Christmas Cheesecake Inspired by the Grinch
If you're looking for a fun Grinch-inspired dessert this holiday season, this beautiful Christmas cheesecake is sure to be a show-stopper! Featuring a vibrant green center and topped with heart candy and creamy whipped cream swirls, this fun dessert is perfect for holiday parties, movie nights or a fun baking day with the kids.
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What Do I Need to Make Christmas Cheesecake?
With its festive color and creamy texture this amazing Christmas cheesecake is the perfect sweet treat for any holiday party. And the best part is that you can prepare this whimsical dessert using a handful of ingredients, including:
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Granulated sugar
- Melted butter
- Cream cheese
- Eggs
- Sour cream
- Vanilla extract
- Lime green gel food coloring
- Cool Whip
- Red candy hearts
How Do I Make Christmas Cheesecake?
Preparing cheesecake from scratch at home can be intimidating. But once you try this simple recipe, you'll want to add this delicious dessert to the menu at all your holiday parties. Just follow these easy instructions to whip up an adorable sweet treat for your next get-together.
Step One: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. While the oven is warming, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Stir to mix the crust ingredients together until it resembles wet sand. After that, press the crust mixture into the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to press the crust down in to a firm, even layer, then set the pan aside.
Step Two: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Then, add the sugar to the bowl and beat until the two ingredients are well combined. After that, mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract and beat until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until just combined after each addition. Finish by tinting the filling with lime green food coloring until it reaches your desired shade of Grinchy green.
Step Three: Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the green cheesecake filling over the crust in the springform pan and smooth the top with a flat spatula. Place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven, then put the cheesecake pan in the center rack. Bake in the preheated oven for one hour. When the cook time is up, turn off the oven and keep the cheesecake inside for an additional hour with the door closed.
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Step Four: Chill the Cheesecake
After the cooling hour is up, remove the cheesecake from the oven and place it on the counter to cool to room temperature, which should take around 30 minutes. Then, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator to chill overnight for the best texture.
Step Five: Decorate the Cheesecake
When you're ready to serve your dessert, tint the Cool Whip with the lime green food coloring and transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe smooth circles of Cool Whip over the top of the cheesecake. Then, gently press a red candy heart into the top of each swirl.
Christmas Cheesecake Recipe Tips
Preparing your own cheesecake at home doesn't have to be intimidating! Just follow the recipe and use these helpful tips and tricks to prepare a show-stopping dessert for your next holiday party.
- Use room temperature ingredients. The best way to ensure your cheesecake filling is smooth and creamy is to start with room temperature ingredients. Before you start mixing, place the cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream on the counter to warm for at least 30 minutes.
- Use hot water for clean slices. When you're ready to start cutting your cheesecake, start with a warm knife. Fill a cup with hot water and dip the knife in to warm the blade. Dry the knife with a towel, then cut a slice. Repeat the process with each slice for a clean cut every time.
- Don't skip the water bath! The only way to ensure your cheesecake doesn't crack as it bakes is to place a pan of water in the oven with the cake. Fill a pan with hot water and place it in the oven first. Then, immediately place the cheesecake in and close the door. The steam from the hot water will help keep the oven moist while the dessert cooks.
How to Store Homemade Cheesecake
Since this dessert is prepared with cream cheese, it needs to be chilled when it's not being served. The dessert can sit out at room temperature for around 30 minutes before it needs to be returned to the fridge to prevent bacteria from growing.
After serving your cheesecake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the leftover slices to an airtight container. The cheesecake will stay good for up to 5 days when chilled.
You can also freeze your leftover cheesecake for long-term storage. Freeze the slices individually or transfer the whole cheesecake to a freezer safe container. When stored properly, the cheesecake will stay good for up to three months.
Allow your frozen cheesecake to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Grinch-Inspired Christmas Cheesecake with Green Filling & Candy Hearts
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Graham cracker crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
For the cheesecake filling:
- 4 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Lime green gel food coloring
- For the Topping:
- 1 8 oz tub Cool Whip
- Lime green food coloring
- Red candy hearts
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until it resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust mixture into the bottom of an 8-inch springform or Fat Daddio’s cheesecake pan. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to press it down firmly and evenly. Set aside.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the sugar and beat until well combined. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla. Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until combined after each.
- Tint the batter with lime green food coloring until it reaches your desired Grinchy green hue.
- Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven (this helps prevent cracking). Place the cheesecake on the middle rack and bake for 1 hour at 350°F.
- When the timer goes off, turn the oven off but leave the cheesecake inside for 1 more hour with the door closed.
- Chill Overnight
- After the cooling hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it finish cooling at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then transfer it to the refrigerator and chill overnight for the best texture.
- Decorate
- Before serving, tint the Cool Whip with lime green food coloring and transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe smooth circles around the top of the cheesecake. Gently press a red candy heart into the center of each swirl.
Notes
For neat slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts.
Make it ahead — this cheesecake is even better the next day!
Serve With a Grinch Movie Night! Pair this adorable Grinch Cheesecake with a showing of How the Grinch Stole Christmas and some hot cocoa for the ultimate holiday experience. It’s sure to make everyone’s hearts grow three sizes!
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