Make Adorable Mini Cherry Cheesecakes: A Sweet Homemade Recipe

These mini cherry cheesecakes sparkle with creamy elegance and sweet charm.

Delicate graham cracker crusts provide a perfect crispy foundation for each tiny dessert.

Swirls of smooth cream cheese blend harmoniously with vibrant cherry topping.

Compact and adorable, these miniature treats promise pure indulgence in every single bite.

Rich flavors dance across your palate with surprising complexity.

Light yet decadent, these petite delights work wonderfully for intimate gatherings or personal dessert moments.

You’ll want to savor each delectable morsel and share the joy with someone special.

Why Mini Cherry Cheesecakes Are a Bite-Sized Joy

• Create Mini Delights: Perfectly portioned mini cheesecakes offer individual servings that eliminate messy cutting and ensure everyone gets an equally delicious treat.
• Impress with Minimal Effort: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these mini cheesecakes accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: Swap fresh cherries with different toppings like strawberries, blueberries, or chocolate shavings to match personal preferences or seasonal availability.
• Perfect Party Dessert: Compact size makes these mini cheesecakes ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations where guests can enjoy a beautiful, bite-sized dessert without overwhelming commitment.

Cherry Cheesecake Minis: What’s Inside

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecakes.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients together and adds rich flavor.
• Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the graham cracker crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set properly during baking.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cheesecake filling.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to the rich, creamy texture and adds a subtle tangy note.

• Fresh Cherries, Cherry Preserves: Provide a vibrant, fruity contrast to the creamy cheesecake base.
• Powdered Sugar: Offers a delicate, sweet finishing touch and elegant presentation.

How to Make Mini Cherry Cheesecakes Easily

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 325°F and grab your muffin tin. Line each cup with adorable cupcake liners, making sure they’re perfectly nestled.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter
• Sugar

Mix everything together until the mixture looks like damp beach sand. It should clump when you press it.

Step 3: Press Down The Base

Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Make it compact and solid like a mini foundation.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Filling

In a big mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until they transform into a smooth, dreamy mixture. No lumps allowed!

Step 5: Add Silky Eggs

Drop eggs into the mixture one by one. Mix thoroughly after each addition to keep the filling super smooth and luxurious.

Step 6: Blend Flavor Enhancers

Gently fold in vanilla extract and sour cream. Stir until the filling looks perfectly uniform and velvety.

Step 7: Fill The Cups

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker bases. Fill each liner about three-quarters full for perfect mini treats.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes until centers look almost set with a gentle wiggle when shaken.

Step 9: Cool Down

Pull the cheesecakes out and let them chill completely at room temperature. Patience is key!

Step 10: Refrigerate And Set

Pop the tin in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps them firm up and develop deeper flavors.

Step 11: Decorate With Cherries

• Halved fresh cherries
• A dollop of cherry preserves

Step 12: Dust With Elegance

Sprinkle a light snowfall of powdered sugar over the cheesecakes for a fancy finish.

Step 13: Serve And Delight

Serve these miniature beauties chilled. Watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite!

Cheesecake Tips for Cherry-Loving Bakers

• Prevent Cracking Catastrophe: Avoid overbaking by removing cheesecakes when centers are slightly jiggly, as they'll continue setting during cooling.
• Smooth Filling Secret: Beat cream cheese at room temperature and mix ingredients thoroughly to eliminate unwanted lumps and achieve silky texture.
• Crust Compression Technique: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into cupcake liners to create a stable, compact base for your mini cheesecakes.
• Flavor Boost Hack: Add a splash of almond extract alongside vanilla for deeper, more complex cherry-complementing flavor profile.
• Storage Success Strategy: Keep mini cheesecakes refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and taste preservation.

Flavor Ideas for Cherry Cheesecake Fans

• No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Cups: Skip the oven and chill these creamy treats in the refrigerator, using the same ingredients but skipping the baking step for a quick, cool dessert.
• Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bites: Mix cocoa powder into the graham cracker crust and drizzle melted chocolate over the topped cherries for a rich, decadent version.
• Almond Cherry Mini Cheesecakes: Sprinkle crushed almonds into the crust and garnish with toasted almond slivers for a nutty, crunchy enhancement.
• Lemon Cherry Mini Cheesecakes: Add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling and top with a lemon-infused cherry compote for a bright, tangy flavor profile.

What to Serve With Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

• Pair Creamy Sweetness with Bold Beverages
• Complement the rich, tangy cheesecake with full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which balance the dessert's sweetness and cut through its creamy texture.
• Brew Refreshing Contrast
• Serve with cold-brew coffee or espresso, allowing the bitter notes to contrast beautifully with the sweet cherry and creamy cheesecake, creating a sophisticated flavor profile.
• Match Fruity Harmonies
• Select a crisp champagne or sparkling rosé to echo the cherry's brightness, enhancing the dessert's delicate flavor while adding a celebratory touch to the presentation.

Store Mini Cherry Cheesecakes for Freshness

• Store mini cherry cheesecakes in an airtight container with a tight-sealing lid to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the delicate flavor. Place wax paper between layers to keep toppings intact and prevent sticking.
• Wrap each mini cheesecake individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These treats can be frozen for up to 2 months, maintaining their creamy texture and delicious taste.
• Keep cheesecakes in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and texture, ensuring each bite remains as delightful as when first prepared.

FAQs About Mini Cherry Cheesecake Bites

• How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Use room temperature ingredients, avoid overmixing the batter, and bake in a water bath to create a moist environment that prevents surface cracking.

• Can I use different types of fruit on top?

Absolutely! Try fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries as delicious alternatives to cherries that complement the creamy cheesecake base.

• Is it necessary to use a stand mixer for this recipe?

No, a hand mixer works perfectly fine. The key is to mix ingredients until smooth and avoid incorporating too much air into the batter.

• How do I know when the mini cheesecakes are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly set centers with a gentle jiggle when you shake the pan. The edges should be just starting to pull away from the cupcake liners.

Mini Cherry Cheesecakes Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful mini cherry cheesecakes combine creamy indulgence with sweet fruity charm. Perfectly portioned and easy to prepare, these miniature desserts promise a delectable experience that will charm dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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cheesecake base:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

cheesecake filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream

topping:

• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 2 tbsp cherry preserves
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, ensuring each cavity is prepared.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl, mixing until the texture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of each cupcake liner, creating a compact base.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, avoiding any lumps.
5. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a silky consistency.
6. Fold in vanilla extract and sour cream, gently blending until the filling is uniform and velvety.
7. Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker bases, filling each liner about 3/4 full.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the centers are almost set with a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
9. Remove from the oven and allow cheesecakes to cool completely at room temperature.
10. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up and enhance flavor.
11. Before serving, top each mini cheesecake with halved fresh cherries and a dollop of cherry preserves.
12. Dust lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
13. Serve chilled and enjoy these delightful individual desserts.

Notes

• Achieve a perfect graham cracker crust by pressing the mixture firmly and evenly into the cupcake liners, creating a solid base that won’t crumble.
• Prevent cheesecake cracks by avoiding overmixing and overbaking, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Customize the recipe by swapping cherries with other fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a seasonal twist that keeps the dessert exciting.
• Make the cheesecakes gluten-free by using almond flour or gluten-free graham crackers as a substitute for traditional graham cracker crumbs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 265
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 78 mg