Description
Delight in these luscious Andes Mint Mini Cheesecakes featuring a rich chocolate graham cracker crust, a smooth mint-infused cream cheese filling, and a decadent chocolate and Andes mint topping. Perfectly portioned for indulgent treats that combine creamy texture with refreshing minty flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- Nonstick baking spray
- 1¼ cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (8 ounce) boxes cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon mint extract
- 4 drops green food coloring
Topping
- 1¼ cups chocolate chips
- 15 Andes mints, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and spray a mini cheesecake pan with nonstick baking spray to prevent sticking. In a bowl, combine the chocolate graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter. Divide this mixture evenly among the mini cheesecake pan cups and gently press down with a spoon to form the crust.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese with ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, mint extract, and green food coloring, mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid incorporating excess air.
- Assemble and Bake: Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared chocolate graham cracker crusts. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 minutes at 325°F.
- Cool Gradually: After baking, turn off the oven and prop the oven door open with a wooden spoon to let the cheesecakes cool slowly for 5 to 10 minutes. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks.
- Chill: Remove the mini cheesecakes from the oven and transfer them to the refrigerator. Chill for several hours or overnight to set completely before removing from the pan.
- Prepare the Topping: Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave following the package instructions. Spoon a generous tablespoon of melted chocolate onto each mini cheesecake and sprinkle with coarsely chopped Andes mints for a refreshing, minty finish.
Notes
- Plan ahead and soften your cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing without lumps.
- Warm your egg to room temperature to ensure smooth incorporation.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Avoid over-mixing the cream cheese mixture after adding the egg to prevent excess air and cracking during baking.
- Do not open the oven door during baking to maintain stable temperature and avoid cracks.
- You can crush whole chocolate graham crackers using a food processor; about 8–9 crackers will yield 1¼ cups crumbs depending on grind size.
- Store these cheesecakes in the refrigerator. They freeze well, double-wrapped and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg