12ounces(340 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2cup(100 grams) packed light brown sugar
1/2teaspoonvanilla extract
2tablespoonsunsulphured molasses
2tablespoonsheavy cream
1/4teaspoonfine salt
1teaspoonground cinnamon
1/4teaspoonground ginger
1/8teaspoonground cloves
1large egg
For the candied walnuts:
1tablespoonunsalted butter
1cup(115 grams) California walnut pieces
1/4cup(50 grams) granulated sugar
1/2teaspooncinnamon
Melted white chocolate, for drizzling
Instructions
Make the crust:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 12 cup mini cheesecake pan with nonstick spray.
Place the graham crackers and walnuts in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Add in the melted butter and pulse until moistened. Divide the mixture among the cavities of the cheesecake pan, about 1 heaping tablespoon in each. Firmly press into the bottom of each cavity (a shot glass or other small object makes easy work of this).
Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, or until fragrant. Remove from oven and reduce temperature to 325°F.
Make the filling:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and sugar on medium-high speed until smooth and fluffy. Add the vanilla, molasses, cream, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves and beat until smooth. Add the egg and beat until just combined. Divide the mixture among each cavity.
Bake for about 18 minutes, or until set. Let cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and let chill for at least 3 hours or overnight. At this point the cheesecakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make the candied walnuts:
Heat the butter in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon. Heat over medium for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the sugar is dissolved and the nuts are evenly coated.
Transfer immediately to a parchment lined baking sheet and separate the walnuts with two spatulas. Allow to cool and harden for 10 minutes, then divide among the top of each cheesecake. Drizzle with melted white chocolate. Allow to set before serving.
Notes
If you can’t find Speculoos cookies, feel free to use 20 gingersnap cookies or 9 whole graham crackers.