Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups (201g) Oreo crumbs
- 2 tbsp (41g) butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 12 ounces (339g) cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup (104g) sugar
- 3 tbsp (24g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (115g) sour cream
- 2 tsp mint extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (140g) chopped Mint Oreos (4–5 Oreos)
- Green gel icing color (optional)
Chocolate Whipped Cream
- ¾ cup (180ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 3 tbsp (22g) powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp (14g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Making the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C). Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, combine Oreo crumbs with melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the cupcake liners, using about 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons per cup. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner to form a compact crust.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool while preparing the filling.
Preparing the Cheesecake Filling
- Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and flour on low speed until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure an even mixture.
- Add the sour cream, mint extract, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Avoid over-mixing, as this can incorporate too much air into the batter, leading to cracks in the cheesecake.
- Fold in the chopped Mint Oreos using a spatula. If desired, add a few drops of green gel icing color to enhance the visual appeal.
- Divide the cheesecake batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each nearly to the top.
Baking the Cheesecakes
- Bake the mini cheesecakes for 13 minutes.
- Turn off the oven and leave the door closed for an additional 15-20 minutes. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks.
- Crack the oven door slightly and allow the cheesecakes to cool for another 5 minutes before transferring them to the refrigerator.
- Chill for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
Making the Chocolate Whipped Cream
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.
- Beat with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip or simply spoon it onto each cheesecake before serving.
Notes
How to Tell When Cheesecake is Done
- The center of the cheesecake should be slightly jiggly but not wet.
- The edges should be set but not browned.
- If cracks form, do not worry—whipped cream can cover them.
Avoiding Over-Mixing
- Over-mixing can incorporate too much air, causing the cheesecakes to puff up and then sink after baking. Mixing on low speed helps prevent this.
Chilling is Key
- Cheesecakes need time to set properly. Do not rush the chilling process, as it enhances both texture and flavor.
Storage Tips
- Store mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap each cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and place in a sealed container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 minutes