Mini Cherry Cheesecake Bites

The trend of mini desserts has taken the culinary world by storm, with their popularity soaring in recent years. Part of the appeal lies in their bite-sized nature, which makes them perfect for sharing. Mini desserts allow guests to sample a variety of flavors without the commitment of a full-sized portion, making them ideal for gatherings and celebrations. Their small size also encourages social interaction, as people can easily pass around platters filled with these delightful treats.

Indulge in the delightful world of Mini Cherry Cheesecake Bites, the perfect dessert for any occasion! These bite-sized treats combine creamy cheesecake with a tangy cherry topping, making them a crowd-pleaser at parties and gatherings. This article guides you through the simple steps to create these delicious desserts, from the essential ingredients to baking techniques. Discover the history of cheesecake, explore flavor variations, and impress your guests with these visually stunning and easy-to-make mini treats. Enjoy the blend of rich, creamy textures and a refreshing cherry finish, ensuring every bite is a sweet celebration!

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Ingredients

For the crust:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 large egg

1/4 cup sour cream

For the cherry topping:

1 cup cherry pie filling (store-bought or homemade)

Optional: fresh cherries for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

- Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a mini muffin pan by lining it with mini cupcake liners and set it aside for later use.

Make the Crust:

- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and resemble wet sand.

- Using about 1 tablespoon of the crust mixture, press it firmly into the bottom of each mini muffin liner to form an even and compact layer. The back of a spoon works well for pressing it down tightly.

Bake the Crust:

- Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes or until the crusts are lightly golden. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let the crusts cool for a few minutes.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

- In a clean mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until it's smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until well blended.

- Then, add the vanilla extract and the egg, mixing until fully incorporated. Lastly, add the sour cream, mixing until the filling is completely smooth and homogenous.

Fill the Crusts:

- Spoon or pipe the prepared cheesecake filling into the cooled crusts, filling each muffin liner about three-quarters full to allow for expansion as they bake.

Bake the Cheesecake Bites:

- Return the muffin pan to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. The centers should be set but still slightly jiggly, as they will firm up while cooling.

Cool and Chill:

- After baking, allow the cheesecake bites to cool at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. Following this, refrigerate them for a minimum of 2 hours to ensure they are fully set.

Top with Cherry Filling:

- Once chilled and ready to serve, spoon a generous amount of cherry pie filling onto each cheesecake bite. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a fresh cherry on top.

Serve:

- Carefully lift the cheesecake bites from the mini muffin pan and serve chilled. Enjoy these delightful mini cherry cheesecake bites as a perfect sweet treat!

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Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 3 hours | 24 bites