Description
These creamy no-bake gingerbread cheesecake cups are the ultimate easy Christmas party dessert, featuring layers of spiced gingerbread cookie crust and tangy sweet cheesecake filling. Perfectly portioned in individual cups, they require zero baking and can be made ahead for stress-free holiday entertaining.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (about 200g) gingerbread cookies, crushed (or gingersnaps/Biscoff for variation)
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 2/3 cup (80g) powdered sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt (omit if using salted butter)
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, extra cookie crumbs, festive sprinkles, mini gingerbread men
Instructions
- Place gingerbread cookies in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. Alternatively, crush cookies in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin.
- Stir cookie crumbs with melted butter and a pinch of salt (if using unsalted butter) until the mixture resembles damp sand and holds together when pressed.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of crust mixture into the bottom of each serving cup or jar. Press down lightly to form a base.
- In a clean bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks using a hand mixer. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mix until combined.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with a spatula until light and fluffy.
- Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the crust in each cup, filling to about 3/4 full.
- Cover cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Before serving, top each cup with whipped cream, extra cookie crumbs, sprinkles, or mini gingerbread men as desired.
Notes
For best results, use crispy gingerbread cookies for the crust. Make ahead and chill overnight for deeper flavor. Add toppings just before serving for freshness. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, substitute cookies and cream cheese as needed. If making for a crowd, set up a DIY topping bar for customization.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 6-8 oz)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, gingerbread, Christmas dessert, holiday party, individual cups, easy dessert, creamy cheesecake, festive treats