This dessert celebrates the irresistible combination of smooth caramel, refreshing peppermint, and velvety cream cheese, all brought together with a buttery biscuit base. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, these mini cheesecakes are a surefire way to delight taste buds and spark conversations.
The charm of this recipe lies in its simplicity and bold flavours. With every bite, you’ll experience the satisfying crunch of the iconic South African Peppermint Crisp, the silky sweetness of caramel, and the classic richness of cheesecake. Easy to make and absolutely divine to eat, these cheesecakes are the ultimate indulgence that can turn any day into a special occasion.
Here are plenty of creative ways to put a unique spin on this cheesecake recipe while keeping its core charm intact! Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary experimentation:
Flavour Twists
- Chocolate Overload: Swap the Tennis biscuits for crushed chocolate cookies, and drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for an extra indulgent touch.
- Nutty Delight: Add a layer of crushed, caramelized nuts (like pecans or almonds) on top of the biscuit base for a delightful crunch.
- Berry Bliss: Mix in crushed freeze-dried berries like raspberries or strawberries into the cheesecake batter to balance the sweetness with a tangy twist.
Base Substitutions
- Ginger Snap Base: Use crushed ginger cookies for a spiced base that pairs beautifully with the caramel.
- Oat & Honey Base: Create a base using oats and honey for a wholesome twist on the traditional biscuit layer.
Toppings Galore
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: Top the cheesecakes with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce to add a sweet-savory contrast.
- Minty Explosion: Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a tiny splash of mint extract in the whipped cream for an extra refreshing taste.
- Tropical Touch: Sprinkle shredded toasted coconut and finely diced pineapple over the whipped cream for a tropical vibe.
Festive Creations
- Holiday Peppermint: Add crushed candy canes to the topping for a festive, holiday-inspired version.
- Easter Surprise: Place a mini chocolate egg on each cheesecake for a fun Easter treat.
Mini Cheesecake Bar Idea
For a party or gathering, create a mini cheesecake bar where guests can customize their toppings. Lay out a variety of options like chocolate shavings, fruit compotes, caramel sauce, chopped nuts, and candies
Mini Decadent Mini Cheesecakes with Peppermint and Caramel
Ingredients
For the Mini Cheesecakes:
- 450g plain cream cheese
- 2 eggs
- 60g sour cream
- 70g Nestlé canned caramel treat
- 100g Peppermint Crisp chopped
For the Biscuit Base:
- 100g tennis biscuits crushed
- 40g butter melted
For the Topping:
- whipped cream
- crushed Peppermint Crisp
Instructions
Biscuit Base
- Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- Mix the crushed Tennis biscuits with the melted butter and add a spoonful into each cupcake liner.
- Press down with the back of a spoon to form a compact base.
Mini Cheesecakes
Preheat the oven to 175°C (347°F).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, eggs, sour cream, and caramel treat. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in half of the chopped Peppermint Crisp to the mixture.
- Divide the cheesecake mixture evenly among the prepared cupcake liners.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, then allow them to cool completely.
Topping
- Top each cooled cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Sprinkle the remaining crushed Peppermint Crisp over the top for a delicious finish.