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Whimsical Circus Animal Cheesecake Cups Recipe

Whimsical Circus Animal Cheesecake Cups Recipe


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4.5 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Whimsical circus animal cheesecake cups blend nostalgic childhood cookie memories with creamy, dreamy dessert magic. Playful pink-frosted animal cracker crumbles crown each silky cheesecake layer, inviting pure delightful indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups (240 grams) pink circus animal cookies
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) sweetened condensed milk

Binding Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vanilla paste or extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare a cupcake pan by inserting liners into each cavity, creating a foundation for the delightful dessert.
  2. Transform circus animal cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or manual crushing technique with a rolling pin inside a sealed bag, achieving a sandy consistency.
  3. Blend the pulverized cookies with melted butter, ensuring a thorough and even mixture.
  4. Strategically set aside a small portion of the cookie crumb mixture for future garnishing purposes.
  5. Distribute a generous tablespoon of cookie crumbs into each cupcake liner, firmly compressing to establish a robust crust layer.
  6. In a spacious mixing bowl, amalgamate softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, tangy lemon juice, and aromatic vanilla.
  7. Utilize an electric handheld mixer to whip the ingredients into a silky, homogeneous filling with no lumps.
  8. Carefully allocate the creamy filling across cupcake liners, layering it atop the cookie crust foundation.
  9. Employ the back of a spoon to meticulously smooth and level the filling, ensuring complete coverage within each liner.
  10. Embellish the cheesecake cups with a playful sprinkle of nonpareil decorations and reserved cookie crumbs.
  11. Refrigerate the tray for 2-3 hours, allowing the cheesecake cups to solidify and develop their luscious texture.
  12. Prior to serving, gently remove the cupcake liners, revealing the whimsical circus animal cheesecake cups ready to delight.

Notes

  • Crush cookies thoroughly to create a sandy texture perfect for the crust, ensuring even distribution and maximum flavor.
  • Softening cream cheese completely prevents lumps and guarantees a silky smooth cheesecake filling that spreads effortlessly.
  • Chilling for 2-3 hours is crucial for setting the cheesecake cups, allowing them to firm up and develop a delightful creamy consistency.
  • Use nonpareil sprinkles and reserved cookie crumbs as a playful garnish to add color, texture, and a whimsical circus-themed appearance.
  • Remove cupcake liners just before serving to maintain the cups’ pristine shape and presentation.
  • Electric mixer helps blend ingredients seamlessly, creating a light and airy cheesecake filling without any unwanted chunks.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg