Description
These Mini Cherry Cheesecakes are a delightful bite-sized dessert featuring a crispy vanilla wafer crust topped with creamy, tangy cheesecake and finished with a sweet cherry pie filling. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat, they are easy to prepare and serve in muffin tins for individual portions.
Ingredients
Crust
- 24 vanilla wafers
Cheesecake Filling
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 21 ounce can cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line 24 standard-sized muffin tin cups with paper baking cups or parchment liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Add Vanilla Wafers: Place one vanilla wafer at the bottom of each lined muffin cup to form the crust base for the mini cheesecakes.
- Make Cheesecake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the granulated sugar, softened cream cheese, eggs, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract together until smooth and well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the cheesecake batter evenly into each muffin cup, filling about two-thirds full to allow room for baking expansion without spilling over.
- Bake Cheesecakes: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheesecakes are set but still slightly jiggly in the middle.
- Add Cherry Topping: Remove the cheesecakes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Then, spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling over each mini cheesecake as a delicious topping.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for at least 2 to 3 hours to let them set properly. Before serving, remove the paper liners. Enjoy your perfectly portioned, creamy cherry cheesecakes!
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
- Do not overbake; cheesecakes will firm up as they chill, so slight jiggle indicates they are done.
- For easier removal, use parchment liners rather than paper baking cups.
- These can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- Feel free to substitute cherry pie filling with your favorite fruit pie filling for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American