Snow Globe Cheesecake Bites with Cookie Crust Recipe
These Snow Globe Cheesecake Bites combine a delicious cookie crust base with a creamy cheesecake filling, topped with adorable fondant snowmen and enclosed in shimmering gelatin domes that mimic a snow globe. Perfect for festive gatherings or a charming dessert treat, this recipe offers a delightful blend of textures and decorative flair.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecake bites 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp sour cream
Gelatin Domes
- Clear gelatin sheets or powder (prepared according to package instructions to make domes)
Decorations
- 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, mix the crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers with melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Press about 1 teaspoon of this mixture firmly into the bottom of each muffin cup to form the crust. Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, then remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, sour cream, and egg, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Spoon the filling over each cooled crust, filling about ¾ of the way full. Bake the cheesecakes for 15-18 minutes until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly. Let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill and firm up.
- Create the Gelatin Domes: Prepare the clear gelatin according to the package instructions, making sure it is clear and fully set. Pour or spoon the gelatin into silicone half-sphere molds shaped to cover each cheesecake bite and let the domes set completely in the refrigerator until firm.
- Make the Fondant Snowmen: Roll white fondant into small balls to form the snowmen’s bodies and heads. Use small pieces of black fondant to create eyes and buttons, and orange fondant to fashion carrot-shaped noses. Assemble and decorate each snowman carefully, then set them aside to firm.
- Assemble the Snow Globe Cheesecake Bites: Gently remove the chilled cheesecakes from the muffin tin and paper liners. Place a fondant snowman securely on top of each cheesecake. Sprinkle a small amount of edible glitter or sugar crystals around the snowman to emulate falling snow. Finally, carefully place a gelatin dome over each cheesecake, enclosing the snowman and snow effect inside the ‘snow globe.’ Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use silicone half-sphere molds for creating clear gelatin domes as they are easy to unmold and food-safe.
- Prepare the gelatin domes a day ahead so they have ample time to set thoroughly.
- Fondant decorations can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container to dry.
- For best results, chill the cheesecakes thoroughly before assembling to help support the gelatin dome.
- Handle gelatin domes carefully as they can be fragile and sensitive to heat.
Keywords: snow globe cheesecake bites, mini cheesecakes, gelatin domes, fondant snowmen, holiday dessert, festive cheesecake, cookie crust cheesecake
