Introduction

These Snow Globe Cheesecake Bites combine creamy cheesecake with a crunchy cookie crust, topped with adorable fondant snowmen encased in clear gelatin domes. Perfect for winter parties or festive treats, they offer a magical and delightful way to enjoy cheesecake in bite-sized form.

The image shows small round desserts with three clear layers, each topped with a clear dome. The bottom layer is a crumbly golden brown crust. The middle layer is smooth, creamy white filling. The top layer is a swirl of white cream decorated with small red spherical candies arranged to look like a Christmas tree, finished with a powdery white star at the very top. The treats are placed on a wooden board sprinkled with white powdered sugar, all set on a white marbled surface with soft warm lights blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer cookies
3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
2 tbsp granulated sugar
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
2 tbsp sour cream
Clear gelatin sheets or powder (prepared according to package instructions to make domes)
Fondant (white, orange, and black for snowmen)
Edible glitter or sugar crystals (optional, for snow effect)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. In a medium bowl, mix crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer cookies, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined. Press about 1 teaspoon of this mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup, creating a firm base. Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, then let them cool completely while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract, sour cream, and the egg, mixing until just combined. Spoon the cheesecake filling over the crusts, filling each muffin cup about ¾ full. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the centers are set. Let the cheesecakes cool to room temperature, then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to chill and firm up.
Step 3: Follow the instructions on your clear gelatin sheets or powder to create clear gelatin domes using silicone half-sphere molds. Allow the gelatin domes to set completely before removing them from the molds.
Step 4: Roll white fondant into small balls to create the body and head of each snowman. Add black fondant for the eyes and buttons, and orange fondant for a tiny carrot nose. Shape and decorate the snowmen as desired, then set them aside for assembly.
Step 5: Gently remove the mini cheesecakes from the muffin tin and place them on a serving plate. Place a fondant snowman on top of each cheesecake. Sprinkle a tiny amount of edible glitter or sugar crystals around the snowman to mimic snow, giving it a magical effect. Carefully place a gelatin dome over each cheesecake, ensuring that the snowman is enclosed within the dome to create a “snow globe” effect.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling.
Use colored sugar crystals or edible shimmer dust to enhance the sparkling snow effect.
If you don’t have silicone molds for the gelatin domes, simple round molds or small bowls can also work.
Fondant snowmen can be replaced with small edible decorations or miniature figurines that withstand moisture.

Storage

Store the cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the gelatin dome’s clarity and shape, avoid freezing. Bring to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for best texture.

How to Serve

This image shows round mini cheesecakes with three clear layers on a wooden board dusted with powdered sugar. The bottom layer is a crumbly golden brown crust, firm and textured. The middle layer is smooth and creamy white cheesecake filling, slightly thick and soft. On top is a swirl of whipped cream decorated with small red glossy edible beads and a small white star-shaped candy at the peak. Each mini cheesecake is covered by a transparent dome that softly reflects light. The scene is set against a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cheesecake bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crusts and cheesecake filling in advance and refrigerate them. Assemble the gelatin domes and fondant snowmen shortly before serving to keep them fresh and clear.

What if I don’t want to use gelatin domes?

If gelatin domes are not an option, you can omit them and simply top the cheesecake bites with fondant snowmen or other decorations. They’ll still be delicious and festive without the snow globe effect.