🎄 Mediterranean Christmas Mini Cheesecakes
🧁 Makes: 12 mini cheesecakes
Perfect for Christmas dessert platters or gifting
🛒 Ingredients
Crust
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1 cup digestive biscuits or graham crackers, finely crushed
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3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (or melted butter if preferred)
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1 tbsp honey
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½ tsp cinnamon
Cheesecake Filling
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225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
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½ cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for creaminess)
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⅓ cup honey (or light maple syrup)
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1 large egg, room temperature
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Zest of 1 orange or lemon
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Festive Topping (choose one or mix)
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Pomegranate arils
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Honey-roasted walnuts or pistachios
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Fresh berries
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Drizzle of warm honey or orange-honey syrup
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Crust
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Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).
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Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
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Mix crushed biscuits, olive oil, honey, and cinnamon.
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Press about 1 tablespoon into each liner.
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Bake 6–8 minutes, then cool slightly.
2️⃣ Make the Filling
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Beat cream cheese until smooth.
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Add Greek yogurt and honey; mix gently.
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Beat in egg, citrus zest, vanilla, and salt—do not overmix.
3️⃣ Bake
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Spoon filling over crusts, filling almost to the top.
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Bake 16–18 minutes until centers are just set.
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Turn off oven, crack door open, let sit 10 minutes.
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Cool completely, then refrigerate at least 3 hours (overnight best).
4️⃣ Decorate & Serve
Top with pomegranate, nuts, berries, and a drizzle of honey just before serving ✨
🎁 Christmas Serving Ideas
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Sprinkle powdered sugar for a “snowy” look
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Add rosemary sprigs for festive garnish
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Serve with espresso or spiced tea
💡 Lighter Mediterranean Touch
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Swap half the cream cheese with extra Greek yogurt
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Use date syrup instead of honey
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Make them no-bake if you’d like—just ask!
