Description
These Hot Cocoa Peppermint Cheesecake Bites combine the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the warm flavors of hot cocoa and a refreshing hint of peppermint. Perfect for chilly winter nights or festive gatherings, they are sure to be an instant hit!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup of cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup of whipped cream or whipped topping
- 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs with 1/4 cup of melted butter and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix until the crumbs are well coated and resemble wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of mini muffin tins or silicone molds. You want a nice, even layer. Place these in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to set.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, mixing until well combined.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and fold in 1/2 cup of whipped cream or whipped topping for a light and airy texture. If desired, stir in some crushed candy canes for extra flavor and crunch.
- Spoon the cheesecake filling over the prepared crusts in the muffin tins. Fill them to the top and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Place the filled molds back in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Once set, gently pop the cheesecake bites out of the molds. You can garnish them with additional whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for that festive look.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: These cheesecake bites can be made a day in advance. Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of hot chocolate mix. For a vegan version, substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream instead of whipped cream.