Mini Cheesecakes

The BEST Mini Cheesecakes – they’re perfectly rich and creamy, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and an irresistible flavor! These are completely delicious in every way, and there are so many ways to top them.

Mini Cheesecakes

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time 15 minutes
• Cook Time 28 minutes
• Resting time 3 hours
• Total Time 43 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup (114g) finely crushed graham crackers (from about 7 full size sheets)
• 1.5 Tbsp (19g) granulated sugar
• 3 Tbsp (38g) butter,* melted
• 2 (8 oz) pkgs. cream cheese, well softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1.5 Tbsp (12g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (58g) sour cream
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Toppings for serving (optional), see notes for ideas

Instructions

1. For the crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, whisk together crushed graham crackers with 3 Tbsp granulated sugar. Pour in melted butter and stir mixture until evenly coated.

2. Divide graham cracker mixture among 24 paper lined muffin cups, adding a well heaped Tbsp to each (so nearly 2 Tbsp). Press mixture into an even layer. Bake in preheated oven 5 minutes.

3. Remove from oven and allow to cool while preparing filling. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.

4. For the cheesecake mixture: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar with 3 Tbsp flour until well blended. Add softened cream cheese to a separate mixing bowl and pour sugar mixture over top. Blend mixture on low speed until smooth.

5. Mix in eggs one at a time and blend on low speed, while scrapping sides and bottom of bowl and mixing just until combined after each addition. Add vanilla, sour cream and heavy cream and mix just until combined.
   
6. Tap mixing bowl against counter top about 30 times to release some of the air bubbles. Divide mixture among muffin cups filling each cup nearly full.

7. Bake in 325 degree oven 18 - 23 minutes (centers should just barely jiggle slightly, don't over-bake. If they begin to crack they are starting to become over-baked). Remove from oven and allow to cool 1 hour.

8. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and transfer to refrigerator and chill 2 hours. Serve chilled with a spoonful of Salted Caramel Sauce or Strawberry Sauce (note: for best results spoon topping on just before serving). Store in an airtight container in refrigerator or freeze.

Recipe Notes

• *Salted or unsalted butter can be used here just depending on your flavor preference.
• Recipe originally listed amounts for 24 servings, recipe has been scaled down and modified to make just 12 instead.

Topping Ideas for Serving

• blueberry sauce, raspberry sauce, or strawberry sauce (see below)
• salted caramel sauce
• homemade jam (I strain the seeds to top cheesecake)
• mashed fresh berries
• whipped cream
• fruit curd (lemon, passionfruit, coconut, mango)
• nutella or cookie butter
• toasted coconut 
• chopped nuts
• chocolate ganache

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until well chopped and mixture is beginning to break down and liquefy (I liked it with some small pieces not completely pureed).
2. Transfer to an airtight container and chill 30 minutes or until ready to serve.