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
Scale
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