Ferrero Rocher Mini Cheesecakes

Why You'll Love Ferrero Rocher Mini Cheesecakes

First off, you'll appreciate how these mini cheesecakes can be made ahead of time. You can whip them up, pop them in the freezer, and they'll be good to go for a couple of weeks. This means you can prepare them way before any event or craving hits. It's perfect for planning ahead or having a delicious treat on hand whenever you want it, without any last-minute rush.

Second, the taste and texture are just awesome. The crunchy, nutty bits of Ferrero Rocher mixed with the creamy cheesecake make a combo that's hard to beat.

I'm a big fan of any dessert with Ferrero Rocher chocolates, so I created my popular Ferrero Rocher Mousse Dessert Cups. The only problem is I can never stop at one!

Ingredients In Ferrero Rocher Mini Cheesecakes

Base Ingredients

Chocolate Cookies: These are the primary ingredient for the crust, providing a rich, chocolatey flavor and a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling.

Unsalted Butter: Melted and mixed with the cookie crumbs, butter acts as a binder to hold the base together and adds richness to the crust.

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients

Hot Water & Gelatine: Gelatine is dissolved in hot water and used to set the cheesecake, giving it a firm yet creamy texture.

Ferrero Rocher Chocolates: These chocolates, known for their hazelnut and chocolate flavor, are blended into the filling, adding a unique taste and crunchy texture.

Warm Milk: Helps to smoothly blend the Ferrero Rocher chocolates into the filling, ensuring the flavor is evenly distributed.

Cream Cheese: The main component of the cheesecake filling, providing a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy flavor that's characteristic of cheesecake.

Superfine or Powdered Sugar: Used to sweeten the filling, it dissolves easily for a smooth texture.

Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle aroma and flavor that complements the richness of the other ingredients.

Heavy Cream: Whipped into the filling to make it light and airy, adding a luxurious texture.

Nutella Ganache Ingredients

Dark Chocolate: Forms the base of the ganache, offering a deep, rich chocolate flavor that complements the Nutella.

Butter: Adds smoothness to the ganache, helping it achieve a glossy finish.

Heavy Cream: Combined with chocolate and Nutella, it creates a rich, velvety ganache that's smooth and spreadable.

Nutella: Adds a nutty, chocolatey flavor to the ganache, enhancing its richness and complementing the Ferrero Rocher chocolates in the filling.

Garnish Ingredients

Ferrero Rocher Chocolates: Used as a garnish, they not only make the cheesecakes visually appealing but also add an extra layer of hazelnut and chocolate flavor, tying the whole dessert together.

How To Make Ferrero Rocher Mini Cheesecakes

Making the Base

Crush Chocolate Cookies: Start by crushing the chocolate cookies into fine crumbs. This can be done using a food processor or a stick blender for a quick and even result.

Mix with Melted Butter: Combine the crushed cookies with melted unsalted butter in a bowl. The butter acts as a binder, helping the crumbs stick together to form a solid base once pressed and chilled.

Press into Moulds: Distribute the mixture evenly among the cavities of your round silicone moulds or cupcake tray lined with baking cups. Press down firmly to create a compact layer that will serve as the crust for the cheesecakes.

Chill: Place the moulds or tray in the refrigerator to set the base while preparing the cheesecake filling.

Making the Cheesecake Filling

Prepare Gelatine: Mix gelatine powder with hot water in a bowl until fully dissolved. To keep the gelatine from setting prematurely, place the bowl in a hot water bath.

Blend Ferrero Rocher and Milk: Blend Ferrero Rocher chocolates with warm milk until smooth. This mixture will infuse the cheesecake filling with the distinctive flavor and texture of the chocolates.

Mix Cream Cheese, Sugar, and Vanilla: In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to blend these ingredients until smooth.

Combine Heavy Cream and Chocolate Mixture: Add the heavy cream and the cooled Ferrero Rocher mixture to the cream cheese base. Mix thoroughly until the filling starts to thicken.

Incorporate Gelatine: Add the dissolved gelatine to the filling and mix well. This will help the cheesecake set properly.

Fill Moulds and Freeze: Transfer the filling into the moulds, filling them to the top. Use an angled spatula to smooth the tops. Freeze the filled moulds overnight to set the cheesecakes firmly.

Preparing the Nutella Ganache

Melt Ingredients Together: Combine dark chocolate, butter, heavy cream, and Nutella in a heatproof bowl. Place the bowl over simmering water and stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Cool the Ganache: Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator. Stir it occasionally until it reaches a thick, pipeable consistency.

Assembly and Garnishing

Pipe Ganache: Once the cheesecakes are set and the ganache is ready, pipe a swirl of Nutella ganache onto each mini cheesecake using a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip.

Add Ferrero Rocher: Place a Ferrero Rocher chocolate on top of the ganache on each cheesecake for garnish.

Refrigerate Until Serving: Keep the assembled mini cheesecakes in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve them. This ensures they maintain their shape and texture, offering the best taste experience.

My Top Tip

The most important tip for making Ferrero Rocher Mini Cheesecakes is to ensure that the gelatine is completely dissolved and properly mixed into the cheesecake filling. This step is crucial because gelatine acts as the setting agent for the cheesecakes, allowing them to firm up and hold their shape once chilled.

If the gelatine isn't fully dissolved, it can lead to a lumpy texture or prevent the cheesecakes from setting correctly. To achieve the best results, mix the gelatine with hot water until no granules are visible, and then incorporate it into the filling evenly. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture throughout the cheesecakes, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Alternate Serving Suggestions

Even without silicone moulds, these alternative serving and presentation ideas ensure your Ferrero Rocher Mini Cheesecakes will be a hit, offering a delicious treat that looks as good as it tastes for any special occasion or casual gathering.

Deconstructed Cheesecake Jars

Layer the crushed cookie base, cheesecake filling, and Nutella ganache in clear glass jars. Top with a Ferrero Rocher chocolate. This method is not only visually appealing but also portable, making it perfect for picnics or as gifts.

Cheesecake Parfaits

Create parfaits by layering the cheesecake filling and crumbled cookie base in tall glasses. Drizzle each layer with melted Nutella or chocolate sauce and garnish with whipped cream and a Ferrero Rocher chocolate on top. This presentation adds height and drama to your dessert table.

Mini Cheesecake Bites

Instead of using moulds, you can freeze the cheesecake mixture in an ice cube tray. Once set, dip each mini cheesecake bite into melted chocolate and then into crushed hazelnuts or cookie crumbs. Serve these bites as a finger food dessert at parties.

Cheesecake Pops

For a fun twist, insert sticks into the base of the mini cheesecakes once they are semi-set. Freeze completely, then dip in Nutella ganache, allowing the excess to drip off. Decorate with sprinkles or crushed nuts before the ganache sets. Cheesecake pops are a hit, especially with kids.

Elegant Plating

For a more sophisticated presentation, serve each mini cheesecake on individual plates. Drizzle the plate with a pattern of Nutella ganache or a raspberry coulis for a pop of color. Add a mint leaf or edible gold leaf for an extra touch of elegance.