Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

Sharing is caring!

Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

Mini Cherry Cheesecakes are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of creamy, sweet indulgence. These bite-sized desserts combine a smooth and velvety cream cheese filling with a crisp graham cracker crust, all topped with a luscious cherry pie filling. Each mini cheesecake offers a burst of flavor that is both tangy and sweet, making it an irresistible choice for gatherings, celebrations, or a simple sweet craving.

Why should you consider making these Mini Cherry Cheesecakes? They are not only fun to eat but also incredibly easy to make, perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers alike. Whether you’re baking for a party or simply treating yourself, these mini desserts will make your kitchen smell heavenly, and they are bound to impress anyone who lays eyes on them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mini Cherry Cheesecake Recipe is a true winner for many reasons. Firstly, the prep is a breeze, taking just a few minutes to whip up the crust and filling. With minimal ingredients required, you won’t find yourself spending hours in the kitchen. It’s an excellent choice for family-friendly fun, where everyone can participate in the simple steps.

Moreover, these mini cheesecakes lend themselves well to customization, allowing you to experiment with different toppings or flavors. They can also be prepared in advance, ensuring that when it’s time for dessert, all you’ll need to do is provide the delicious finish with that cherry topping.

Ingredients for Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

For this indulgent Mini Cherry Cheesecake Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs: The perfect base, providing a crispy texture.
• 1/4 cup sugar: Sweetness to complement the crust.
• 1/2 cup butter, melted: Adds richness and binds the crust together.
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient that creates a creamy filling.
• 1/2 cup sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic flavor profile.
• 2 large eggs: Helps to set the cheesecake beautifully.
• 1 cup cherry pie filling: The tangy-sweet crown jewel topping that takes the dessert to the next level.

Step-by-Step Directions for Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start your cooking adventure by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This sets the perfect environment for baking, ensuring even cooking.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and resemble wet sand.
3. Form the Base: Press the buttery crumbs firmly into the bottom of cupcake liners in a muffin tin. This will form a solid and tasty base for your cheesecakes.
4. Create the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add in 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla extract, blending until fully combined and free of lumps.
5. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time into your cream cheese mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overbeat, as this can introduce unwanted air.
6. Fill the Cups: Pour the luscious cheesecake filling over the prepared crusts, ensuring an even distribution across all cups.
7. Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll want them to be set yet still slightly wobbly at the center for that perfect cheesecake texture.
8. Cool Down: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cheesecakes cool to room temperature before transferring them to the fridge. Chill for at least 2 hours; this helps them firm up perfectly.
9. Finish with Cherry Topping: Prior to serving, generously top each mini cheesecake with cherry pie filling, allowing that sweet and tangy flavor to shine.

Tips & Tricks

To make the paper liners easier to remove, consider lightly spraying the inside of the liners with cooking spray before adding the crust mixture. This will help prevent any sticking.

You can also try different pie fillings such as blueberry, strawberry, or even homemade jam for creative variations. For a hint of chocolate, fold in some mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture before filling—this adds a delightful and unexpected twist.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating lemon zest into your cream cheese filling for some citrusy brightness!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These scrumptious Mini Cherry Cheesecakes are wonderful served as-is, but they can also shine with some creative presentation. Serve them on a pretty platter, drizzled with chocolate sauce or a sprinkling of fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.

Pair these mini cheesecakes with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an added layer of richness. Consider offering a light, refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade to balance the sweetness.

Nutritional Information

These Mini Cherry Cheesecakes may be indulgent, but they’re also well-balanced for a dessert! A serving typically contains approximately 250 calories, with about 18g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 4g of protein per cheesecake. Enjoy them as a special treat, but remember, everything in moderation!

Storing Tips & Variations for Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

To store your mini cheesecakes, simply place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can stay fresh for up to five days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert.

If you’d like to freeze them, make sure they are well-wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a sealed container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

For healthier swaps, consider using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for the filling, and use honey or maple syrup in place of refined sugars.

Conclusion for Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

There’s no better time to indulge in these delightful Mini Cherry Cheesecakes. With their creamy filling, crunchy crust, and sweet cherry topping, each bite is heaven in miniature form. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply wanting a treat to enjoy, this recipe is sure to please. Don’t hesitate; grab your ingredients and start your baking adventure today!

FAQs

1. Can I make these Mini Cherry Cheesecakes in advance?
Yes! These mini cheesecakes can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until serving.

2. Can I use different toppings?
Absolutely! You can try different fruit toppings like blueberries, strawberries, or even chocolate ganache.

3. What should I do if the cheesecakes crack while baking?
Ensure that the oven temperature is accurate and avoid overmixing the batter as this can aerate the mixture, leading to cracks.

4. How do I know when the cheesecakes are done?
The edges should be set while the centers have a slight jiggle. They will continue to set as they cool.

5. Can I use a different crust?
Yes! If you prefer, you can try an Oreo cookie crust or a nut-based crust for a gluten-free option. Just adjust the measurements accordingly.

Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Mini Cherry Cheesecakes are delightful bite-sized desserts with a creamy filling, crispy graham cracker crust, and luscious cherry pie topping.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup cherry pie filling

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of cupcake liners in a muffin tin.
4. Beat the softened cream cheese until creamy and smooth, then add 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla extract.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.
6. Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crusts.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until set but slightly wobbly in the center.
8. Cool to room temperature and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
9. Top each mini cheesecake with cherry pie filling before serving.

Notes

Lightly spray the inside of muffin liners with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Feel free to experiment with different pie fillings.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Sharing is caring!