Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Individual Portions: Each mini cheesecake is a single serving, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
- Customizable Toppings: Top with fresh fruit, chocolate, caramel, or any of your favorite toppings to suit your taste.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, these mini cheesecakes are accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafers
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 24-cup miniature muffin tins with paper liners.
- Prepare Crust: Crush the vanilla wafers into fine crumbs. Place ½ teaspoon of the crushed wafers into each paper cup, pressing down gently to form the crust.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fill Cups: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each muffin cup, filling almost to the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheesecakes are set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the mini cheesecakes to cool completely. If desired, top each with a teaspoon of cherry pie filling before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 48 mini cheesecakes.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes.
Variations
- Fruit Toppings: Instead of cherry pie filling, consider using blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry pie filling for a different flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled mini cheesecakes for an extra indulgent touch.
- Nutty Crust: Add finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to the crust mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon zest into the filling for a refreshing citrus note.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the mini cheesecakes without toppings in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
Yes, you can substitute vanilla wafers with graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or chocolate cookies for a different flavor profile.
How can I prevent the cheesecakes from cracking?
To prevent cracking, avoid overmixing the batter, and ensure the cheesecakes are not overbaked. Allow them to cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating.
Can I make these mini cheesecakes ahead of time?
Absolutely. These mini cheesecakes can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Is it necessary to use paper liners?
Using paper liners makes it easier to remove the mini cheesecakes from the muffin tin and helps maintain their shape.
Can I use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different from using full-fat cream cheese.
How do I know when the mini cheesecakes are done?
The mini cheesecakes are done when the centers are set and no longer jiggle when gently shaken.
Can I use homemade pie filling instead of canned?
Yes, homemade pie filling can be used as a topping for a more personalized touch.
How do I remove the mini cheesecakes from the muffin tin?
Once cooled, gently lift the paper liners to remove the mini cheesecakes. If they stick, use a small offset spatula to loosen them from the sides.
Can I make these mini cheesecakes without a muffin tin?
If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can use a standard muffin tin, but the baking time may need to be adjusted, and the yield will be fewer servings.
Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?
Yes, adding chocolate chips to the filling can create a chocolate chip cheesecake variation.
Conclusion
Mini cheesecakes offer a delightful and versatile dessert option that’s both easy to prepare and customize. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these mini cheesecakes are sure to impress with their creamy texture and endless topping possibilities. Enjoy crafting your own variations and savoring these delectable bites!
Mini Cheesecakes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 48 mini cheesecakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini cheesecakes are a bite-sized version of the classic dessert, offering the same creamy texture and rich flavor in a convenient, individual serving. Customize with your favorite toppings like fruit, chocolate, or caramel for the perfect sweet treat at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafers
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 24-cup miniature muffin tins with paper liners.
- Prepare Crust: Crush the vanilla wafers into fine crumbs. Place ½ teaspoon of crushed wafers into each paper cup and press down gently to form the crust.
- Mix Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Fill Cups: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each muffin cup, filling almost to the top.
- Bake: Bake for about 15 minutes, or until set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cheesecakes to cool completely. If desired, top each with a teaspoon of cherry pie filling before serving.
Notes
- Fruit Toppings: Use blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry pie filling instead of cherry for a new twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a melted chocolate drizzle on top for extra indulgence.
- Nutty Crust: Mix in finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for texture.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for a fresh citrus flavor.
