Indulge in the perfect balance of rich chocolate and cool mint with these Andes Mint Mini Cheesecakes. Each bite delivers a creamy, smooth cheesecake filling infused with refreshing mint extract, all resting on a chocolate graham cracker crust. Topped with a luscious layer of melted chocolate and finished with Andes Mint candy pieces, these mini desserts are the ultimate treat for mint chocolate lovers.
Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, these adorable cheesecakes make dessert time extra special. They’re easy to prepare in advance, freeze well, and are ideal for festive occasions, holiday gatherings, or a simple indulgence after dinner. Serve chilled and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors and textures in every bite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 (8-ounce) boxes of cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon mint extract
- 4 drops green food coloring
- 1 ¼ cups chocolate chips
- 15 Andes mints, coarsely chopped
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and spray a mini cheesecake pan with nonstick baking spray.
- In a bowl, combine chocolate graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and melted butter. Divide evenly in the mini cheesecake pan, pressing gently with a spoon.
- In a stand mixer, blend cream cheese and remaining sugar until smooth and creamy.
- On low speed, mix in the egg, mint extract, and green food coloring just until incorporated.
- Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the crust, dividing evenly among the cavities.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Then, turn off the oven, prop the door open with a wooden spoon, and let cheesecakes cool slowly for 5-10 minutes before removing them.
- Chill in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before taking them out of the pan.
- Melt chocolate chips according to the package instructions.
- Top each mini cheesecake with a tablespoon of melted chocolate and a few pieces of chopped Andes mints.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 176 kcal | Servings: 12 mini cheesecakes
Indulge in Andes Mint Mini Cheesecakes: A Decadent Chocolate-Mint Delight
If you are a fan of rich, creamy cheesecakes and the irresistible combination of chocolate and mint, these Andes Mint Mini Cheesecakes are a must-try. These bite-sized treats deliver all the indulgence of a full-sized cheesecake but in a perfectly portioned mini form, making them ideal for parties, celebrations, or satisfying a sweet tooth without going overboard.
From their crisp chocolate graham cracker crust to the silky-smooth mint-infused filling and the luscious chocolate topping, these mini cheesecakes are a dream come true for dessert lovers. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Andes Mint Mini Cheesecakes, but here are a few highlights that make them truly special:
1. Perfectly Balanced Flavors
The combination of chocolate and mint is a classic pairing that never fails to impress. The chocolate graham cracker crust provides a rich and slightly crunchy base, while the smooth and creamy cheesecake layer is infused with just the right amount of mint extract for a refreshing contrast. The melted chocolate topping and Andes Mint pieces tie everything together beautifully, offering a decadent yet balanced taste experience.
2. Bite-Sized Perfection
Mini cheesecakes are not only adorable but also practical. Their small size makes them easy to serve at gatherings, portion-controlled for individual enjoyment, and simple to store. Unlike a full-sized cheesecake that requires careful slicing, these mini treats come out of the pan ready to eat.
3. Make-Ahead Convenience
Planning a party or holiday celebration? These Andes Mint Mini Cheesecakes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, allowing you to focus on other preparations. They hold up beautifully when refrigerated and taste even better when chilled, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert.
4. A Showstopper Dessert for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a weekend treat, these mini cheesecakes are guaranteed to impress. Their elegant presentation, complete with a glossy chocolate topping and bits of Andes Mint candy, makes them look as good as they taste.
5. Easy to Customize
Love experimenting in the kitchen? This recipe offers plenty of room for customization. Try using different flavored extracts (such as vanilla or almond) for a unique twist, swap out the chocolate crust for an Oreo cookie base, or add a drizzle of white chocolate for extra flair.
Tips for Making the Best Andes Mint Mini Cheesecakes
While this recipe is simple, following these expert tips will ensure that your mini cheesecakes turn out absolutely perfect every time:
Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese
For the richest and creamiest texture, always use full fat cream cheese. Reduced fat versions may cause the cheesecake to be less creamy and more prone to cracking.
Soften Your Ingredients
Cold cream cheese and eggs don’t mix well, leading to lumps in your cheesecake batter. To achieve a silky-smooth filling, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. Similarly, allow your egg to warm up slightly for better incorporation.
Do Not Overmix the Batter
Overmixing can introduce too much air into the batter, which may cause the cheesecakes to rise too much during baking and then collapse as they cool. To prevent this, mix the ingredients just until they are combined and smooth.
Cool Cheesecakes Slowly
One of the most important steps in making cheesecake is allowing it to cool properly. Sudden temperature changes can cause cracks in the cheesecake. After baking, turn off the oven and prop the door open with a wooden spoon, allowing the cheesecakes to cool down gradually before refrigerating.
Chill Before Serving
Patience is key when making cheesecake! Allow the mini cheesecakes to chill in the refrigerator for at least a few hours or overnight before serving. This enhances the flavors and improves the texture, making them even more delicious.
Use a Mini Cheesecake Pan for Best Results
While a muffin tin with liners can work, a mini cheesecake pan with removable bottoms makes the process much easier and ensures a smooth, professional look. If using a muffin tin, be sure to use cupcake liners for easy removal.
How to Store and Freeze Mini Cheesecakes
One of the great things about these Andes Mint Mini Cheesecakes is that they store well, making them a convenient dessert option for busy schedules.
Refrigeration
Once fully cooled, store the cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and maintains their creamy texture.
Freezing
These mini cheesecakes freeze beautifully! To freeze, follow these steps:
- Once the cheesecakes are fully cooled and set, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours).
- Wrap each cheesecake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Freezing is a great option if you want to prepare these cheesecakes ahead of time for a special occasion.
Serving Suggestions
These Andes Mint Mini Cheesecakes are delicious on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, consider these fun serving ideas:
- Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich cheesecake.
- Drizzle with White Chocolate: A decorative drizzle of melted white chocolate adds an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
- Sprinkle with Crushed Candy Canes: For a festive holiday twist, sprinkle crushed peppermint candy over the top.
- Pair with a Hot Beverage: Enjoy these cheesecakes with a warm cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or even a peppermint mocha for the ultimate cozy treat.
Conclusion
These Andes Mint Mini Cheesecakes are the ultimate treat for mint chocolate lovers. With their rich chocolate graham cracker crust, creamy mint cheesecake filling, and decadent chocolate topping, they offer the perfect balance of flavors in a bite-sized format. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, a special event, or just as a personal indulgence, they are sure to be a hit.
Easy to make, customizable, and freezer-friendly, this recipe is a fantastic addition to any dessert collection. Follow the tips for success, store them properly, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat.
So, the next time you’re craving something sweet and refreshing, give these Andes Mint Mini Cheesecakes a try you won’t be disappointed!