Brighten up your Easter celebrations with delightful No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes. These individual desserts are not only eye-catching with their pastel stripes but also incredibly easy to make, requiring no oven. They’re perfect for gatherings where you want to impress without the stress.
Ingredients
- 6 oz shortbread cookies (approximately 12 round cookies)
- 0.5 oz unsalted butter (1 tablespoon), melted
- 1 packet unflavored powdered gelatin (1/4 oz, or 2.5 teaspoons)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 lb cream cheese, full-fat, at room temperature
- 3.5 oz granulated sugar (1/2 cup)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (can substitute with vanilla extract)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
- Assorted gel food coloring, 4 colors recommended
Directions
- Crust Preparation:
- Crush the shortbread cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until well combined.
- Firmly press the mixture into the cavities of a silicone muffin pan to form the base of the cheesecakes. This will create a stable foundation for the filling.
- Cheesecake Mixture:
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it stand to bloom. Once bloomed, microwave the mixture for a few seconds until the gelatin becomes liquid and clear.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually pour in the heavy cream and the melted gelatin, mixing continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Color and Assemble:
- Divide the cheesecake mixture into four separate bowls. Add a different gel food coloring to each portion, mixing thoroughly to achieve vibrant pastel colors.
- Carefully layer the colored cheesecake mixtures on top of the crust in the silicone muffin pan. Use a spoon or piping bag to add each layer, smoothing the top gently.
- Freeze:
- Place the pan in the freezer and chill the cheesecakes until they are very firm, at least 2 hours.
- Unmold and Serve:
- Once set, gently push the cheesecakes out from the silicone pan. They should pop out easily due to the firm crust and frozen filling.
- Before serving, decorate each mini cheesecake with whipped cream, sprinkles, and candy eggs to enhance their festive look.
Why You’ll Love These:
- Simplicity: These cheesecakes are simple and straightforward to prepare, with no baking required, making them perfect for any skill level.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare these cheesecakes in advance and keep them frozen, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your Easter celebration.
- Festive Presentation: The bright pastel colors and individual servings make these mini cheesecakes a charming addition to any spring or Easter table.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes are a fabulous addition to your holiday festivities. They blend the creamy, tangy flavor of traditional cheesecake with a fun and festive presentation that’s sure to delight guests of all ages. Whether for Easter, a spring party, or any special occasion, these mini cheesecakes promise a sweet, impressive treat that everyone will love.