There is something truly magical about a festive dessert that feels indulgent yet light, charming yet simple. This Easy Christmas Cheesecakes Recipe captures that festive spirit perfectly. With creamy, dreamy layers of smooth cream cheese filling sitting atop a crumbly, buttery biscuit base, these individual cheesecakes are effortless to make but impressive enough to wow your holiday guests. Topped with fresh strawberries transformed into cute Santa hats, they bring a joyful splash of color and sweetness to your dessert table, making them a delightful crowd-pleaser for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only a handful of straightforward ingredients make these cheesecakes a breeze to prepare, yet each plays a special role in creating that perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the buttery crunch of the biscuit base to the luscious richness of the filling, every element is simple but essential.
- Digestive biscuits (150 g): These provide a wonderful crumbly base with just the right amount of crunch and subtle sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, melted (50 g): Binds the biscuit crumbs together and adds rich, creamy flavor to the base.
- Full-fat soft cream cheese (300 g): The heart of the cheesecake, giving it that silky, indulgent texture.
- Icing sugar (50 g): Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the creamy filling.
- Vanilla extract (about 1 tsp): A warm, aromatic touch that elevates the cheesecake flavor.
- Double cream (150 ml): Whipped into the filling to create a wonderfully light and fluffy consistency.
- Fresh strawberries: Used as festive toppings, turning your cheesecakes into charming mini Santa hats.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Easy Christmas Cheesecakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base
Start by blitzing the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor. Once crumbly, pour in the melted unsalted butter and pulse again until the mixture looks like damp sand. This buttery crumb base will form the perfect sturdy foundation for your cheesecakes.
Step 2: Form the Base in Muffin Cases
Line a muffin tray with cases, then spoon the biscuit mixture into each one. Press it down firmly using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to make a compact, even base. Pop the tray into the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling — this helps the base set nicely.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, combine the full-fat cream cheese and sift in the icing sugar. Add vanilla extract and whisk everything together until totally smooth using an electric whisk. This step ensures the luscious cream cheese filling is silky without lumps.
Step 4: Add the Double Cream
Pour in the double cream and continue whisking until you have a thick, fluffy mixture. You can whisk the cream separately to medium peaks and then gently fold it through the cream cheese if you prefer, but mixing it all together works beautifully and saves on washing up.
Step 5: Assemble and Chill
Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly atop your chilled biscuit bases. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon or palette knife, cover with cling film, and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is key for allowing the cheesecakes to set to that perfect firm yet velvety texture.
Step 6: Add Festive Toppings
Once set, gently remove the cheesecakes from their cases onto a flat plate. Dollop and swirl some whipped cream on top of each, then crown with a fresh strawberry. Pipe a tiny bit of cream atop the strawberry to create an adorable little Santa hat — a festive touch that never fails to delight.
How to Serve Easy Christmas Cheesecakes Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the iconic strawberry Santa hats, consider dusting with a light sprinkle of icing sugar to mimic a gentle winter snowfall. A few festive sprigs of mint or crushed candy canes sprinkled over the top add both color and crunch, making your presentation as joyful as the flavors.
Side Dishes
These cheesecakes are already pretty much perfect on their own, but pairing them with a berry compote or a drizzle of raspberry sauce can be a lovely touch for those who want extra fruity brightness. A cup of spiced mulled wine or rich hot chocolate alongside your cheesecake completes the festive indulgence beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
To take your presentation up a notch, serve on a rustic wooden board surrounded by cinnamon sticks and star anise for that warm holiday vibe. Alternatively, use clear glass dessert cups layered with the biscuit base and cream for an elegant twist on the classic look. No matter how you present them, these cheesecakes bring charm and cheer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep perfectly fresh for up to 3 days, making them a stress-free option for holiday entertaining and minimizing waste.
Freezing
If you want to keep these beauties longer, you can freeze them individually without the strawberry topping. Wrap each cheesecake tightly in cling film and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw gently overnight in the refrigerator before serving, then add fresh strawberry hats just before enjoying.
Reheating
Because these cheesecakes are best served chilled and creamy, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow frozen cheesecakes to fully thaw and enjoy them straight from the fridge for their creamy smoothness and fresh textures.
FAQs
Can I use other types of biscuits for the base?
Absolutely! Digestive biscuits are classic for their texture and mild sweetness, but graham crackers or ginger snaps can add a lovely twist. Just keep in mind that spiced biscuits like ginger might add extra festive flavor.
How long should I chill the cheesecakes?
Chilling for at least 4 hours is necessary to let the filling properly set, but overnight chilling is ideal. It ensures the perfect firm and creamy texture you want in a cheesecake.
Can I make these cheesecakes dairy-free?
You could experiment using dairy-free cream cheese and cream substitutes, but be aware that texture and flavor might differ. It’s worth testing a small batch first to get the balance right.
Is it possible to make these cheesecakes ahead for a party?
Yes! This recipe is brilliant for making in advance. Prepare and chill them the day before your event, then add the strawberry Santa hats just before serving for a fresh festive look.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
No worries! Place your digestive biscuits in a sealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they form fine crumbs. It’s a great hands-on method that works perfectly well.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Easy Christmas Cheesecakes Recipe with you feels like passing on a little holiday magic. It’s one of those recipes that promises joy both in the making and the eating. Whether you’re looking for a cute dessert idea that combines ease with festive fun or just want a deliciously creamy treat to brighten your celebrations, these cheesecakes deliver every time. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the holiday spirit, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these charming mini cheesecakes – I promise they’ll be remembered and requested year after year!
PrintEasy Christmas Cheesecakes Recipe
Delicious and easy-to-make Christmas cheesecakes with a buttery digestive biscuit base, smooth vanilla cream cheese filling, topped with whipped cream and festive strawberries shaped like Santa hats. Perfect for holiday celebrations and can be prepared ahead of time to chill overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Biscuit Base
- 150 g digestive biscuits
- 50 g unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 300 g full-fat soft cream cheese
- 50 g icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 150 ml double cream
Topping
- Additional double cream for whipped cream
- Strawberries to top
Instructions
- Prepare Biscuit Base: Tip the digestive biscuits into a food processor and blitz until fine crumbs form. Add the melted butter and pulse again until the mixture resembles damp sand in texture.
- Form Bases: Line a muffin tray with muffin cases. Spoon the biscuit mixture into each case and press down firmly using the bottom of a small glass or the back of a spoon. Cover and chill in the fridge while preparing the filling.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, add the cream cheese and sift in the icing sugar. Add vanilla extract and whisk with an electric whisk or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Cream: Pour in the double cream and continue whisking until the mixture thickens to a luscious cheesecake consistency. Alternatively, you can whip the cream separately to medium peaks and fold it in gently.
- Assemble and Chill: Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly onto the chilled biscuit bases. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon, spatula, or palette knife. Cover with cling film and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set fully.
- Add Toppings: Once set, gently remove cheesecakes from the cases and place on a flat plate. Whip extra cream and spoon or pipe swirls on top of each cheesecake. Add a strawberry on each, piping a dollop of cream atop the strawberry to resemble a Santa hat.
- Serve: Serve chilled for a festive and delightful dessert.
Notes
- For best results, chill the cheesecakes overnight to allow firm setting.
- You can substitute digestive biscuits with graham crackers or similar cookies if preferred.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and appearance.
- Whipping the cream separately allows for a lighter texture but whisking it directly in the cream cheese mixture saves time.
- These cheesecakes should be kept refrigerated until served.
