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