Snow Globe Cheesecake Bites with Cookie Crust Recipe
Introduction
These Snow Globe Cheesecake Bites combine creamy cheesecake with a crunchy cookie crust and a whimsical snow globe effect. Topped with charming fondant snowmen and encased in clear gelatin domes, they make a festive treat perfect for winter celebrations or holiday parties.
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer cookies
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- Clear gelatin sheets or powder (prepared according to package instructions to make domes)
- Fondant (white, orange, and black for snowmen)
- Edible glitter or sugar crystals (optional, for snow effect)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. In a bowl, mix the crushed cookies, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar until well combined. Press about 1 teaspoon of this mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup. Bake for 5 minutes, then let the crusts cool completely.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and ⅓ cup sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract, sour cream, and egg; mix until just combined. Spoon the filling over the cooled crusts, filling each cup about ¾ full. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the centers are set. Let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill.
- Step 3: Prepare the clear gelatin according to the package instructions to create domes. Using silicone half-sphere molds, shape the gelatin into domes and let them set completely in the refrigerator.
- Step 4: To make the fondant snowmen, roll white fondant into small balls for the bodies and heads. Use black fondant to create eyes and buttons, and orange fondant to craft tiny carrot noses. Assemble and set the snowmen aside to firm up.
- Step 5: Carefully remove the chilled mini cheesecakes from the muffin tin. Place a fondant snowman on top of each cheesecake. Sprinkle a little edible glitter or sugar crystals around the snowman for a snowy effect. Gently cover each cheesecake with a gelatin dome, making sure the snowman is fully enclosed.
Tips & Variations
- Use vanilla wafer cookies for a sweeter crust or graham crackers for a classic flavor.
- If you don’t have silicone molds, try using small bowls lined with plastic wrap to shape gelatin domes.
- For a festive touch, add tiny edible snowflakes or silver dragees inside the domes along with the glitter.
Storage
Store the assembled cheesecake bites in the refrigerator in a covered container to keep the gelatin domes intact. They can be kept for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, remove from the fridge and allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for best flavor. Avoid freezing as it may damage the gelatin domes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crust and cheesecake filling in advance and chill them overnight. Assemble with the gelatin domes and fondant snowmen a few hours before serving to keep them fresh.
What if I don’t have fondant?
If fondant isn’t available, you can decorate the cheesecakes with small meringue kisses or edible sugar decorations to achieve a similar festive look.
PrintSnow Globe Cheesecake Bites with Cookie Crust Recipe
Delight in these whimsical Snow Globe Cheesecake Bites featuring a crisp cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a magical clear gelatin dome enclosing adorable fondant snowmen. Perfect for winter celebrations or festive gatherings, each bite offers a charming visual and delectable taste experience.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Crust
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer cookies
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp sour cream
Gelatin Domes
- Clear gelatin sheets or powder, prepared according to package instructions to make domes
Fondant Snowmen Decorations
- White fondant
- Orange fondant
- Black fondant
Optional
- Edible glitter or sugar crystals, for snow effect
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. In a bowl, combine crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer cookies with melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Press about 1 teaspoon of this mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup to form the crust. Bake for 5 minutes, then remove and let cool completely.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract, sour cream, and the egg, mixing just until combined to keep the texture light. Spoon the cheesecake filling over the cooled cookie crusts, filling each about ¾ full. Bake in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the centers appear set and slightly firm. Remove and allow to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours to chill and firm up properly.
- Create the Gelatin Domes: Prepare the clear gelatin according to the instructions on your gelatin packet, shaping the gelatin into half-sphere domes using silicone molds. Let the gelatin set completely in the refrigerator until firm and clear, ready to be used as snow globe covers.
- Make the Fondant Snowmen: Roll white fondant into small balls to craft the snowman’s body and head. Use small pieces of black fondant to add eyes and buttons, and shape orange fondant into tiny carrot noses. Assemble and decorate each snowman carefully, then set aside to firm.
- Assemble the Snow Globe Cheesecake Bites: Gently remove the chilled mini cheesecakes from the muffin tin liners. Place one fondant snowman on top of each cheesecake. Optionally, sprinkle edible glitter or sugar crystals around the snowman to simulate falling snow. Carefully place a clear gelatin dome over each cheesecake bite, enclosing the snowman inside the dome to complete the snow globe effect. Keep refrigerated until serving to maintain shape and freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the gelatin domes are fully set and firm before assembling to prevent breaking.
- Use silicone half-sphere molds for best shaping of the gelatin domes.
- Fondant decorations can be prepared a day in advance and kept in an airtight container.
- These cheesecake bites should be kept refrigerated until served to maintain texture and gelatin dome integrity.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cookies for the crust.
Keywords: cheesecake bites, snow globe dessert, mini cheesecakes, holiday dessert, gelatin dome, fondant snowmen, festive treats
