Introduction
Dive into a world of minty chocolate bliss with these No-Bake Chocolate Mint Cheesecake Bites! Refreshingly cool and creamy, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion—get ready to delight your taste buds!
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips, melted
- Optional: Green food coloring
- For Decoration:
- Melted chocolate for drizzling
- Crushed candy canes
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 16 bites
Directions
1. Prepare Your Dish: Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides for easy lifting later.
2. Make the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press firmly into the bottom of your prepared dish and chill in the fridge.
3. Create the Filling: Beat softened cream cheese until creamy. Add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and green food coloring (if using) until smooth.
4. Melt the Chocolate: Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream, then melt in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
5. Mix It Up: Gently fold the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture until well blended.
6. Assemble: Spread the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Chill Time: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set firmly.
8. Finish and Serve: Lift cheesecake out using parchment overhang. Cut into bite-sized squares and drizzle with melted chocolate. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for extra flair.
9. Enjoy: Serve chilled and savor every refreshing bite!
Nutritional Info
Each delightful bite is about 120 calories with 8g fat, 19g carbs, and 2g protein.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare Your Dish
Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides for easy lifting later.
Make the Crust
Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press firmly into the bottom of your prepared dish and chill in the fridge.
Create the Filling
Beat softened cream cheese until creamy. Add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and green food coloring (if using) until smooth.
Melt the Chocolate
Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream, then melt in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
Mix It Up
Gently fold the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture until well blended.
Assemble
Spread the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Chill Time
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set firmly.
Finish and Serve
Lift cheesecake out using the parchment overhang. Cut into bite-sized squares and drizzle with melted chocolate. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for extra flair.
Enjoy
Serve chilled and savor every refreshing bite!
Notes
Nutritional Information
Each delightful bite is about 120 calories with 8g fat, 19g carbs, and 2g protein.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesecake bites are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as a special treat for yourself!
Cook Techniques
Preparing Your Dish
Line a baking dish with parchment paper to facilitate easy removal later.
Making the Crust
Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter thoroughly before pressing it firmly into the bottom of the dish.
Creating the Filling
Beat softened cream cheese until creamy, then blend in powdered sugar and peppermint extract until smooth.
Melt the Chocolate
Melt chocolate chips and heavy cream together in the microwave, stirring in 30-second intervals for optimal smoothness.
Mixing Ingredients
Gently fold the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture to achieve a uniform consistency.
Chilling the Cheesecake
Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for at least four hours to ensure it sets properly.
Serving the Cheesecake Bites
Utilize the parchment overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the dish, then cut into bite-sized squares for serving.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes, you can substitute graham cracker crumbs with chocolate cookies or any preferred cookie type for the crust.
How can I make this dessert more chocolatey?
Add extra melted chocolate into the filling or use chocolate-flavored graham crackers for the crust.
Can I substitute cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or a non-dairy cream cheese alternative.
How do I store the cheesecake bites?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it one to two days in advance, making it a convenient dessert option.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Chocolate Mint Cheesecake Bites are an easy and deliciously refreshing treat—perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging in a little sweetness!
More Recipe Suggestions and Combinations
Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bites
Substitute peppermint extract with raspberry puree for a fruity twist.
Mint Oreo Cheesecake Bites
Incorporate crushed Oreo cookies into the crust for added flavor.
Peppermint Mocha Cheesecake Bites
Infuse the filling with brewed coffee for a mocha variation.
Dark Chocolate Mint Cheesecake Bites
Use dark chocolate chips in place of regular chocolate for a richer taste.
Mini Mint Chocolate Cheesecake Cups
Serve the cheesecake filling in mini cups for an elegant presentation.