Description
Snow Globe Cheesecake Bites with Cookie Crust are charming mini cheesecakes topped with adorable fondant snowmen and enveloped in clear gelatin domes to create a festive snow globe effect. With a crunchy cookie base, creamy cheesecake filling, and decorative touches, these bite-sized desserts are perfect for holiday parties or winter gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Crust
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer cookies
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp sour cream
Gelatin Dome
- Clear gelatin sheets or powder (prepared according to package instructions to make domes)
Fondant Snowmen Decoration
- Fondant (white, orange, and black for snowmen)
- Edible glitter or sugar crystals (optional, for snow effect)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. In a bowl, combine the crushed cookies, melted butter, and sugar, mixing until well combined. Press about 1 teaspoon of this mixture firmly into the bottom of each muffin cup to form the crust layer. Bake for 5 minutes, then remove and let the crusts cool completely.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, sour cream, and egg, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Spoon the filling evenly over the cooled crusts, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the centers are set but not browned. Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill and set properly.
- Create the Gelatin Domes: Prepare the clear gelatin sheets or powder according to the package instructions. Using silicone half-sphere molds, shape the gelatin mixture into domes and let them chill until fully set and firm. These domes will act as the transparent snow globe cover for the cheesecakes.
- Make the Fondant Snowmen: Roll white fondant into small balls to form the snowman’s body and head. Use black fondant to create the eyes and buttons, and shape a small piece of orange fondant into a carrot nose. Assemble and decorate the snowmen as desired, then set them aside to firm up.
- Assemble the Snow Globe Cheesecake Bites: Carefully remove the mini cheesecakes from the muffin tin. Place a prepared fondant snowman on top of each cheesecake. Lightly sprinkle edible glitter or sugar crystals around the snowman to simulate snow. Then gently cover each cheesecake with a clear gelatin dome, ensuring the dome fully encloses the snowman and creates the snow globe effect.
Notes
- Use fresh, softened cream cheese for a smooth cheesecake texture.
- Ensure gelatin domes are fully set and firm before assembling to prevent melting or collapsing.
- If desired, substitute cookie crust with chocolate cookie crumbs for a different flavor.
- Fondant snowmen can be prepared a day ahead and stored in an airtight container to save time.
- Handle gelatin domes gently as they can be fragile.
- Refrigerate assembled bites until serving to keep gelatin domes solid and cheesecake fresh.
