely as they cool down. The baking time is short, usually around 15 minutes.
Can I Make This A Full Sized Cheesecake?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a full sized cheesecake. You would need to press the crust mixture into a nine inch springform pan. The filling amount should be about right. The baking time will be much longer, likely around 45 to 55 minutes, and the cooling process will be more involved. For truly Easy Christmas Party Desserts, the mini version is the way to go.
Mini Cherry Cheesecakes
These adorable mini cherry cheesecakes feature a creamy, rich cheesecake filling, a sweet vanilla wafer crust, and a bright cherry pie topping. They are simple to make, perfect for holiday parties, and easy to serve, making them a festive addition to any dessert table.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Next, line two miniature muffin tins that hold twenty four cups each with paper liners. This recipe makes 48 mini cheesecakes, so you’ll need both tins!
- Crush vanilla wafers into fine crumbs. You can do this easily in a food processor. If you do not have one, a resealable plastic bag and a rolling pin work just fine. Press about a half teaspoon of the crumbs into the bottom of each paper liner. This creates a simple and tasty base.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this. Mix everything together until the batter is light, fluffy, and smooth. Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps.
- Carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture into each miniature muffin liner. Fill them almost to the top. The filling will not rise much, so you can be generous. A small cookie scoop can make this process really quick and tidy.
- Place the muffin tins in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cheesecake is set. It should not jiggle much when you gently shake the pan. Once baked, let them cool completely in the pan. This is a very important step for the texture.
- Once the mini cheesecakes are completely cool, it’s time for the finishing touch. Top each one with about a teaspoon of cherry pie filling. Then they are ready to serve and enjoy.
Notes
If you have any leftovers, storing them is easy. Place the mini cheesecakes in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to five days. The crust might soften slightly over time, but they will still be delicious.
You can also freeze them! For best results, freeze them without the cherry topping. Arrange the cooled cheesecakes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months. When you are ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator and add the topping just before serving.
Want to make your Easy Christmas Party Desserts even better? Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients combine smoothly for a creamy, lump free filling.
Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the eggs. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which can cause the cheesecakes to crack as they bake. Mix just until everything is combined.
Also, try not to overbake them. The cheesecakes should be just set. A little jiggle in the center is okay. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture.
Feel free to get creative with the crust. While vanilla wafers are classic, you could also use gingersnap cookies for a warm, spicy flavor. Chocolate wafer cookies would also be a wonderful choice, especially paired with the cherry topping.
You can also switch up the topping. Canned blueberry, strawberry, or even lemon pie filling would be fantastic. For a different touch, a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce would be delicious. Fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream are great options too.
Nutrition
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