Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bites Freeze Ahead Recipes

MINT CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°. Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Wrap foil securely around pan. In a small bowl, mix cookie crumbs and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto bottom of prepared pan., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in cooled chips, creme de menthe, flour, creme de cacao and extract. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until blended. Pour half the batter over crust; sprinkle with crushed Oreos. Carefully spoon remaining batter over top. Place springform pan in a larger baking pan; add 1 in. hot water to larger pan., Bake until center is just set and top appears dull, 75-80 minutes. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool cheesecake on a wire rack 10 minutes. Loosen sides from pan with a knife; remove foil. Cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight, covering when completely cooled. , Remove rim from pan. Place chocolate chips in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; stir with a whisk until smooth. Spread over cheesecake.

MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Gather refrigerated ingredients on the counter to bring to room temperature.
• Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix together the cake mix and oil. Press on the bottom of a 9" springform pan. Bake for about 10 minutes or until set. (if making cupcakes, bake for only a couple minutes and press into liners lightly). Set aside.
• Turn down oven to 275 degrees F. Place a pan half filled with water on the lowest rack.
• Beat cream cheese until fluffy on lowest speed. Gradually incorporate sugar, extract, and food coloring. One at a time, add the eggs, beating after each addition. Beat in flour until incorporated and stir in chocolate chips.
• Pour batter into cheesecake pan. Drop the pan on the table repeatedly to release air bubbles and draw a sharp knife around in the batter to draw up air bubbles.
• Bake for about an hour (if cupcake-sized, check after about 30 minutes). Do NOT open the oven door until the end of baking. To check if done, carefully move the pan. If the sides look firm and the center wobbles, the cheesecake is done. Turn off the oven heat and leave the cheesecake in the oven to cool with the door propped open. After an hour or so, let the cheesecake cool on the counter. When the sides of the pan are cool, put the cheesecake in the refrigerator. Do NOT cover the cheesecake (condensation will gather and drop water on top). A full-size cheesecake will be chilled enough to eat the next day, cupcakes can be eaten the same day once chilled.
• To decorate, melt the chocolate and mix with the corn syrup. Place inside a plastic bag, and cut a tiny hole into the corner of the bag. Pipe onto the cheesecake.
• To cut, run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe dry. Do this each time you cut a slice to get clean slices.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE CHEESECAKE BITES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, overlapping 2 sides for easy removal from pan.
• COOKIE DOUGH: Beat butter, sweetened condensed milk,, and brown sugar until well combined. Add egg and vanilla, beat well. Add flour and baking powder, beat just until dough is combined. Mix in chocolate chips. Press 1 1/2 cups dough in prepared pan. Reserve remaining dough for topping.
• FILLING: Beat cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Beat in remaining ingredients. Pour cream cheese mixture over base. Drop reserved dough on top of mixture. Do not worry if some of the cheese mixture shows through.
• Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes or just until topping is golden and cheesecake is firm to the touch. Chill at least 6 hours or overnight in the refrigerator before serving.