Step 1: Prepare the Crust. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened. Press about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture firmly into the bottom of each cavity of a 12-cup muffin tin lined with paper liners or foil liners. Place in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Base. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually beat in the sifted powdered sugar until fully combined and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract and optional almond extract.
Step 3: Whip the Heavy Cream. In a separate cold bowl, using clean beaters, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Combine and Color. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Add green gel food coloring, a few drops at a time, folding until you reach your desired Grinch green color.
Step 5: Fill the Cheesecakes. Spoon or pipe the green cheesecake filling evenly over the graham cracker crusts in the muffin tin. Smooth the tops with a spoon or offset spatula.
Step 6: Chill. Cover the muffin tin loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the cheesecakes are fully set.
Step 7: Decorate and Serve. Once set, carefully remove the cheesecakes from the muffin tin. Peel off the liners. Place a mini red candy heart on top of each cheesecake just before serving for that iconic Grinch touch. Enjoy cold!