Heavenly Mini Cherry Cheesecakes Recipe for Sweet Moments

Sweet mini cherry cheesecakes offer a delightful twist on classic dessert favorites.

Creamy Philadelphia cream cheese blends perfectly with graham cracker crusts to create bite-sized perfection.

Compact and adorable, these individual treats work wonderfully for parties or intimate gatherings.

Fresh cherries add vibrant color and tangy sweetness to each delectable morsel.

Rich cream cheese filling provides a smooth, decadent base that melts in your mouth.

Summer picnics or weekend brunches become extra special with these charming little desserts.

You’ll want to savor every single miniature cheesecake down to the last delicious crumb.

Why Mini Cherry Cheesecakes Are A Tiny Treat With Big Flavor

• Craft Customizable Delights: Experiment with different fruit toppings or jam flavors to create personalized mini cheesecakes that suit every taste preference.
• Simplify Baking Challenges: Break down the recipe into straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Perfect Party Pleasers: These individual-sized treats are ideal for gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy a sophisticated dessert without the need for cutting or serving.
• Minimize Kitchen Cleanup: Using a muffin tin with liners means less mess and easier cleanup, making this recipe a stress-free baking experience for home cooks.

Everything That Goes Into Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the mini cheesecakes.
• Butter: Helps bind the crumbs together and creates a rich, golden crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives cheesecakes their signature creamy and smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy filling.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling together.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic essence.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to the creamy texture and adds a subtle tangy note.

• Cherry Jam: Creates a glossy, sweet glaze to enhance the cheesecake's flavor.
• Fresh Cherries: Provide a burst of fresh fruit and visual appeal to the dessert.
• Powdered Sugar: Offers a delicate, sweet finishing touch to the mini cheesecakes.

How To Make Mini Cherry Cheesecakes In A Flash

Step 1: Create Buttery Graham Cracker Base

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter until the mixture feels like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of each cupcake liner using the back of a spoon, creating a solid foundation for your mini cheesecakes.

Step 2: Whip Cream Cheese Smoothly

Place softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl and beat until completely smooth and free of any lumps. Ensure the texture is silky and creamy before moving forward.

Step 3: Blend Sweet Filling

Gradually add sugar to the cream cheese, beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Gently fold in vanilla extract and sour cream until the filling looks velvety and uniform.

Step 4: Fill and Prepare for Baking

Carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full. This allows space for slight rising during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in a preheated oven at 325°F. Bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for centers that are just set but still slightly jiggly.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Remove cheesecakes from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to firm up.

Step 7: Add Cherry Topping

Warm cherry jam until it becomes glossy and spreadable. Arrange fresh cherry halves on top of each chilled cheesecake and drizzle with the warmed jam.

Step 8: Final Elegant Touch

Dust the mini cheesecakes with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar, adding a delicate and sweet finishing touch.

Tips For Fluffy And Creamy Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

• Prevent Cracking: Avoid overbeating eggs and use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, crack-free cheesecake surface.
• Crust Perfection: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a sturdy, crisp base that doesn't crumble when eating.
• Moisture Magic: Add sour cream to maintain a creamy, soft texture that melts in your mouth and prevents dry cheesecake.
• Gentle Baking: Use a water bath or low temperature to create even, gentle heat that prevents overcooking and maintains a silky consistency.
• Topping Tricks: Warm cherry jam slightly before drizzling to enhance its glossy appearance and make it easier to spread over the mini cheesecakes.

Flavor Twists For Mini Cherry Cheesecakes To Try

• Gluten-Free Mini Cheesecakes: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Chocolate Cherry Lovers: Swap graham cracker base with chocolate cookie crumbs and add cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling for a rich chocolate experience.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener and replace full-fat cream cheese with a lighter, lower-calorie version for a healthier option.
• Fruit Fusion Variation: Experiment with different fruit toppings like raspberry, blueberry, or peach compote instead of cherry to create unique flavor combinations.

What To Serve Alongside Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

• Pair Creamy Delights with Complementary Wines: Select a crisp Riesling or sweet Moscato to balance the rich, tangy cheesecake flavors, cutting through the dessert's creaminess while enhancing its fruity cherry notes.
• Craft Perfect Coffee Companions: Brew a smooth espresso or rich cappuccino that provides a robust contrast to the sweet mini cheesecakes, allowing the dessert's delicate texture to shine against the coffee's intense profile.
• Elevate with Dessert Liqueurs: Drizzle a small glass of cherry liqueur or amaretto alongside the cheesecakes, creating a harmonious flavor connection that amplifies the dessert's cherry and almond undertones.

Storing Mini Cherry Cheesecakes Without A Mess

• Store mini cheesecakes in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep chilled for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicate texture and flavor.
• Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving their creamy consistency and graham cracker crust.
• Remove frozen cheesecakes from the freezer and let them defrost slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing prevents moisture condensation and maintains the dessert's original quality.
• Gently warm individual cheesecakes at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

FAQs On Mini Cherry Cheesecakes You’ll Want To See

• Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, you can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or shortbread cookies for a unique flavor profile.

• How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the batter, bake at a low temperature, and let the cheesecakes cool gradually to minimize cracks.

• Is it necessary to use a water bath for these mini cheesecakes?

No, these mini cheesecakes don’t require a water bath. The individual portion size and lower baking temperature help prevent cracking.

• Can I make these cheesecakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! These mini cheesecakes can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Mini Cherry Cheesecakes Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet mini cherry cheesecakes blend creamy richness with fruity charm, offering a delightful dessert experience. Compact and irresistible, these little treats promise pure indulgence that will sweep you into dessert bliss.

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Ingredients

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Cheesecake Base:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Topping:

• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 2 tbsp cherry jam
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, ensuring each cavity is prepared for the delicate cheesecake bases.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, mixing thoroughly until the mixture resembles moist sand, creating a compact and flavorful foundation for each mini cheesecake.
3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of each cupcake liner, using the back of a spoon to create an even, compact layer that will serve as the crisp crust.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, eliminating any potential lumps for a silky texture.
5. Gradually incorporate granulated sugar into the cream cheese, beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring complete integration of ingredients.
6. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a uniform consistency and prevent curdling.
7. Fold in vanilla extract and sour cream, gently blending until the filling achieves a velvety, uniform appearance.
8. Carefully distribute the cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crusts, filling each liner approximately 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the centers are just set but still slightly jiggly, indicating a perfect, creamy texture.
10. Remove from the oven and allow cheesecakes to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
11. Before serving, prepare the cherry topping by gently warming cherry jam to create a glossy, spreadable consistency.
12. Arrange fresh cherry halves artfully on top of each chilled cheesecake, then drizzle with the warmed cherry jam.
13. Dust the mini cheesecakes with a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar, adding a final touch of elegance and sweetness.

Notes

• Chill cream cheese at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for richest, most luxurious texture that guarantees creamy cheesecake results.
• Prevent cracking by avoiding overmixing and overbaking – watch for slight jiggle in center when removing from oven.
• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for celiac-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg