Classic Christmas Tree Shaped Cheesecake Bites
These Classic Christmas Tree Shaped Cheesecake Bites are a delightful and festive holiday treat. Featuring a rich, creamy green cheesecake filling on a crisp cookie crust, these mini desserts are shaped like Christmas trees and decorated with an array of festive toppings, making them perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.
Equipment
- Oven
- Mini Muffin Tins
- Paper Liners
- Small Bowl
- Electric Mixer
- Medium Bowl
- Wire Rack
- Small, Sharp Knife
- Christmas Tree-Shaped Cookie Cutter (optional)
- Tiered Dessert Stand or Festive Platter
- Airtight Container
Ingredients
Creamy Dream Base
- 24 oz Cream Cheese (full-fat, softened)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (200g)
- 2 Large Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tsp Salt Pinch of
Crumbly Cookie Crust
- 1.5 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs (150g)
- 1/2 cup Melted Unsalted Butter (113g)
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (optional)
Merry Decorations & Toppings
- as needed Green Food Coloring (gel preferred)
- as needed Powdered Sugar (for dusting)
- as needed Sprinkles (red, green, silver, star-shaped)
- as needed Mini Chocolate Chips (for "ornaments")
- 1/4 cup Melted White Chocolate (optional, for drizzling)
- 12-16 pieces Pretzel Sticks or Candy Canes (for "tree trunks")
Instructions
Crust Preparation
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line 24-30 mini muffin tins with paper liners.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and optional brown sugar in a small bowl until well mixed.
- Press one tablespoon of the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of each prepared muffin cup.
- Bake crusts for 5 minutes until fragrant, then cool slightly.
Cheesecake Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined, being careful not to overbeat.
- Gently fold in green food coloring until your desired shade is achieved.
- Spoon the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crusts, filling each cup almost to the top.
Baking & Chilling
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until edges are set but centers are slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely on a wire rack, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight.
Shaping & Decorating
- Once chilled, gently remove the cheesecake bites from the muffin tins.
- Use a small knife to trim each bite into a cone or pyramid shape, or use a Christmas tree cookie cutter.
- Insert a pretzel stick or candy cane piece into the base of each cheesecake tree.
- Decorate with powdered sugar, sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, and an optional drizzle of melted white chocolate.
Serving & Storage
- Arrange on a festive platter and serve with holiday beverages.
- Store leftover cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is softened for a smooth filling. Avoid overbeating the cheesecake mixture once eggs are added to prevent cracks. Chill thoroughly for best shaping results. Get creative with your decorations to make each tree unique!