Miniature Baked Cheesecakes-recipe

Here’s a foolproof recipe for Miniature Baked Cheesecakes—creamy, velvety, and perfectly portioned with a buttery graham cracker crust. Ideal for parties or when you want individual indulgence without the fuss of a whole cheesecake!

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Miniature Baked Cheesecakes

Prep Time: 20 mins | Bake Time: 20 mins | Chill Time: 2+ hours | Total Time: 3 hours
Makes: 12 mini cheesecakes

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 sheets)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)

For the Filling:

• 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp lemon zest
• ¼ cup sour cream

Toppings (Optional):

• Fresh berries
• Lemon curd
• Caramel sauce
• Whipped cream

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Instructions:

1. Prep & Crust:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease well.
2. Mix crust: Combine crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Press 1 tbsp firmly into each cup.
3. Bake crusts for 5 mins. Cool while making filling.

2. Make the Filling:

1. Beat cream cheese until smooth (2 mins). Add sugar; beat 1 min more.
2. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, lemon zest, and sour cream. Mix just until combined (don’t overbeat).

3. Bake:

1. Divide filling among cups (¾ full). Tap tin to remove air bubbles.
2. Bake 18-20 mins until edges are set but centers jiggle slightly.
3. Cool in oven with door ajar for 10 mins, then transfer to rack.

4. Chill & Serve:

• Refrigerate at least 2 hours (best overnight). Remove liners and top as desired.

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Pro Tips:

• Room temp ingredients prevent lumps.
• Water bath hack: Place a pan of water on the oven’s lower rack for crack-free tops.
• Flavor swaps:
• Chocolate: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to filling + Oreo crust.
• Berry swirl: Drop 1 tsp jam on each before baking; swirl with a toothpick.
• Storage: Keep refrigerated up to 5 days or freeze (untopped) for 1 month.

These mini marvels are creamy, tangy, and endlessly customizable—perfect for gifting or a dessert buffet! 🧁🍓 Let me know if you’d like a no-bake version.