Lu-Ann Simon December 4, 2025

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Chocolate Gnome Cheesecakes

Name: Chocolate Gnome Cheesecakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache); Chocolate shavings or curls (for decoration); Whipped cream (for beards)

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There is something utterly charming about a tiny cheesecake dressed up like a gnome, a silky chocolate hat perched above a cloud of whipped cream beard. Picture a tray of Chocolate Gnome Cheesecakes coming out of the fridge for a winter gathering, their glossy ganache catching the light while the room fills with the warm scent of chocolate and sweet cream. They feel playful enough for a holiday table, elegant enough for an intimate dinner, and forgiving enough to make on a busy afternoon, which is why these little treats become instant favorites in any kitchen. If you enjoy chocolate-forward desserts or are looking for whimsical party bites, these cheesecakes pair beautifully with other treats like brown butter chocolate chip cookies for a cozy dessert spread.

What Makes This Special

Chocolate Gnome Cheesecakes are small, joyful desserts that balance creamy, tangy cheesecake filling with a crunchy graham crust and a rich chocolate ganache hat. The contrast of textures makes each bite interesting, while the whimsical decoration adds a nostalgic, handmade feel that guests love. They are perfectly sized for finger-food gatherings, yet indulgent enough to serve as a plated dessert.

Why you will reach for this recipe, beyond the cute presentation, includes the ease of assembly and the make-ahead advantages. The filling is a no-bake style that sets up in the fridge, so you can get most work done ahead and finish with a quick ganache and piping session. The flavors are simple and familiar, which makes them approachable for bakers of all levels.

Benefits at a glance

Easy to portion, no slicing required
Playful look, great for holidays and parties
Balance of creamy filling and crisp crust

Ingredients and Key Notes

This recipe keeps the ingredient list focused and pantry-friendly, with each element contributing a clear role, crust, creamy filling, or glossy chocolate finish. If you want to switch textures, consider using crunchy cookie crumbs instead of graham for more bite.

1 1⁄2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1⁄2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
Chocolate shavings or curls (for decoration)
Whipped cream (for beards)

Notes, briefly: use room temperature cream cheese for the silkiest filling, and chop the chocolate finely so the ganache comes together smoothly. If you enjoy chocolate cookie mashups, these cheesecakes are a friendly companion to recipes like chocolate chip cheesecake cookies when you want to offer a mix of textures on your dessert table.

Method

Preheat the oven to 325°F, 160°C, and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners so the crust presses evenly and bakes with a neat edge. You will smell the warm, toasty notes from the graham as it toasts slightly in the oven.
In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand, then press it firmly into the bottoms of the cupcake liners in the muffin tin. A fingertip press gives a compact, crisp base that holds the filling.
Bake the crusts for 10 minutes, watching for a light golden color and a toasted aroma, then remove and let them cool completely on a wire rack. The crust will firm up as it cools, making it easier to spoon the filling.
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and silky, scraping down the sides so no lumps remain, the texture should be glossy and free of graininess.
In another bowl, whip the 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form, the cream should hold a gentle curl when you lift the whisk and smell faint dairy sweet notes.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with a rubber spatula, using broad strokes to keep the mixture airy and light, the final filling should look velvety and slightly billowy.
Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crusts in the muffin tin, smoothing the tops with the back of a spoon; fill each liner nearly to the top but leave a small space for the ganache hat. The surface will look satin-smooth and inviting.
Chill the cheesecakes in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight so they set firmly, the chilling time allows the filling to firm and the flavors to meld, and you will notice a firmer, cleaner edge when you peel back the liners.
For the ganache, heat the 1⁄2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer and you see tiny bubbles around the edge, then pour it over the chopped semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl and let sit for a few minutes so the chocolate starts to melt.
After a few minutes, stir the cream and chocolate together until the ganache is completely smooth and glossy, then allow it to cool slightly until it thickens just enough to hold a small mound on the cheesecakes without running off. The ganache should smell richly of chocolate and silk across the surface.
Once the cheesecakes are fully set, spoon or gently pour a little ganache onto each one to form the gnome hat, using an offset spatula to shape a neat, rounded hat if desired. The ganache will form a glossy cap that contrasts with the cream.
Add whipped cream to form beard shapes using a piping bag or a spoon, taping soft peaks that suggest a fluffy beard, and finish by decorating with chocolate shavings or curls for hat texture and a touch of whimsy.
Serve chilled, straight from the fridge, and enjoy the contrast of cold, creamy filling, crisp crust, and warm chocolate aroma; you can also pair these bites with other cookie recipes, like chocolate peanut butter oatmeal cookies for variety on a dessert platter.

Prep ~20 minutes, Cook ~10 minutes, Total ~4 hours 30 minutes including chilling, Servings ~12, Kcal ~540 each

Prepare in Advance

Planning ahead makes these Chocolate Gnome Cheesecakes delightfully stress free. You can make the crusts and filling up to two days in advance. Store the assembled but unadorned cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then add ganache, whipped cream beards, and shavings the day you plan to serve them for the freshest look.

