Tasty Gingerbread Cheesecakes

Section: Cakes & Cupcakes for Any Occasion: Sweet Celebrations Made Simple

These bite-sized gingerbread treats mix white chocolate with cream cheese and cozy spices on graham cracker bases, without needing your oven.
iamcooker.com
Sofia Pitt sofia
Most recent update: Wed, 09 Apr 2025 19:14:34 GMT
Three layered desserts with a brown base, topped with a creamy beige layer and garnished with cinnamon sticks, are arranged on a white surface. Save
Three layered desserts with a brown base, topped with a creamy beige layer and garnished with cinnamon sticks, are arranged on a white surface. | iamcooker.com

I gotta tell you about my go-to holiday treat that comes through when I'm in a pinch but still want to wow everyone! These No-Bake Gingerbread Spice Cheesecake Cups have turned into my holiday party superstar. I stumbled on this gem during one crazy December and now my family won't let me show up without them. When those toasty gingerbread flavors mix with that smooth cheesecake filling, it's basically the holidays in every spoonful!

What Makes These So Fantastic

The best thing about these cute treats? They're done in less than 60 minutes without turning on your oven! The consistency is just divine - not heavy but not fluffy either, just that perfect creamy middle ground. Since they're already in single portions, they're ideal for get-togethers with zero cutting or serving hassles. And they look so impressive that everyone thinks you slaved away for hours!

The Spice Secret

The real star here is that gingerbread spice mix. It's this awesome combo where ginger and cinnamon work together with touches of cardamom and nutmeg. Unlike the cinnamon-heavy pumpkin spice, this mix lets ginger grab some spotlight too. I sometimes throw in a tiny bit of black pepper which adds this amazing warmth that makes these cups extra cozy.

What You'll Need

  • White Chocolate: Go for quality baking bars instead of chips - they melt way better for what we need.
  • Cream Cheese: Don't skimp here - full-fat blocks are what gives us that perfect richness.
  • Graham Crumbs: Try smashed gingerbread cookies as a swap sometimes - it's absolutely amazing!
  • My Spice Mix: Real ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg create that warm, cozy feeling.
  • The Extras: Quality butter and sour cream for that perfect richness and tang.

Let's Put It Together

Create Your Foundation
Combine those spiced buttery crumbs and push them into your cupcake liners. A small glass bottom works great to pack them down tight.
Handle The Chocolate
Go slow when melting your white chocolate in a double boiler. Being patient here makes everything work better later on.
Make It Fluffy
Beat your butter with cream cheese until it's super airy, then carefully mix in your sour cream, spices and that melted chocolate.
Bring It Together
Spoon that velvety mixture over your crusts, stick them in the freezer for a quick set, then move to the fridge. The waiting is torture!

Add Some Flair

I've got some awesome ways to make these look super festive! A dollop of whipped cream with a dusting of cinnamon looks simple but beautiful. Sometimes I'll stick tiny gingerbread men on top or even small candy canes for that Christmas vibe. My kids love adding their own toppings - it becomes a fun holiday activity!

A close-up of several cinnamon-flavored cupcakes topped with a creamy frosting and sprinkled with brown sugar.
A close-up of several cinnamon-flavored cupcakes topped with a creamy frosting and sprinkled with brown sugar. | iamcooker.com

Storage Secrets

Need to prep ahead? These stay awesome in the fridge for three days in a good container. Here's my party trick: make a ton, wrap each one separately and freeze them for up to a month! Just pull them into the fridge the evening before you want them. They defrost perfectly and taste just as fresh as day one.

The Magic Touch

You know what makes this recipe stand out? That sweet spot between easy and fancy. By leaving out powdered sugar, we get this deep, rich taste that really showcases the spices. And that texture is incredible - so silky and smooth that every bite feels like pure happiness.

