Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup (113g) graham cracker crumbs
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz full fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup (99g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 2 large eggs
Toppings (optional)
- Whipped cream
- Fresh fruit
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350º F. Line a regular-sized muffin pan with paper muffin liners. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Put 1-2 tablespoons of this crumb mixture into each muffin cup. Use a ⅓ cup measuring cup or similar tool to press the crumbs down firmly to create the crust base.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust for 5 minutes in the preheated oven. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let the crust cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
- Make the cheesecake batter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add flavor and eggs: Beat in the vanilla bean paste, then add the eggs one at a time. Mix just until the yolk breaks and the batter is smooth, being careful not to overmix to avoid air bubbles or cracks in the finished cheesecake.
- Fill the pans: Evenly divide the cheesecake batter among the muffin cups, filling each lined cup fully.
- Bake the cheesecakes: Bake for 15-17 minutes or until the center is only slightly jiggly. Avoid overbaking for a creamy texture.
- Cool and chill: Allow the mini cheesecakes to cool to room temperature then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to chill and set. If refrigerating overnight, loosely cover the cheesecakes with plastic wrap.
- Serve: Before serving, top the cheesecakes with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or your choice of chocolate ganache for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Do not overbeat the eggs to prevent air bubbles and cracking on the cheesecake surface.
- Use full fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Press the crust firmly in the muffin cups to ensure it holds together well during baking.
- Allow cheesecakes to chill fully in the refrigerator for optimal firmness before serving.
- Customize toppings according to your preference such as berries, chocolate sauce, or caramel.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American