Gingersnap–Molasses No-Bake Cheesecake Cups (Batch-Friendly)

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Designed for speed and consistency, these individual cheesecakes pair a compressed gingersnap base with a stabilized, molasses-spiced filling. Folding whipped cream into a smooth cream-cheese mixture creates a light texture that sets cleanly after a short chill. Portions are optimized for 4–5 oz cups, yielding 10–12 units, ideal for dessert buffets and passed “holiday appetizer” service. Flavor is driven by ground ginger, cinnamon, and a small amount of clove and nutmeg for depth. Garnishes are flexible (whipped cream, cookie crumbs, or cinnamon) and added just before service for best definition. The components hold 48 hours refrigerated, making this formula practical for party prep.

Clear dessert cups layered with gingersnap crust and molasses-spiced cheesecake, topped with a tall whipped-cream swirl and a dusting of cinnamon, festive no-bake holiday treat.

Time Breakdown

  • Prep: 20 min
  • Chill: 2–3 hrs
  • Total: ~2 hrs 20 min
  • Yield: 10–12 cups

Ingredients List

Base

  • Gingersnap crumbs 200 g (1¾ cups)
  • Unsalted butter 70 g (5 tbsp), melted
  • Light brown sugar 25 g (2 tbsp)
  • Fine salt pinch

Filling

  • Cream cheese 450 g, room temp
  • Powdered sugar 60 g (½ cup), sifted
  • Molasses 60 ml (¼ cup)
  • Vanilla 5 ml (1 tsp)
  • Ground ginger 1¼ tsp; cinnamon 1 tsp
  • Nutmeg ⅛ tsp; cloves ⅛ tsp; salt ¼ tsp
  • Heavy cream 240 ml, whipped to soft peaks

Finish

  • Lightly sweetened whipped cream; cookie crumbs; cinnamon

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Mixer, bowls, spatula
  • Food processor or rolling pin
  • Measuring tools, 10–12 cups/jars

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Combine base; portion and tamp into cups.
  2. Beat cream cheese + powdered sugar smooth.
  3. Add molasses, vanilla, spices, salt.
  4. Fold in whipped cream to uniform lightness.
  5. Fill cups; level.
  6. Chill 2–3 hours to set.
  7. Top and serve cold.

Pro Tips

  • Clean lines: Pipe filling with a large round tip.
  • Flavor balance: Start with ¼ cup molasses; add 1–2 tsp more if desired.
  • Hold time: Up to 48 hours refrigerated before topping.
  • Allergy note: Use gluten-free gingersnaps if needed.

Nutrition

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 cup3104 g29 g20 g1 g22 g