The Sweetest Cherry Cheesecake Cups Recipe for Any Occasion

Creamy cherry cheesecake cups blend decadent flavors into bite-sized delights that promise pure indulgence.

Miniature desserts pack intense taste without overwhelming your sweet tooth.

Soft cream cheese mingles with tart cherries, creating a perfect balance of richness.

Delicate graham cracker crusts provide a satisfying crunch beneath silky smooth filling.

Each small cup delivers an elegant dessert experience you can easily prepare at home.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps make these treats ideal for spontaneous gatherings or quiet weekend treats.

Savor every spoonful and watch these little cups disappear in moments.

Why Cherry Cheesecake Cups Are So Fun And Simple

• Craft Portable Dessert Delights: Perfectly sized individual portions make these cherry cheesecake cups ideal for sharing and serving at gatherings without messy cutting.
• Create Stress-Free Baking Experience: Simple step-by-step instructions and minimal ingredients ensure even novice bakers can successfully prepare these delectable treats with confidence.
• Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment with different fruit preserves or toppings like blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry to personalize these versatile cheesecake cups according to personal preferences.
• Enjoy Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare cheesecake cups in advance and store in refrigerator, allowing busy home cooks to plan desserts ahead of time without last-minute preparation stress.

What’s Inside Cherry Cheesecake Cups

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: The foundational layer that provides a classic, sweet and crumbly texture to the cheesecake cups.
• Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a rich, solid base for the cheesecake.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its signature creamy and smooth consistency.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tangy cream cheese flavor.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set during baking.
• Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: Contribute to the rich, velvety texture and enhance the overall creaminess of the filling.
• Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake and prevents cracking.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cream cheese.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.

• Cherry Preserves: Creates a sweet and glossy base for the topping.
• Fresh Cherries: Adds fresh, bright flavor and visual appeal to the cheesecake cups.

Steps To Make Cherry Cheesecake Cups Easily

Step 1: Create Crunchy Graham Base

Grab a muffin tin and line it with paper cups. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner, creating a solid foundation for your cheesecake bites.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Filling

• Sugar
• Sour cream
• Heavy cream

Blend until the mixture looks silky and free of any lumps.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Flavor

• Flour
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Stir carefully to keep the batter light and airy.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Pour the cheesecake batter into prepared crusts, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Slide the muffin tin into an oven preheated to 325°F. Bake for 18-22 minutes until centers are almost set but still have a gentle jiggle.

Step 5: Cool and Set

Remove cheesecake bites from the oven and let them cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to firm up completely.

Step 6: Create Luscious Cherry Topping

In a small saucepan, warm cherry preserves with fresh cherries until the mixture thickens slightly. Let it cool just enough to remain warm but not hot.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the warm cherry topping generously over each chilled cheesecake bite. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Helpful Notes For Cherry Cheesecake Cups

• Perfect Graham Cracker Base: Press crumbs firmly and evenly to create a solid, crisp foundation that won't crumble when serving.
• Control Cream Cheese Texture: Beat cream cheese at room temperature to eliminate lumps, ensuring a smooth, velvety cheesecake consistency.
• Prevent Overbaking: Watch the cheesecake closely during the last few minutes of baking; a slight jiggle in the center indicates perfect doneness without cracking.
• Chill for Best Results: Refrigerate cheesecake cups for minimum 2 hours to allow proper setting and enhance flavor development.
• Elevate Cherry Topping: Warm preserves slightly to create a glossy, spreadable sauce that complements the creamy cheesecake base.

Tasty Variations Of Cherry Cheesecake Cups

• Chocolate Cherry Indulgence: Replace graham cracker crust with chocolate cookie crumbs and add dark chocolate chips to the cheesecake batter for an intense chocolate-cherry flavor profile.
• Almond Cherry Elegance: Mix ground almonds into the crust and garnish with sliced toasted almonds. Add almond extract to the cheesecake batter for a nutty undertone.
• No-Bake Cherry Zen: Skip baking entirely by using a chilled cheesecake method with gelatin. Top with fresh cherry compote and serve directly from the refrigerator.
• Berry Fusion Remix: Substitute cherry preserves with a mixed berry sauce, incorporating raspberries and blueberries for a vibrant, multi-berry cheesecake experience.

Perfect Pairings With Cherry Cheesecake Cups

• Pair Sparkling Sweet Rosé: Select a light, fruity rosé wine that complements the cherry's sweetness and cuts through the rich, creamy cheesecake texture, enhancing the dessert's delicate flavors.
• Create Vanilla Bourbon Companion: Mix vanilla bourbon with a splash of cherry liqueur to create a smooth, warming drink that echoes the cheesecake's vanilla notes and amplifies the cherry's depth.
• Match Dark Chocolate Espresso: Brew a strong espresso and serve alongside dark chocolate pieces, providing a bold, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet, creamy cheesecake cups, creating a sophisticated flavor experience.

How To Store Cherry Cheesecake Cups Right

• Store cherry cheesecake cups in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing any flavor absorption from other foods.
• Wrap individual cheesecake cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for 2-3 months, ensuring maximum taste and texture retention.
• Allow cheesecake cups to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance their creamy texture.
• Keep cherry topping in a separate sealed container in the refrigerator, adding it just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the cheesecake base.

Cherry Cheesecake Cups FAQ You’ll Want To Read

• What makes the graham cracker crust special?

The crust is made by melting butter and mixing it with graham cracker crumbs, then pressing firmly into each liner to create a compact, sturdy base that provides a delicious, crunchy foundation for the creamy cheesecake.

• How do I ensure a smooth cream cheese mixture?

Beat the cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy, eliminating any lumps. Gradually add other ingredients like sugar and cream, stirring thoroughly to create a silky, uniform batter without overmixing.

• Why is it important to add eggs one at a time?

Adding eggs individually and mixing thoroughly after each addition helps maintain a consistent batter structure, preventing lumps and ensuring a smooth, even texture throughout the cheesecake cups.

Cherry Cheesecake Cups Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 52 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful Cherry Cheesecake Cups bring creamy indulgence and sweet-tart charm to dessert lovers seeking a perfect handheld treat. Silky cream cheese nestles beneath luscious cherry topping, promising a blissful moment of pure culinary joy you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dairy:

• 16 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Fruits and Sweet Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh cherries
• 1/2 cup cherry preserves
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry and Base Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners, ensuring even spacing for uniform cheesecake cups.
2. Melt butter and combine with graham cracker crumbs, pressing the mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner to create a compact, sturdy base.
3. Beat cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, eliminating any potential lumps for a silky texture.
4. Gradually incorporate sugar, sour cream, and heavy cream into the cream cheese mixture, stirring until completely integrated and uniformly blended.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a consistent batter structure.
6. Fold in flour, vanilla extract, and salt, gently stirring to distribute ingredients evenly without overmixing.
7. Pour cheesecake batter into prepared graham cracker crusts, filling each cup approximately 3/4 full.
8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until centers are almost set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
9. Remove from oven and allow cheesecake cups to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
10. While cooling, prepare cherry topping by gently heating cherry preserves and fresh cherries in a small saucepan until slightly thickened.
11. Once cooled, refrigerate cheesecake cups for at least 2 hours to set completely.
12. Before serving, generously spoon warm cherry topping over each chilled cheesecake cup.

Notes

• Check cream cheese temperature to ensure smooth blending without lumps at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
• Press graham cracker crust firmly and evenly to create a stable base that prevents crumbling when biting into the cheesecake cup.
• Use a water bath technique to prevent cracking by placing the muffin tin in a larger pan filled with hot water during baking for more even heat distribution.
• Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the same crumbly texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 145 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg