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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, ensuring each cavity is prepared for the delicate cheesecake bases.
- 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.
- 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.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, eliminating any potential lumps for a silky texture.
- Gradually incorporate granulated sugar into the cream cheese, beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring complete integration of ingredients.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a uniform consistency and prevent curdling.
- Fold in vanilla extract and sour cream, gently blending until the filling achieves a velvety, uniform appearance.
- Carefully distribute the cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crusts, filling each liner approximately 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the centers are just set but still slightly jiggly, indicating a perfect, creamy texture.
- Remove from the oven and allow cheesecakes to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Before serving, prepare the cherry topping by gently warming cherry jam to create a glossy, spreadable consistency.
- Arrange fresh cherry halves artfully on top of each chilled cheesecake, then drizzle with the warmed cherry jam.
- 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