16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla
1/2 cup sour cream
Neon green gel food coloring
Whipped cream for topping
Large red heart shaped sprinkles
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line a standard muffin tin with paper liners. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, stirring until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press about one tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each liner, using the back of a spoon to pack it down firmly and evenly.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing for about two to three minutes until the texture is completely smooth and no lumps remain. Scraping the sides of the bowl frequently ensures an even consistency throughout the batter.
Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the eggs one at a time, beating just until the yellow disappears after each addition. Stir in the alcohol-free vanilla and the sour cream. It is important not to overmix at this stage, as incorporating too much air can cause the mini cheesecakes to crack or puff up too much during the baking process.
Add a small amount of neon green gel food coloring to the batter. Stir gently by hand using a spatula until the color is uniform. Continue adding dye a tiny bit at a time until you reach that iconic Grinch green shade. Remember that the color may deepen slightly as it bakes, so aim for a bright and saturated tone.
Divide the green cheesecake batter evenly among the prepared muffin liners, filling each about three quarters of the way to the top. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still have a slight jiggle. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely in the tin at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator to chill for at least three hours.
Once the cheesecakes are fully chilled and firm, remove them from the muffin tin. Top each cheesecake with a swirl of whipped cream. Place one red heart sprinkle on the side of the whipped cream to represent the Grinch’s heart. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until your guests arrive.
