Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

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Delicious mini cherry cheesecakes topped with fresh cherries

Mini Cherry Cheesecakes are delightful bite-sized treats that satisfy any sweet tooth. These individual cheesecakes are perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply enjoying at home. With a creamy cheesecake filling and a sweet cherry topping, they bring a burst of flavor in every bite. This recipe is easy to follow, making it great for both beginners and experienced bakers.

Why make this recipe

Making Mini Cherry Cheesecakes allows you to showcase your baking skills without spending hours in the kitchen. They combine classic cheesecake flavors with a fruity topping that appeals to all ages. These mini desserts are great for portion control, making them perfect for sharing. You can serve them at birthdays, holidays, or any festive occasion. Additionally, they are visually appealing, adding a touch of elegance to your dessert table. Overall, these mini cheesecakes provide a delightful way to enjoy the rich and creamy texture of cheesecake alongside the tartness of cherries.

How to make Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

Making Mini Cherry Cheesecakes is a simple and fun process. The recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. Let’s gather the ingredients and get started.

Ingredients:

  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (170 grams)
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (150 grams)
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (450 grams)
  • 1 cup white sugar (200 grams)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup sour cream (80 milliliters)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (8 grams)
  • 1 can cherry pie filling (about 400 grams)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that your mini cheesecakes cook evenly.
  2. Prepare your muffin tins by filling 18 muffin cups with foil-lined wrappers. Using foil wrappers not only helps with cleanup but also makes it easy to remove the cheesecakes after baking.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs. Stir them together until well mixed. This mixture will form the crust of your cheesecakes.
  4. Press about 1 tablespoon of the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each wrapper. Make sure it is packed down firmly to create a solid base.
  5. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and white sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is important as it creates a rich filling.
  6. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and flour. Ensure everything is thoroughly combined.
  7. Scoop the cheesecake mixture into the prepared wrappers, filling each about 1/2 inch from the top. This allows room for the cheesecakes to rise slightly as they bake.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The cheesecakes should be slightly jiggly in the middle. Overbaking can lead to dry cheesecakes, so keep an eye on them.
  9. Once baked, let the mini cheesecakes cool in the tins for about 20 minutes. After that, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least two hours. This cooling step is essential for the texture.
  10. Just before serving, top each mini cheesecake with a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling. The sweet cherries perfectly complement the rich cheesecake.

How to serve Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

Serving Mini Cherry Cheesecakes is as easy as it gets. You can present them directly in their wrappers for a charming look. If you prefer, you can arrange them on a dessert platter for a more formal presentation. These cheesecakes are best served cold. You can add a dollop of whipped cream on the side if you desire extra sweetness or decoration. Consider serving them with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

How to store Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

To store Mini Cherry Cheesecakes, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper storage allows them to stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. If you need to store them for longer, consider freezing them. To do this, wrap each cheesecake in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

Tips to make Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

  • Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth and creamy filling without lumps.
  • Avoid overmixing: When incorporating the eggs, mix just until blended. Overmixing can cause air bubbles, leading to cracks in your cheesecake.
  • Add flavor variations: Feel free to experiment with different toppings. Instead of cherry pie filling, you can use blueberry or strawberry topping for a change.
  • Personalize with spices: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust can add an extra layer of flavor.

Variation (if any)

If you want to change things up, consider adding chocolate to your Mini Cherry Cheesecakes. You can swirl in melted chocolate into the filling before baking for a rich chocolate cherry cheesecake. Another variation is to create a no-bake version by using whipped cream cheese and gelatin. This involves layering the filling in the wrappers and chilling until set. You can still use cherry pie filling or any other fruit topping you prefer.

FAQs

What is the best way to remove the mini cheesecakes from the wrappers?
Allow them to cool completely before attempting to remove them. Gently peel the wrappers away from the edges.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used! Pitted and halved fresh cherries work well, but you might want to sweeten them slightly or toss them in a bit of sugar for extra sweetness.

How can I tell when the mini cheesecakes are done?
They should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center. The residual heat will continue to cook them as they cool.

Can I make these mini cheesecakes gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust. Be sure to check other ingredients for gluten content as well.

Can I double this recipe?
Certainly! Just make sure to use larger pans or baking trays, and adjust the baking time as needed.

Nutritional Info (per Mini Cherry Cheesecake):

  • Calories: 200
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 3g

With this easy-to-follow recipe, Mini Cherry Cheesecakes are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a sweet treat for yourself! Enjoy the delicious flavors and creamy texture of these delightful desserts.