Ingredients
Crust
- 200 grams graham cookie crumbs
- 48 grams brown sugar
- 90 grams unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Cheesecake Filling
- 155 grams white baking chocolate
- 130 grams cream cheese, softened
- 70 grams unsalted butter, room temperature
- 45 grams sour cream
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/16 teaspoon sea salt
Topping
- Whipped cream (for serving)
- Light dusting of ground cinnamon (for serving)
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in the microwave in 15-second intervals on medium until fully melted, being careful not to overheat.
- Prepare Crust Mixture: In a bowl, combine the melted butter with graham cracker crumbs, ground ginger, cinnamon, lemon zest, and brown sugar until the mixture is uniform and holds together.
- Form Crust: Line a cupcake tray with paper cupcake liners. Evenly distribute the crumb mixture into each liner, filling them about halfway. Press down firmly to compact the crust for stability.
- Chill Crust: Place the crust-lined tray in the fridge to set while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
- Melt White Chocolate: Place the white baking chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir continuously until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Microwave the cream cheese on medium power for 10 seconds until it reaches a spreadable consistency but is not hot.
- Whip Butter: In a large mixing bowl, whip the room temperature butter until light and fluffy using a handheld mixer.
- Combine Butter and Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is no longer warm, then add it to the whipped butter and whip together until just combined.
- Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Mix in the cooled melted white chocolate, sour cream, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Gently fold until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Assemble Cheesecake Cups: Evenly spoon the cheesecake filling over the chilled graham cracker crust in each cupcake liner.
- Freeze to Set: Place the tray in the freezer for 15 minutes to allow the cheesecake cups to set firmly. Note that the liners may stick to the tray during this step.
- Chill Before Removing: Transfer the tray to the fridge for an additional 15 minutes to soften slightly for easy removal. For optimal texture, chill the cheesecake cups for at least one hour.
- Remove Cups: Carefully pry out each cheesecake cup from the tray using a butter knife and peel away the paper liners.
- Serve and Garnish: Just before serving, top each cheesecake cup with a dollop of whipped cream and a light dusting of ground cinnamon for a festive finish.
- Storage: Store leftover no-bake gingerbread cheesecake cups in an airtight container in the fridge. They will retain freshness and texture for up to 3 days.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use full-fat cream cheese and butter.
- Ensure the white chocolate has cooled to room temperature before mixing to prevent curdling.
- Pressing the crust firmly ensures a sturdy base that holds the filling well.
- Microwaving the cream cheese slightly helps it integrate smoothly with the butter without lumps.
- These cheesecakes are no-bake, making them a quick and easy dessert option for holidays or gatherings.
- Variations can include adding chopped nuts or molasses for a deeper gingerbread taste.
- Keep cheesecakes refrigerated until serving to maintain texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (mostly melting and mixing)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian