Description
Delightful mini cheesecakes featuring a creamy, smooth filling atop a crispy vanilla wafer base. Perfectly portioned for individual servings, these easy-to-make treats are baked to a light golden finish and can be topped with fresh berries or a fruit compote for added flavor and elegance.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 12 vanilla wafer cookies
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Topping (Optional)
- Fresh berries or fruit compote, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal.
- Arrange Cookie Bases: Place one vanilla wafer cookie at the bottom of each cupcake liner to form the crust for each mini cheesecake.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition to maintain a smooth texture in the batter.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until the mixture is evenly combined, creating a rich and flavorful filling.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over each vanilla wafer cookie in the liners, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cheesecakes are set and the edges turn lightly golden, indicating doneness.
- Cool in Pan: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the mini cheesecakes cool in the pan for 15 minutes to set further.
- Transfer to Wire Rack: Carefully remove each cheesecake from the liners and place them on a wire rack to cool completely, preventing condensation from making the bottoms soggy.
- Refrigerate: Chill the cheesecakes in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Before serving, top with fresh berries or a fruit compote if desired, to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth batter.
- Do not overfill the cupcake liners to prevent spillage during baking.
- Using paper liners makes removal easier, but silicon liners can also be used for sturdiness.
- Chilling the cheesecakes overnight improves texture and taste.
- Customize toppings with seasonal fruits, chocolate drizzle, or caramel sauce for variety.
