Description
These Mini Easter Cheesecake Jars are delightfully creamy and perfectly portioned for spring celebrations, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and luscious cheesecake filling topped with festive garnishes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
Cheesecake filling:
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional but lovely)
- 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
Toppings (mix and match):
- Lemon curd or strawberry sauce
- Shredded coconut tinted green (for a “grass” nest)
- Mini chocolate eggs or pastel M&M’s
- Fresh berries
To serve:
- 6–8 small jars or glasses (4–6 ounce size)
Instructions
- Make the crust: Stir graham crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter until the texture looks like damp sand.
- Pack the base: Spoon 2–3 tablespoons into each jar and press down with the back of a spoon. Chill while you make the filling.
- Whip the cream: In a cold bowl, whip heavy cream to medium-stiff peaks. Set aside.
- Beat the cream cheese: In another bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth and fluffy, 1–2 minutes.
- Fold together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two additions until no streaks remain.
- Fill the jars: Pipe or spoon the filling over the crust, leaving room for toppings.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, to set.
- Decorate: Add lemon curd, fruit sauce, or berries. For a nest look, sprinkle green-tinted coconut and nestle in mini eggs.
- Serve: Enjoy cold, straight from the jar with a spoon.
Notes
- Chill the crust before adding the filling to ensure it sets firmly.
- Optional lemon zest adds a lovely brightness to the cheesecake flavor.
- Use tinted shredded coconut to create a festive ‘grass’ nest for decoration.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but up to 24 hours for best results.
