Mini No-Bake Jammie Dodger Cheesecakes are a simple and delicious dessert that blend creamy cheesecake with the iconic Jammie Dodger cookie. These individual-sized treats feature a crunchy biscuit base topped with a layer of Jammie Dodger cookies, offering a unique flavor combination. They are quick to make, as they require no-bake techniques, making them a perfect choice for anyone seeking an easy dessert or no-bake recipes. This dessert is popular in the UK and can be enjoyed on any occasion, whether you're entertaining guests or craving a sweet snack. In addition to their delicious taste, these mini cheesecakes offer some nutritional benefits, including calcium and fiber from the biscuit and cookie layers. However, they should be enjoyed in moderation, as they can be high in sugar and fats, which can impact overall health if consumed excessively.
Ingredients:
- 200g digestive biscuits (or graham crackers)
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
- 250g cream cheese, softened
- 100ml double cream
- 50g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8-10 Jammie Dodger cookies, crushed and whole for topping
Healthy Alternatives
If you're looking to make this dessert a little healthier or cater to different dietary needs, here are some substitutions you can make:
- Butter: You can replace unsalted butter with plant-based butter or coconut oil to make the dessert vegan-friendly.
- Sugar: Instead of powdered sugar, use a natural sweetener such as stevia or maple syrup for a lower glycemic option.
- Cream Cheese: If you want a lighter version, you could use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy and lower-fat alternative.
- Biscuit Base: For a gluten-free version, opt for gluten-free biscuits or crushed gluten-free graham crackers.
Instructions:
- Crush the Digestive Biscuits: Begin by crushing the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs. This can be easily done by using a food processor. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the biscuits in a plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin until they turn into fine crumbs. The finer the crumbs, the better the texture of your base will be.
- Prepare the Biscuit Base: Once the biscuits are crushed, transfer the crumbs into a bowl. Add the melted unsalted butter to the crumbs and stir until well combined. The butter will help the crumbs stick together to form a firm base. Press the mixture into the base of individual cheesecake cups or a large tart tin. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press the crumbs down firmly, ensuring an even layer. Afterward, place the tin or cups in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, allowing the base to firm up and hold its shape.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese, double cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This will form the rich, creamy filling for the cheesecakes. Ensure there are no lumps, and the mixture has a smooth consistency.
- Assemble the Cheesecakes: Once the biscuit base has set in the fridge, take it out and spoon the creamy cheesecake filling on top. Smooth the filling evenly using the back of a spoon or a spatula, making sure the surface is level. This is the key step to getting a neat and professional-looking cheesecake.
- Add the Jammie Dodger Cookies: Take your Jammie Dodger cookies and crush them into smaller pieces. Sprinkle the crushed cookies over the top of the cheesecake filling for extra flavor and texture. If you prefer, you can also place a whole Jammie Dodger cookie on top of each individual cheesecake as a decorative garnish.
- Chill the Cheesecakes: Now, it's time for the cheesecakes to set. Refrigerate the cheesecakes for at least 3 hours, or better yet, overnight. This will allow the filling to firm up and the flavors to develop. The longer you refrigerate, the better the texture will be.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheesecakes have set, take them out of the fridge. Serve chilled, and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy cheesecake, crunchy biscuit base, and the sweet Jammie Dodger topping. You can garnish with additional fresh fruit or even a drizzle of fruit compote for added flavor and decoration.
Enjoy your Mini No-Bake Jammie Dodger Cheesecakes—a perfect treat for any occasion!
Additional Serving Tips
To elevate the presentation of these mini cheesecakes, consider the following tips:
- Garnishing: Add fresh fruit like berries or a drizzle of fruit compote to enhance the flavor and appearance.
- Decorative Toppings: You could sprinkle crushed Jammie Dodger cookies on top for an extra crunch, or even add chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder for a more decadent look.
- Serving Cups: Use clear glass cups to serve the cheesecakes, allowing guests to admire the layers and presentation. You could also serve them in mason jars for a rustic, trendy touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use alternative ingredients for this recipe?
Yes, you can make a variety of substitutions for the ingredients:
- Use plant-based butter instead of unsalted butter for a vegan option.
- Replace powdered sugar with natural sweeteners such as stevia, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
- Swap low-fat cream cheese for regular cream cheese to reduce fat intake.
- Use gluten-free biscuits for a gluten-free version.
