Description
Creamy Andes Mint Mini Cheesecakes offer a delightful twist on classic desserts. Chocolate graham cracker crusts and cool mint filling create an irresistible treat perfect for chocolate and mint enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar
- 1 cup (120 g) chocolate graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup (85 g) Andes Mints, chopped
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
- 3 tbsps (45 mL) melted butter
- ¼ cup (60 g) sour cream
- A few drops of green food coloring (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Additional chopped Andes Mints or chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers and combine with sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse terrain, then press firmly into muffin cups creating a solid foundational layer.
- Initial Baking: Toast the crust in a preheated 325F (160C) oven for 5-7 minutes until achieving a delicate golden hue, then set aside to cool completely.
- Cheesecake Base: Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually integrating sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and flour, stirring meticulously to develop a luxurious, uniform batter.
- Mint Incorporation: Tenderly fold sour cream and chopped Andes Mints throughout the mixture, ensuring an even distribution of minty essence and chocolate fragments.
- Filling and Initial Baking: Populate muffin cups three-quarters full with the creamy mixture, smoothing surfaces for an elegant presentation, then bake 18-20 minutes until edges turn golden and centers maintain a gentle wobble.
- Cooling Process: Allow mini cheesecakes to rest in the tin for 10 minutes, then transition to a wire rack for complete temperature reduction, subsequently refrigerating for a minimum of 2 hours to solidify texture and intensify flavors.
- Finale Presentation: Crown each miniature cheesecake with a whole Andes Mint just before serving, permitting a subtle melt that enhances the decadent mint chocolate experience.
Notes
- Prevent Cracking Technique: Avoid overbeating cream cheese and eggs to maintain a smooth, crack-free cheesecake surface by mixing just until ingredients are incorporated.
- Temperature Control Tip: Allow all ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter and even baking.
- Precise Baking Method: Use a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack to create humidity, preventing cheesecake from drying out and cracking.
- Make-Ahead Magic: These mini cheesecakes can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container, making them perfect for advance party planning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg