Mini Spiced Gingerbread Cheesecakes

With the addition of pecans and mixed spices of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, these desserts are not your average cheesecake. 

Who doesn’t love an individual serving of dessert? Bring these cheesecakes out the next time you have friends over or keep some stashed away in the freezer for a night when you’re craving something sweet and a little bit spicy. 

Are pecans good for you?

Along with their unique flavour, pecans are also high in healthy unsaturated fats, protein, fibre and polyphenols that provide antioxidant support. They make a satiating, nutritious snack on their own but are famous for being perfect for desserts. Pecans are high in magnesium, which helps to relieve tension, as well as having good amounts of nutrients like vitamin E, B vitamins, calcium and zinc.1

The high unsaturated fat content of pecans also aids in blood sugar management. This makes them the perfect snack for those ‘hangry’ moments when you may want to reach for a chocolate bar.2

Coconut products as a healthy dairy alternative 

There are plenty of reasons why people may be avoiding dairy, but that doesn’t mean they should miss out on a delicious, creamy dessert! Thankfully, coconut products like coconut cream and oil add the same rich, creamy consistency to desserts and can satisfy even the most ardent dairy lover.

Coconut products are also rich in medium-chain fatty acids, a type of fat that is absorbed easily into the small intestine and doesn’t undergo the usual digestive process - this makes it a great source of quick energy.3 

Coconut products like coconut cream and coconut oil are also powerful antimicrobial and antifungal agents that can help to support a healthy gut microbiome balance.4

As an antioxidant, coconut and its various products are also anti-inflammatory, so it’s beneficial to include them every day to keep inflammation at bay.5

Health benefits of dates

Dates are such a popular addition to many healthy versions of favourite desserts - and for good reason! Their natural sweet, caramel flavour and chewy texture means they’re delicious on their own or as the base of a sweet treat. 

With their high fibre content, dates can support gut health and elimination, while also slowing the digestion of sugars. This can help to prevent blood sugar levels from spiking.6

The high magnesium and vitamin B6 content of Medjool dates also means they can be helpful in relieving tension. In fact, studies have shown that magnesium and B6 in combination can even relieve symptoms of pre-menstrual tension.7

Ingredients

Crust:

• 3/4 cup Pecans
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 cup Medjool dates

Filling

• 1 cups cashews, soaked
• 1/2 cup coconut cream 
• 2 tbsp coconut oil (solid)
• 1/2 cup pale syrup/agave syrup
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Instructions

1. In a food processor, add in dates, pecans and spices and pulse until a loose dough forms (it should sick together when pressed with your fingers).
2. Lightly grease a silicone 6-hole muffin tray, or tin muffin tray. If using tin, cut a strip of parchment paper and line the muffin holes to create little tabs for easier removal.
3. Scoop 2 heaped tablespoons of the base mixture into the muffin hole and press down well with your fingers or the back of a spoon to form an even, flat base. 
4. Place the muffin tray in the freezer to firm up the base mixture whilst you make the filling.
5. Add all of the filling ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust spices if needed.
6. Pour equal amounts of filling into the muffin tray. Tap the side of the tray a few times to release any air bubbles. 
7. Place back into the freezer for 3-5 hours, until firm.
8. One the cheesecakes have set, remove them by either popping them out of the silicone moulds or pulling the tabs. You can loosen with a butter knife first but they should just pop out. 
9. Decorate the cheesecakes by drizzling over some melted dark chocolate and topping with pecans.
10. Store in a sealed container in the freezer for 1-2 weeks. Let thaw for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Makes six mini cheesecakes. 

References: 

1. USDA. Written April 2019, accessed November 2022 from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170182/nutrients
2. O’Neil, C.E., et al. (2015). Nutr J, 14(64).
3. Boateng, L., et al. (2016). Ghana Med J, 50(3):189-196,
4. Ogbolu, D.O., et al. (2007). J Med Food, 10(2):384-7. 
5. Lin, T.K., et al. (2018). Int J Mol Sci, 19(1):70. 
6. Mirghani, H.O. (2021). Pak J Med Sci, 37(4):1230-1236. 
7. Ebrahimi, E., et al. (2012). J Caring Sci, 1(4):183-189.