2. Can I store this dessert? If so, how?
Yes, these mini cheesecakes can be stored for later use:
- Refrigeration: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze them for up to 1 month. To freeze, place the cheesecakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
3. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
- Absolutely! These cheesecakes are perfect for make-ahead desserts. You can prepare them up to 1 day in advance. Just refrigerate them overnight to allow them to set fully before serving.
4. Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
This recipe can be adapted for various dietary needs:
- Vegan: Use plant-based butter, vegan cream cheese, and non-dairy double cream.
- Gluten-Free: Swap digestive biscuits for gluten-free biscuits or graham crackers.
- Low-Sugar: Use sugar alternatives like stevia or erythritol.
- Keto: If you're following a keto diet, replace the biscuits with crushed nuts or keto-friendly cookies.
5. What is the serving size for this recipe?
- This recipe makes individual-sized servings, so it’s perfect for small groups or as a treat at parties. Typically, it serves about 6 to 8 people, depending on the size of the portions. If you plan on serving a larger group, you can easily double the recipe or serve in larger portions.
Nutritional values and benefits
1. Digestive Biscuits (200g)
- Calories: 900
- Carbohydrates: 128g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 38g
- Sodium: 450mg
Vitamins:
- Iron: 2mg (10% DV)
Nutritional Benefit: Digestive biscuits provide energy from carbohydrates and some protein, along with a small amount of iron, which supports the production of red blood cells.
2. Unsalted Butter (100g)
- Calories: 720
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 81g
- Sodium: 720mg
Vitamins:
- Vitamin A: 800 IU (16% DV)
- Vitamin D: 4mcg (20% DV)
Nutritional Benefit: Butter provides essential fats and vitamins, such as vitamin A for eye health and vitamin D for bone health. It also aids in energy production.
3. Cream Cheese (250g)
- Calories: 900
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 85g
- Sodium: 850mg
Vitamins:
- Vitamin A: 1200 IU (24% DV)
Nutritional Benefit: Cream cheese is a rich source of fats, protein, and vitamin A, supporting immune health and overall well-being.
4. Double Cream (100ml)
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 47g
- Sodium: 30mg
Vitamins:
- Vitamin A: 500 IU (10% DV)
Nutritional Benefit: Double cream is rich in healthy fats, which support energy levels and provide essential nutrients like vitamin A for immune health.
5. Powdered Sugar (50g)
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
Vitamins:
- No significant vitamins
Nutritional Benefit: Powdered sugar provides quick energy through carbohydrates, although it should be used in moderation to avoid blood sugar spikes.
6. Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Calories: 12
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
Vitamins:
- No significant vitamins
Nutritional Benefit: Vanilla extract enhances flavor and provides antioxidants that may support overall health.
7. Jammie Dodger Cookies (8-10, crushed and whole for topping)
- Calories: 500
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg
Vitamins:
- Iron: 2mg (11% DV)
Nutritional Benefit: Jammie Dodger cookies provide a source of energy from carbohydrates and fats, along with small amounts of iron, which contributes to the formation of red blood cells.
Nutritional Benefits
These mini cheesecakes offer more than just indulgent flavor. Let’s explore some of the nutritional benefits of the key ingredients:
Digestive Biscuits:
- Rich in carbohydrates, digestive biscuits provide a quick source of energy. They also contain a small amount of iron, which supports red blood cell production and helps prevent anemia.
Unsalted Butter:
- Butter is a good source of fat, including essential fatty acids that support energy production. It also provides vitamin A, which is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, and vitamin D, which is vital for bone health.
Cream Cheese:
- Cream cheese is high in fat, providing energy, and is an excellent source of protein. It also contains vitamin A, which is important for immune health and skin health.
Double Cream:
- Double cream is rich in healthy fats and provides essential nutrients like vitamin A, supporting overall well-being, immune function, and skin health.
Jammie Dodger Cookies:
- Jammie Dodger cookies provide a combination of energy from carbohydrates and fats. They also contain small amounts of iron, which aids in the formation of red blood cells.
While this dessert can be delicious and satisfying, it should be enjoyed in moderation due to the higher sugar and fat content, which can impact overall health if consumed excessively.
These mini no-bake Jammie Dodger cheesecakes offer a fun and easy way to enjoy a delicious dessert without any baking. Enjoy the creamy filling with a crunchy biscuit base and the sweet, fruity Jammie Dodger cookies for a perfect treat!
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