Easy Mini Cheesecake Bites
Mini cheesecake bites are a delightful and easy dessert that everyone loves. They are creamy, sweet, and served in perfect bite-sized portions, making them great for any gathering or just for a sweet treat at home. Whether you are an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is simple to follow and results in delicious little desserts that will impress your friends and family.
Why Make This Recipe
These mini cheesecake bites are perfect for a variety of occasions. They are ideal for parties, family gatherings, or even just a cozy night in. The small size makes them easy to serve and share, and you can enjoy them without feeling too guilty. Plus, they can be customized with your favorite toppings, making each batch unique. With a recipe this simple, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without spending all day in the kitchen.
How to Make Easy Mini Cheesecake Bites
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 ½ tablespoons granulated white sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (or ⅛ teaspoon regular salt)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
- ¼ cup sour cream or mascarpone cheese (full fat)
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
- Set your oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
- Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Press this mixture evenly into muffin tins to form the crust.
- Place the crusts in the oven and bake for about 4 to 5 minutes. Once baked, allow them to cool.
- Make the Filling: In another bowl, combine the cream cheese (at room temperature) with sour cream (or mascarpone), sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until you get a smooth consistency.
- Assemble the Cheesecakes: Spoon the filling evenly over each crust in the muffin tins.
- Return them to the oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes. The cheesecakes are ready when their centers no longer jiggle.
- Once done, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to the refrigerator. Let refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- After they are completely chilled, gently take the bites out of the pan. Serve them plain, or with your favorite topping.
How to Serve Easy Mini Cheesecake Bites
You can serve these mini cheesecake bites as is, or dress them up with toppings like fresh berries, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream. They make a great dessert to share at parties, or a lovely after-dinner treat.
How to Store Easy Mini Cheesecake Bites
Store any leftover mini cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about a week, but they are usually enjoyed well before that!
Tips to Make Easy Mini Cheesecake Bites
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother filling.
- Don’t overbake the cheesecakes; they should have a slight jiggle in the center when you take them out of the oven.
- Experiment with different flavorings or toppings to find your favorite combination.
Variation
Feel free to add different flavors to your mini cheesecakes, such as lemon zest for a citrus twist or cocoa powder for a chocolate version. You can also try different crusts like Oreo cookie crumbs for a chocolatey base.
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly.
2. Can these mini cheesecakes be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. To enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
3. How do I get the mini cheesecakes out of the pan?
To easily remove the mini cheesecakes from the pan, gently run a knife around the edge of each cheesecake to loosen them before popping them out.
Enjoy making and sharing these easy mini cheesecake bites!
