23 May Mini Lime-Mint Cheesecakes
I am trying to decide whether I’m a hypocrite or late bloomer. I don’t watch hockey during the regular season because there’s too much fighting. But come the playoffs, when neither side is as willing to risk a penalty, hockey draws me in. I tell myself it’s just a game, but end up watching through my fingers and squealing, “No, no, no!” when the puck nears my goalie and “Yes, yes, yes!” when the action’s at the other end. I don’t want to care. But I do.
And I’m the more level-headed one in the marriage. My husband has to get up and pace when the clock winds down and the score is close or — heaven forbid — tied. He has been known to leave the room, do deep breathing, and flap his arms as he walks in circles. He lives and dies with every face-off, slap shot, high stick, and save.
And after 20 minutes of game play, the teams retire to the locker room, and we regain our composure with food.
I let others take care of the savory dips and protein snacks. I’m in charge of dessert. So I’m making something small, that doesn’t require forks or spoons and will cool hot tempers or at least distract. A chocolate base, cool lime, a hint of mint, and creamy avocado make these a non-traditional playoff treat. Then again, I’m either a hypocrite or late bloomer. You decide.
Mini Lime-Mint Cheesecakes
If there is a secret to this dessert it’s the lime-mint sugar. It adds flavour and crunch to the crumb crust base — which I bake briefly to get crisp. It sweetens the filling, and adds a splash of colour to the top. If there’ s any leftover, I stir it into a well-deserved cup of tea, be it served piping hot or iced.
While this might seem like a complicated dessert — with the special sugar, crumb crust, and chocolate drizzle, it comes together quite quickly. Just make it the day before or that morning so it can freeze. Then let it sit while you cheer on your team.
If they win, reward yourself with a Mini Lime-Mint Cheesecake. If they lose, console yourself with a Mini Lime-Mint Cheesecake. After all, it’s only a game.
Or at least that what I tell myself during the playoffs.
- Lime Mint Sugar
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest
- Crust
- 2 cups roughly broken chocolate wafers
- 1/4 cup lime-mint sugar
- Generous pinch fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Cheesecake
- 1 cup cold whipping cream
- 1 cup lime mint sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (NOT bottled)
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 large ripe avocados, diced (about 2 cups)
- 2 packages (250 g each) cream cheese, in cubes
- Chocolate Drizzle
- 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate.
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line 12 muffin tins with paper liners.
- Place sugar, mint, and lime zest into Vitamix. Secure lid, set to 1, and pulse to blend until mint is finely chopped. Set lime-mint sugar aside.
- Don’t bother to clean the container. Place cookies, 1/4 cup lime-mint sugar, and fine sea salt in Vitamix container. Secure lid, set to 1, and pulse to crush cookies into coarse crumbs. With motor running, remove stopper and drizzle in melted butter. Blend until combined and crumbs are fine. Spoon evenly into the muffin tin and press well to flatten. Bake for 8 minutes. Set on cooling rack while you make filling.
- Clean Vitamix container. Pour whipping cream into Vitamix and secure lid. Turn the machine to 1 and slowly increase to 10 until cream is whipped. This takes about 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer the whipped cream to a large bowl.
- Place lime juice, salt, avocados, 1 cup lime-mint sugar, and cream cheese in the Vitamix. Blend until smooth using the smoothie setting. Fold cream cheese mixture into the whipped cream. Pour filling evenly into muffin cups and smooth tops flat.
- In the microwave, using the defrost setting, blast chocolate until 80% melted. Stir until all chocolate has melted. Drizzle over the cheesecakes. Sprinkle with remaining lime-mint sugar. Freeze for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- When the game begins, set the cheesecakes out. They will be ready to eat in 30 to 40 minutes minutes.
Disclaimer: Every once in a while I work with sponsors that are a good fit for my brand. Vitamix generously compensated me for creating this recipe. I was asked simply to create a dish I’d bring to the playoffs. Not surprisingly, I chose dessert. With chocolate.
Mahy
Posted at 12:58h, 23 MayOh WOW Charmian, I never imagined Lime and Chocolate can look so divine!! What a fantastic combo, I’ll be making this for an amazing treat ! And I’m sure everyone will be just as surprised!! Can’t wait 🙂
kristy
Posted at 13:18h, 23 MayOh Charmian. These little cheesecakes are stunning stunning and more stunning! I ADORE lime and mint and chocolate together!! If this isn’t the perfect game day dessert, I don’t know what is!!
