Ingredients
Equipment
Method
For the Crust
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted salted butter, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of this mixture into the bottom of each of your twelve 125ml glass jars. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the base of each jar.
- Place the jars in the refrigerator while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
For the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric hand mixer until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
- Gradually add the cold heavy whipping cream to the cream cheese mixture. Continue beating on medium-high speed until the mixture thickens and forms soft peaks. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the coarsely crushed Cadbury Mini Eggs using your rubber spatula. Take care to mix just until combined to prevent the colors from bleeding.
- Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crusts in each jar. Smooth the tops of the cheesecake layer with a spoon or small offset spatula.
- Return the filled jars to the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the ganache.
For the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat the 1/3 cup heavy cream until it just begins to scald, meaning small bubbles form around the edge of the pan. You can do this in a small saucepan on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Pour the hot cream directly over the chopped milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let this mixture sit undisturbed for 2 minutes.
- After 2 minutes, whisk the mixture vigorously until it becomes completely smooth and glossy, forming a rich chocolate ganache.
- Allow the ganache to cool for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This cooling step prevents it from melting the cheesecake layer.
- Finally, pour the cooled ganache evenly over the cheesecake layer in each jar.
To Serve
- Chill the assembled mini Easter cheesecake jars in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until the cheesecake and ganache layers are fully set.
- For an extra special touch, garnish each jar with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a few extra whole Cadbury Mini Eggs just before serving.
- Serve them cold and enjoy every delicious bite of these festive desserts!
Nutrition
Notes
For the crust, use gluten-free graham crackers or other cookie crumbs like Oreos or vanilla wafers if desired. Bringing cream cheese to room temperature is crucial for achieving a smooth cheesecake filling. Ensure your cream cheese is full-fat and softened to room temperature for the smoothest filling. Feel free to use any preferred candy-coated chocolate eggs instead of Cadbury Mini Eggs. Your heavy whipping cream must be very cold before whipping to achieve the correct consistency. Ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature for a lump-free, super smooth cheesecake filling. Stop beating the cheesecake filling once soft peaks form to prevent overmixing. When incorporating the crushed mini eggs, fold them in gently to prevent the vibrant colors from bleeding. Allow sufficient chilling time for your mini Easter cheesecake jars to ensure both the cheesecake and ganache layers set perfectly. If your cheesecake filling is runny, check the cream cheese temperature and ensure your whipping cream was very cold before beating; chill the mixture longer to help it set. A grainy cheesecake is usually due to cold cream cheese that did not blend smoothly. Cover the jars tightly with their lids or plastic wrap after the ganache has set. Store your no-bake cheesecakes in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, though they are truly best enjoyed within the first 1-2 days. These jars are perfect for preparing in advance; assemble all layers the day before, allowing them to chill overnight, and add fresh garnishes just before serving. For flavor variations, try crushed chocolate cookies, vanilla wafers, or shortbread for the crust. Swirl a tablespoon of fruit jam or a hint of lemon zest into the filling. For the topping, use white chocolate ganache or a caramel drizzle. Adapt this recipe for other holidays by swapping Easter candies for seasonal sprinkles or other holiday-themed chocolates. Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.