Mini Cheesecakes
🧁 𝗜𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 🧁
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
1.5 cups (165 g) graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
16 ounces (454 g) cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup (99 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup (114 g) sour cream, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🧁 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 🧁
1. Prepare the Crust:
1️⃣ Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard-sized cupcake pan with 18 paper liners and set aside.
2️⃣ Mix Crust Ingredients: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Add melted butter and mix until fully incorporated.
3️⃣ Form Crusts: Divide the crust mixture evenly between the 18 cupcake liners. Use the back of a measuring cup to press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of each cup. Set aside.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
4️⃣ Mix Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, add cream cheese. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat until smooth.
5️⃣ Incorporate Sugar: Add granulated sugar and mix until smooth.
6️⃣ Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated after each addition.
7️⃣ Add Sour Cream: Add sour cream and mix until fully incorporated.
8️⃣ Add Vanilla: Add vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix or introduce too much air, as this can cause the cheesecakes to sink.
3. Bake the Mini Cheesecakes:
9️⃣ Distribute Batter: Distribute the cheesecake batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners.
🔟 Tap and Bake: Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to level the batter and remove excess air bubbles. Bake for about 17-19 minutes, or until the cheesecakes are set and the centers jiggle slightly.
1️⃣1️⃣ Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and crack the door open a few inches. Let the cheesecakes rest in the oven for 2-3 minutes before removing.
1️⃣2️⃣ Cool and Chill: Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecakes to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 1 day. The cheesecakes will slightly sink as they chill.
4. Serve:
1️⃣3️⃣ Top and Enjoy: Optionally, top with strawberry sauce, cherries, or whipped cream before serving.
These mini cheesecakes are perfect for parties or a sweet treat anytime. Their rich flavor and creamy texture make them a favorite! 🧁🧁