Housewarming Mini Cheesecakes (Printable Version)

Creamy, bite-sized cheesecakes with a crisp graham cracker crust and optional berry or chocolate toppings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Filling

04 - 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
05 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1/3 cup sour cream
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
10 - Pinch of salt

→ Optional Toppings

11 - 1/2 cup fresh berries
12 - 1/4 cup fruit preserves or sauce
13 - 1/4 cup whipped cream
14 - Chocolate shavings or sprinkles

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 24-cup mini muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined.
03 - Divide crumb mixture evenly among liners, using about 1 heaping teaspoon per cup. Press down firmly to form a compact crust.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
05 - Add sugar to cream cheese and mix until well combined and creamy.
06 - Beat in eggs one at a time, then add sour cream, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix until just combined without overmixing.
07 - Spoon filling over crusts, filling each cup nearly to the top.
08 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until centers are set but still slightly jiggly when gently moved.
09 - Remove from oven and cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
10 - Transfer cheesecakes to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.
11 - Refrigerate cheesecakes for at least 1 hour before serving.
12 - Just before serving, top with fresh berries, fruit preserves, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings as desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They're small enough that you can eat multiple ones without feeling like you've committed a crime.
  • The crust stays crispy no matter how long they sit, which is honestly the opposite of what you'd expect.
  • You can make them a full day ahead and just add toppings before your guests arrive, which means less stress when people show up.
02 -
  • Room-temperature cream cheese is not optional, and I learned this the hard way by creating a lumpy mixture that looked like it belonged in a science experiment.
  • The jiggle test is more important than the time on the timer because every oven runs different and overcooked cheesecake loses all its magic.
03 -
  • Use an ice cream scoop or piping bag to fill the cups evenly so they bake at the same rate and look uniform on your dessert table.
  • Place your muffin tin on a baking sheet before putting it in the oven so if any filling leaks out it doesn't go straight on your oven bottom.
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