For those who crave the creamy and tangy goodness of cheesecake but prefer it in small, delectable bites, these Mini Cherry Cheesecakes are the perfect treat. They’re easy to make and ideal for serving at parties or enjoying as a sweet snack.

The preparation for these Mini Cherry Cheesecakes takes about 20 minutes, but you’ll need to allow them to chill in the fridge for their magic to happen. The baking itself is swift, only requiring 15 minutes, followed by cooling time.

Let’s dive into how to make these delightful desserts:

 

• Yield: 12 servings
• Prep & Chilling Time: Approximately 3 hours
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
• Quick Bake: A swift 15-minute bake for the cheesecakes.

Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

These adorable Mini Cherry Cheesecakes pack all the creamy, tangy flavor of their full-sized cousins into perfect party-sized portions.

Ingredients

For the base:

• 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers (about 30 wafers)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

For the cheesecake:

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, room temperature, lightly beaten

For the topping:

• 1 pound pitted canned or frozen tart red cherries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Red food coloring, optional

Directions

1. Crumb Base: Mix vanilla wafer crumbs with butter, press into muffin cups.
2. Cheese Mix: Whip cream cheese with sugar, lemon, vanilla. Add egg lightly.
3. Bake Bites: Fill cups with cheese mix, bake till almost set. Cool them down.
4. Cherry Top: Boil cherries, juice, sugar, cornstarch. Color if you fancy. Thicken, then cool.
5. Top it Off: Cherry sauce on each cheesecake. Chill them out for 2 hours.
6. Enjoy Cool: Serve these chilled cheesecake treats!

See more CHEERY CHEESECAKE JARS

 

Nutrition Facts (per mini cheesecake)

• Calories: 213
• Fat: 12g (Sat: 6g)
• Cholesterol: 44mg
• Sodium: 127mg
• Carbohydrates: 26g (Sugars: 21g, Fiber: 1g)
• Protein: 2g

Serving Suggestion

• These Mini Cherry Cheesecakes are versatile and can be served in various ways:
  • Fresh Berries: Garnish each cheesecake with a fresh cherry or a mix of berries like raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries to add a burst of color and freshness.
  • Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream on top of each cheesecake can enhance the creaminess and provide a delightful contrast to the fruity cherry topping.
  • Mint Leaves: Add a touch of elegance by placing a small mint leaf on top of each cheesecake for a refreshing and aromatic touch.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: For those who love chocolate, drizzle some melted dark or white chocolate over the cherry topping for an extra layer of indulgence.

These Mini Cherry Cheesecakes are great for any gathering. Serve them on a pretty platter, and watch them disappear!

 

Special Equipment:

• Muffin tin (12-cup)
• Muffin liners (12)

 

 

Tips & Variations:

• Crust Options: While vanilla wafer crumbs create a classic cheesecake base, you can experiment with different crusts like graham cracker crumbs or chocolate cookie crumbs for unique flavors.
• Cherry Topping: If tart cherries are not available, you can use canned or frozen sweet cherries for a sweeter topping. Adjust the sugar accordingly to taste.
• Flavor Variations: Customize the cheesecake base by adding lemon zest for a lemony twist or a touch of almond extract for a nutty flavor.

Common Questions:

Can I use a different fruit topping?

Absolutely! You can replace the cherry topping with your favorite fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, or even a fruit compote. Adjust the sugar and cornstarch in the topping accordingly to suit the fruit’s sweetness and juiciness.

 

Can I make these Mini Cherry Cheesecakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these mini cheesecakes in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just be sure to cover them well to prevent any odors from the fridge from affecting the taste.

 

Can I freeze Mini Cherry Cheesecakes?

Yes, these mini cheesecakes are freezer-friendly. Wrap each cheesecake individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

 

Can I use a store-bought cherry pie filling instead of making the topping from scratch?

Certainly! Using a canned cherry pie filling can save you time and still provide a delicious topping for your mini cheesecakes.

 

We’d love to hear about your mini cherry cheesecake creations! Whether you serve them at a special occasion or as a delightful everyday treat, these bite-sized delights are sure to bring joy. Share your experiences and photos in the comments or on social media. Happy Baking and Sharing!

 

Did You Try This Recipe?

Let us know how they turned out! Were they the hit of the dessert table? Share your thoughts or photos below.

Sweet Baking! 🍒🍰