If you need to save extra time on the serving day, prepare the ganache ahead and keep it covered at room temperature for a few hours, or refrigerated for up to two days, reheating gently until it reaches a pourable consistency. For travel to a party, place cheesecakes in a shallow, rigid container and use a cold pack to keep them stable during transport. Small finishing touches like piping the whipped cream beards are quick and make the presentation feel freshly made.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate leftover Chocolate Gnome Cheesecakes in an airtight container, either in their muffin tin with plastic wrap loosely covering the top or in a single layer in a box. They will keep well for up to 4 days, though the crust may soften slightly over time, which is a normal freshness cue, the edges will lose some crispness but the flavor remains excellent.

To freeze, place cheesecakes on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container in a single layer with parchment between tiers, freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before finishing with ganache and whipped cream, or thaw and then refresh with a thin layer of ganache and newly piped beards for a bright presentation.

If you prefer a gentle re-warm for the ganache, warm the cheesecakes for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave on low power to slightly soften the ganache for spreading, watch closely to avoid heating the filling too much. A freshness cue to watch for is the aroma, which will be less vibrant as days pass, and the whipped cream beards may lose some volume after a day or two.

Perfect Pairings

Fresh raspberries or a mixed berry compote brightens the chocolate and cut through the creaminess.
A small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream adds a cold, creamy contrast.
Toasted nuts, such as chopped hazelnuts or almonds, for crunch and nutty warmth.
A plate of assorted cookies offers variety, try pairing with chocolate chip options or oat-based cookies.
A citrus vinaigrette fruit salad refreshes the palate after a rich bite.

Make It Your Own

Double Chocolate Filling, for a deeper cocoa flavor fold 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder into the cream cheese mixture, sift it first for a lump-free texture, this will make the filling more robust against the ganache.
Salted Caramel Hat, drizzle a little thick salted caramel on top of the ganache before it sets, the sweet salt contrast complements the chocolate.
Mini Nut Butter Swirl, gently ripple a teaspoon of peanut butter into the filling before chilling for a marbled look and peanut undertone, avoid overly oily nut butters to keep texture stable.
Chocolate Cookie Crust, swap graham crumbs for finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies for a darker, cocoa-rich base that pairs well with the ganache.
Citrus Zest Kiss, fold a teaspoon of finely grated orange or lemon zest into the filling for a bright lift, citrus cuts through the richness and adds aromatic complexity.
Espresso Boost, stir 1 teaspoon instant espresso granules into the ganache for a mocha note that deepens the chocolate, keep the amount small so the gnome character remains sweet.
Seasonal Spice, add 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the crust for autumnal warmth without changing the texture.
Dairy-Free Swap, use a plant-based cream cheese and whipping cream alternative designed for baking, note textures vary so chill time may change slightly.

Each variation keeps the whimsical gnome look intact, and none introduce alcohol, wine, pork, or bacon, so you can tailor flavors safely for different occasions.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling, cold blocks will resist beating and make the texture grainy.
Chill time matters, allow at least 4 hours or overnight for the filling to set fully, this prevents the ganache from sliding off.
Press the crust firmly and evenly, a compact base creates a stable platform for the creamy top.
Let ganache cool slightly before pouring, it should be warm and pourable, not steaming, to avoid melting the filling.
Pipe whipped cream beards with medium pressure for soft, cloud-like texture, lighter piping gives a more delicate beard.
If transporting, keep cheesecakes on a flat tray with a cold pack to preserve shape and sheen.

Chocolate Gnome Cheesecakes FAQs

What size muffin tin should I use for these cheesecakes
Use a standard 12-cup muffin tin for these quantities, it yields about 12 mini cheesecakes that are perfectly portioned for parties. If you only have a larger tin, expect fewer, larger cheesecakes and adjust the chill time slightly.

Can I make these without baking the crusts
You can skip the quick bake and press a chilled crust into the liners, but baking the crust briefly to toast it gives better structure and more pronounced flavor, the toasted aroma enhances the experience.

How can I prevent cracks or separation in the filling
Avoid overmixing when folding in the whipped cream, and make sure cream cheese is fully smooth before adding the cream, gentle folding keeps air distributed without causing the filling to weep. Proper chilling also prevents separation.

What is the best way to pipe the whipped cream beards
Use a medium open star or round piping tip, hold the bag at a slight angle and pipe short bursts to create a fluffy beard shape, practice on parchment first if you want uniform looks.

Can I make these gluten-free
Yes, swap the graham cracker crumbs for a certified gluten-free graham or cookie crumb, check all labels to ensure ingredients like chocolate and powdered sugar are gluten-free certified when needed.

How long can I freeze assembled cheesecakes
Freeze cheesecakes without the whipped cream for up to 1 month, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and pipe fresh whipped cream just before serving to retain the best texture and appearance.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Gnome Cheesecakes are an endearing and versatile dessert that manage to be both playful and refined, giving you a delightful centerpiece that is easy to make ahead and lovely to serve. The silky filling, crisp crust, and shiny ganache hat create a satisfying trio of textures and flavors, while the little whipped cream beards make each one feel handcrafted. Whether you are assembling a holiday platter, bringing a whimsical dish to a potluck, or just indulging in a sweet weekend project, these cheesecakes invite you to enjoy the simple pleasures of chocolate and cream, and to share that joy with others soon.