Dreamy No-Bake Gingerbread Spice Cheesecake Cups Recipe
Creamy no-bake gingerbread spice cheesecake cups dance with holiday memories and warm kitchen comfort.
Sweet memories swirl through each delectable bite of this festive dessert.
Layers of rich cream cheese blend seamlessly with classic gingerbread notes.
Delicate spices whisper winter magic into every silky spoonful.
Cool and smooth textures contrast beautifully against the crisp graham cracker base.
Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor in these charming individual desserts.
Whip up these delightful cups and watch faces light up with pure joy.
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The key spices are ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These classic gingerbread spices are mixed directly into the cheesecake filling, creating a warm and aromatic flavor profile that captures the essence of traditional gingerbread.
Yes, these no-bake cheesecake cups are perfect for preparing in advance. You can make them up to 2-3 days before serving and keep them covered in the refrigerator. This makes them an excellent dessert for holiday gatherings or parties.
No special equipment is required. You’ll just need a mixing bowl, electric mixer, and individual serving glasses or cups. Piping bags are optional for a more decorative finish when adding the filling.
The recipe contains dairy products like cream cheese and whipped cream, so it’s vegetarian-friendly. However, it’s not vegan due to the dairy ingredients. If you need a vegan version, you’ll need to substitute the dairy components with plant-based alternatives.
Why No-Bake Gingerbread Spice Cheesecake Cups Are Fun
What’s in No-Bake Gingerbread Spice Cheesecake Cups
Crust Ingredients:Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:Garnish Ingredients:How to Put Together These Cheesecake Cups Easily
Step 1: Craft the Crumbly Base
Break graham crackers into fine crumbs in a mixing bowl. Add these ingredients:Mix everything until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press the crumbs firmly into serving glasses, creating a solid foundation. Pop the glasses into the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling
Grab a large mixing bowl and blend softened cream cheese with brown sugar until silky smooth. Pour in these magical flavor enhancers:Stir until the spices dance throughout the cream cheese. Gently fold in whipped cream, creating a cloud-like texture that’s light and dreamy.
Step 3: Layer with Love
Carefully spoon or pipe the spiced cream cheese mixture over the chilled cracker base. Use a spatula to create smooth tops or leave playful swirls for visual appeal. Return the glasses to the refrigerator and let them chill for at least two hours until perfectly set.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Crown each cheesecake cup with a fluffy whipped cream dollop. Sprinkle crushed gingersnap cookies on top for extra crunch. For a festive touch, add a cinnamon stick or tiny gingerbread man cookie as a charming decoration. Serve chilled and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.
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No-Bake Gingerbread Spice Cheesecake Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Festive holiday spirits dance in these no-bake gingerbread spice cheesecake cups, blending warm spices with creamy indulgence. Guests will savor each spoonful of rich, silky layers that bring comfort and joy to winter gatherings.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (120 grams) graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream, whipped
- ¼ cup (60 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Sweeteners and Spices:
- ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground cloves
Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Crushed gingersnap cookies
- Cinnamon sticks or mini gingerbread men (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a rustic base by blending graham cracker crumbs with sweet warmth, binding them together with melted butter and gentle spices. Press this fragrant mixture firmly into the bottom of individual serving vessels, creating a solid foundation for the upcoming dessert.
- Transform cream cheese into a silky canvas, whipping it with brown sugar until impossibly smooth. Infuse the mixture with deep, aromatic holiday spices – molasses provides rich complexity while ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves dance together harmoniously.
- Introduce airy whipped cream to the spiced cream cheese, folding delicately to maintain a light, ethereal texture. Ensure each ingredient is fully integrated, creating a luxurious, cloud-like filling.
- Carefully layer the spiced cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, using either a spoon or piping bag to achieve an elegant presentation. Smooth the surface or create artistic swirls that hint at the festive flavors within.
- Refrigerate the assembled cups, allowing the filling to set and flavors to meld. The cooling process transforms the dessert into a firm, creamy delicacy that captures the essence of holiday indulgence.
- Complete the culinary experience by crowning each cup with a billowing cloud of whipped cream. Sprinkle crushed gingersnap cookies for textural contrast and optionally garnish with a cinnamon stick or miniature gingerbread embellishment.
Notes
- Select graham cracker alternatives like gluten-free or almond-based crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions and ensure everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
- Swap dairy cream cheese with plant-based versions like cashew or coconut cream cheese for a vegan-friendly option that maintains the rich, creamy texture.
- Control sweetness by gradually adding brown sugar and tasting the mixture, allowing you to customize the flavor intensity and create a perfectly balanced dessert.
- Enhance presentation by using different glass sizes or decorative mason jars, transforming the cups into elegant individual servings that showcase the beautiful layers and spices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 368
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 151 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 72 mg
Daves Miller
Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky
White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire
Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals.
He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.