Party Ready Dessert

These mini cheesecakes have bailed me out of so many holiday hosting jams! Whether I'm throwing a Christmas dinner or bringing something to a potluck, they never disappoint. I love that everyone gets their own serving and they look so classy on any dessert table. They're also super easy to carry around, which makes them great for giving to friends and neighbors.

Tricks I've Learned

After making these tons of times, I've picked up some tricks! Always start with room temp ingredients for the smoothest filling ever. Pack those crusts down super firmly so they don't fall apart. Give them plenty of chill time for the best creamy texture. I always wait until right before serving to add decorations so they look their best.

Holiday Style Ideas

The fun part is matching these to your celebration! Sometimes I go with basic whipped cream and a stick of cinnamon. Other times I get fancy with dried orange pieces or glittery sugar. At Christmas I can't resist adding red and green sprinkles or tiny fondant holly decorations. You can really let your creativity run wild!

Three cupcakes with creamy frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon sit on a white surface, adorned with small pieces of cinnamon stick and brown sugar.
Three cupcakes with creamy frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon sit on a white surface, adorned with small pieces of cinnamon stick and brown sugar. | iamcooker.com

Overview

A yummy no-bake treat that brings together holiday tastes, with a smooth gingerbread-flavored cheesecake mix sitting on a crunchy graham cracker bottom.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I make this as one large cheesecake?
Sure, go with a springform pan instead of muffin tins. You'll need to chill it longer to make sure it firms up right.
→ Why use block cream cheese instead of spread?
Block cream cheese contains less water and gives better firmness. Spreads will make your filling too runny to stay shaped.
→ Can I freeze these cheesecakes?
Absolutely, freeze them without any toppings for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in your fridge overnight and add fresh toppings before you serve.
→ Why double chill the cheesecakes?
The freezer helps them set fast so you can pop them out, while fridge time lets them get that perfect creamy feel.
→ Can I use different cookies for the crust?
Definitely, gingerbread cookies are great, just skip the extra spices. Any crunchy cookie works if you adjust your spices.

Tiny Spiced Cheesecakes

Personal no-bake treats blending gingerbread flavors and white chocolate on a spicy graham base.

Prep Duration
30 min
Cooking Period
~
Entire Time Required
30 min
Sofia Pitt: sofia


Difficulty: Moderate

Regional Style: American

Output: 12 Portions (12 small cheesecakes)

Dietary Attributes: Vegetarian

Needed Ingredients

01 Crushed graham cookies (200 grams)
02 Light brown sugar (48 grams)
03 Melted unsalted butter (90 grams)
04 Ground ginger (2 teaspoons, split)
05 Ground cinnamon (1.25 teaspoons, split)
06 Zest from lemon (1 teaspoon)
07 White chocolate for baking (155 grams)
08 Block-style cream cheese (130 grams)
09 Extra butter at room temperature (70 grams)
10 Tangy sour cream (45 grams)
11 Fresh ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon)
12 Ground cardamom spice (1/4 teaspoon)
13 Pure vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon)
14 Pinch of sea salt (1/16 teaspoon)

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Combine graham crumbs with sugar, spices, lemon zest and melted butter. Push mixture into paper-lined cupcake pans

Step 02

Gently melt white chocolate using a double boiler, then set aside to cool completely

Step 03

Whip butter until light, blend in cream cheese, then add the rest of your ingredients

Step 04

Spoon mixture onto crusts, pop in freezer for 15 minutes, then move to refrigerator

Supplementary Details

  1. Always pick solid cream cheese blocks, not the spreadable kind
  2. Gingerbread cookies work great instead of graham crackers
  3. Stays fresh in the fridge up to 3 days

Necessary Tools

  • Muffin tin
  • Cupcake papers
  • Electric mixer
  • Pot and bowl for melting

Allergen Advisory

Review each item for allergens. Consult a medical expert if unsure.
  • Dairy
  • Wheat

Nutrient Breakdown (per serving)

This information is provided for reference and should not replace consultation with a health professional.
  • Caloric Value: 275
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
  • Proteins: 3 g