Ah, the Mini Cherry Cheesecakes! A delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any Christmas celebration. As a seasoned pastry chef, I’m thrilled to share this cherished recipe with you. This recipe yields about 24 mini cheesecakes, perfect for a festive gathering.
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (secret ingredient for a fresh twist)
- For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- A pinch of cinnamon (my secret touch)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Make the Crust:
- In a bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup.
- Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven.
- Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the crusts, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the centers are just set.
- Remove from the oven and cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cherry Topping:
- Once cooled, top each cheesecake with a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling.
- Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cherry topping for a festive flavor.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the cheesecakes for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve:
- Serve chilled, garnished with a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.
Expert Tips:
- Cream Cheese Temperature: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth and lump-free filling.
- Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent incorporating too much air, which can cause the cheesecakes to rise and fall.
- Cooling: Let the cheesecakes cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar to prevent cracks.
- Customization: Feel free to swap the cherry topping with other fruits or toppings of your choice.
There you have it, a recipe that’s close to my heart, perfect for bringing smiles and sweet moments to your Christmas celebration. Enjoy the process, and let the festive aromas fill your kitchen with warmth and joy!