Mini Santa Hat Cheesecakes {Gluten-Free}

Happy December 1! Christmas is only a few weeks away {insert little squeal!} and if you’re looking for a cute dessert to impress your family and friends, look no further. My Gluten-Free Mini Santa Hat Cheesecakes not only adorable, they also taste divine.

I have always been a lover of cheesecake. But because of it’s rich flavor, I can take days to finish just one slice. That’s way these mini cheesecakes are the perfect size. I used Glutino gluten free chocolate vanilla cream cookies for the crust (removed the creme) and then topped that with a creamy eggnog cheesecake filling. Eggnog? Oh yes! This is the holidays! 😉 To create the Santa hat look, I layered some homemade whip cream and a some organic strawberries. What do you think? Adorable!

These little cheesecakes were pretty easy to make but if you are looking to save time, you could always skip making the homemade whip cream. Go for the whipped spray in the can and no one will ever know.  It’ll be our little secret. 😉

I hope you give these little Santa Hats a try and let me know what you think. Oh and if you are looking for a sweet cake for your holiday guests, you may want to try my Christmas Rum Cake. It’s full of fun!

 

So have you finished your Christmas shopping? I haven’t even begun! 😆

Mini Santa Hat Cheesecakes {Gluten Free}

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Chill Time: Overnight
Makes 12 Cheesecakes

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 10 chocolate sandwich cookies, minus the cream (I used Glutino)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar

Filling:

• 12 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup eggnog
• 1 tablespoon gluten free flour (can substitute all purpose)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg

Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 12 strawberries

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a mini cupcake pan with cooking spray.

In a food processor, blend cookies until only crumbs remain. Combine crumbs with butter and sugar. Divide between the 12 cavities of the mini cupcake pan. Press down firmly to create an even layer. Bake for 5 minutes.

Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.

In a stand mixer beat together cream cheese and sugar until fluffy and smooth. With mixer running on low, slowly add eggnog, flour, vanilla and salt. Gradually increase speed mixing until no lumps remain. Finally mix in egg and combine until no streaks remain.

Divide the batter between the mini cupcake pan cavities. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until cheesecakes are set.

Allow cheesecake to cool on a wire rack until they are room temperature. Transfer cheesecakes to refrigerator to chill overnight.

In a medium bowl, beat together heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.  Cover and chill until ready to use.

Carefully remove the cheesecakes from the pan. Top off with the whipped cream and strawberries. Optional: Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a snow dusted look.