Description
Delightfully festive Snow Globe Cheesecake Bites featuring a crisp cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, adorable fondant snowmen, and delicate clear gelatin domes to create a magical winter snow globe effect.
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 Domes
- Clear gelatin sheets or powder, prepared according to package instructions to make domes
Fondant Snowmen Decorations
- White fondant
- Orange fondant
- Black fondant
Optional
- Edible glitter or sugar crystals (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 crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press about 1 teaspoon of this mixture firmly into the bottom of each muffin cup to form the crust. Bake for 5 minutes until set, then allow to cool completely.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract, sour cream, and the egg, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing. Spoon the cheesecake filling over the cooled crusts, filling each cup approximately three-quarters full. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill and firm up.
- Create the Gelatin Domes: Prepare the clear gelatin following the package instructions. Pour the gelatin into silicone half-sphere molds to create the domes. Allow the gelatin to set completely until firm and clear.
- Make the Fondant Snowmen: Roll white fondant into small balls shaped to form a snowman’s body and head. Use black fondant to create tiny eyes and buttons, and orange fondant to craft a small carrot nose. Assemble and decorate each snowman carefully, then set them aside to firm.
- Assemble the Snow Globe Cheesecake Bites: Gently remove the chilled mini cheesecakes from the muffin tin liners. Place a fondant snowman carefully on top of each cheesecake bite. Lightly sprinkle edible glitter or sugar crystals around the snowman to simulate snow. Finally, cover each bite with a clear gelatin dome, ensuring the snowman is enclosed inside the ‘snow globe.’ Handle with care to keep the domes intact.
Notes
- You can substitute the graham crackers with vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits for a different flavor profile.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother filling without lumps.
- Do not overmix the cheesecake batter to avoid cracks or a dense texture.
- Use silicone molds for gelatin domes, as they release the gelatin easily without rupture.
- Store the finished cheesecake bites refrigerated, and serve chilled for best texture and flavor.
- Edible glitter is optional but adds a magical, snowy effect to your snow globes.
