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Santa Hat Cheesecake Bites

Santa Hat Cheesecake Bites
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Ingredients

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  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 24 small to medium fresh strawberries, hulled and tops cut flat
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or canned whipped cream for convenience)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for whipped cream)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it much easier to lift the cheesecake out once it has cooled and set.
  2. In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and the melted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid over-beating the batter at this stage to prevent air bubbles from forming in the cheesecake.
  4. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pre-baked crust and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
  5. Place the cooled cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 3 to 4 hours, or overnight. Once fully chilled, use the parchment paper handles to lift the cheesecake out of the pan. Use a sharp knife to cut the cheesecake into 24 even squares.
  6. Whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Place a small dollop of whipped cream in the center of each cheesecake square. Place a strawberry (flat side down) on top of the cream. Use a piping bag or a small spoon to add a tiny dot of whipped cream to the tip of each strawberry to finish the hat look.

Find it online: https://www.pleasecook.com/desserts/santa-hat-cheesecake-bites/