PS. …Late bloomer? Maybe. Me too. But that just means we’re forever younger (in spirit) than the early ones 😉 Or something like that anyhow.
Fida
Posted at 13:30h, 23 MayCharmian, these cheesecakes look incredible. Love the combination of flavours and I just love how you’ve included avocados in them, I can finally eat cheesecake and not feel guilty about it!
Robyn Gleason
Posted at 10:24h, 25 MayYup, these are going on the snack list for the playoffs. What a crazy season it’s been. I love your description of your husband. My partner does the same and I’m certain he’s going to hurt himself, lol.
These are just what he needs to cool down! How perfectly delicious. And I love every reason I can find to use my Vitamix!
Thanks for a great recipe.
Charmian Christie
Posted at 15:40h, 25 MayThanks. They do look like spring — which is very welcomed this time of year.
Charmian Christie
Posted at 15:41h, 25 MayThanks, Kristy. I can see knocking these back with a mojito 🙂 I’ll take forever young (in spirit). But watching these games is aging me quickly! I can’t take the stress.
Charmian Christie
Posted at 15:42h, 25 MayThe avocado makes it really creamy. I know most cheesecakes use sour cream but the avocado works well and adds to the gentle green colour. No fake food colouring necessary!
Charmian Christie
Posted at 15:45h, 25 MayIt has been crazy. I have to stop watching on occasion. So far my husband hasn’t hurt himself, but he has scared the cats a couple of time shouting with joy (or upset).
The Vitamix was so handy for this recipe. Base, filling, lime-mint sugar. I can’t imagine making it without it.
Taylor
Posted at 18:38h, 26 MayCharmian, these little cheesecakes look amazing!!! I can totally relate to you on the stress the hockey playoffs can bring to the household – what better way to get back to normal than with food? Or nervously watch on with food? Hahaha… I can’t wait to try my hand at these!
Debra
Posted at 14:00h, 28 MayI loved the recipe however I have several that DONT like avocado!!! Substitution for the avocado??
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mau noi that biet thu co dien dep
Posted at 02:02h, 08 NovemberCharmian, these cheesecakes look incredible. Love the combination of flavours and I just love how you’ve included avocados in them, I can finally eat cheesecake and not feel guilty about it! A geart !
Charmian Christie
Posted at 12:24h, 09 NovemberThanks. They were a fun recipe to develop, especially since they use most of my favourite ingredients.
Charmian Christie
Posted at 19:26h, 10 DecemberHope you like it.
Charmian Christie
Posted at 19:27h, 10 DecemberWhat’s stopping you 🙂 If you try it, I hope you enjoy the results.
Charmian Christie
Posted at 19:29h, 10 DecemberSorry I missed your comment. You could substitute the avocado with mascarpone cheese..
kien truc biet thu 4 tang hien dai
Posted at 02:41h, 03 JanuaryOh Charmian. These little cheesecakes are stunning stunning and more stunning! I ADORE lime and mint and chocolate together
Charmian Christie
Posted at 20:11h, 03 JanuaryGlad you like the flavour combination. I like it when three flavours come together and this is one of my favourites. Happy baking!
Nguyễn Mai Anh
Posted at 04:56h, 17 JanuaryEvery once in a while I work with sponsors that are a good fit for my brand. Vitamix generously compensated me for creating this recipe. I was asked simply to create a dish I’d bring to the playoffs. Not surprisingly
Đinh Mạnh Đạt
Posted at 22:47h, 05 MarchOh WOW Charmian! Your cakes look great! Lime,mint are suitable for chocolate, I will try to follow your recipe at home…
My English is not very good, hope you understand what I say!
kien truc biet thu 4 tang hien dai
Posted at 04:22h, 03 AprilOh WOW Charmian, I never imagined Lime and Chocolate can look so divine!! What a fantastic combo, I’ll be making this for an amazing treat ! And I’m sure everyone will be just as surprised!! Can’t wait 🙂
Lara
Posted at 17:22h, 16 SeptemberPerfect combo! What a recipe!
Arian Moe
Posted at 04:22h, 19 Octoberlooks yummy, nice blog, check out this blog
https://gooseberry307433601.wordpress.com/
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