Snow Globe Cheesecakes

Step 1

For the crust: Add the graham cracker crumbs, butter and salt to a large bowl and mix to combine. Mix in the red sprinkles.

Step 2

Divide the crumb mixture equally among the cavities of a 5-cavity silicone muffin mold with 4.57-ounce cavities and press into the bottom. Put the mold on a baking sheet and freeze while you make the cheesecake mixture.

Step 3

For the cheesecake: Combine the gelatin with 1/4 cup water in a small microwave-safe bowl and set aside to soften, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until completely smooth, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the confectioners' sugar, sour cream, lemon juice, vanilla and salt and beat on medium-high speed until incorporated and smooth, about 1 minute.

Step 5

Microwave the gelatin mixture, stirring as needed, until melted, about 30 seconds. Add the gelatin to the cream cheese mixture and beat on medium-high speed to combine, about 30 seconds.

Step 6

Divide the cheesecake batter among the cavities of the silicone mold on top of the crust and smooth out the tops. Tap the baking sheet a few times on a tabletop to release any air bubbles in the cheesecake. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours and up to overnight.

Step 7

For the gelatin snow globes: Place the attached PDF of Christmas trees on a rimmed baking sheet and place a piece of parchment on top.

Step 8

Add the green candy melting wafers and coconut oil to a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between each, until melted and smooth, about 1 minute. Add about 3 drops of green food coloring and mix to combine. Transfer to a small piping bag.

Step 9

Trace the outside border of the Christmas trees with the melted candy, then fill inside the borders, using a toothpick to move the melted candy around. Freeze to harden, about 5 minutes, and set aside at room temperature.

Step 10

Pour 3/4 cup of the lemon-lime soda into a small saucepan, sprinkle over the gelatin and whisk to combine. Let stand until the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.

Step 11

Add the granulated sugar to the gelatin mixture and heat over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally, just until the gelatin and sugar dissolve, about 5 minutes.

Step 12

Pour the gelatin mixture into a large liquid measuring cup and stir in the remaining 2 cups lemon-lime soda. Use a spoon to scoop away any bubbles at the surface. Let sit at room temperature until the gelatin just begins to thicken and is the consistency of thin fruit jelly, about 20 minutes. Add the silver glitter and stir with a spoon. Scoop away any bubbles or lumped up sprinkles at the surface.

Step 13

Pour the mixture into the cavities of a 5-cavity silicone half-sphere mold with 4-ounce cavities and scoop away any bubbles at the surface. Refrigerate until the gelatin has thickened and is slightly set on top but still very wobbly, 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 14

Push a tree straight down into the center of each cavity and hold for a few seconds to allow the gelatin to split and fill back up around the tree. Refrigerate until completely set, at least 6 hours and up to overnight.

Step 15

To assemble: Fill a 9-by-13-inch glass dish with warm water. Set the half-sphere mold into the water and let sit until the gelatin spheres have loosened from the mold, about 5 minutes. Lift the mold from the water and invert onto a baking sheet. Set aside in the refrigerator.

Step 16

Carefully unmold the cheesecakes from the mold. Put the white nonpareils in a small bowl. Carefully dip the top of each cheesecake into the white nonpareils and transfer to a serving platter. Add a gelatin snow globe on top of each cheesecake.