Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes Recipe
These Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes feature a delightful combination of a crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy vanilla cheesecake filling, topped with a luscious homemade strawberry pie filling and a crumbly streusel topping. Perfectly portioned for individual servings, these cheesecakes are a delicious treat for spring and summer gatherings.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Strawberry Pie Filling:
- 3 cups diced fresh strawberries
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (pulsed in a food processor into fine crumbs)
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Streusel Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (or 1/4 cup light brown sugar + 1/4 cup granulated sugar)
- Dash of salt
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Vanilla Cheesecake Filling:
- 12 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 6 Tablespoons sugar
- 1 Tablespoon flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 egg, slightly beaten
- Prepare the Strawberry Pie Filling: In a heavy saucepan, combine half of the diced strawberries and lemon juice. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes until the strawberries burst and juice begins to form. In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and cornstarch, then stir this mixture into the pan. Add the remaining strawberries and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened to a pie filling consistency. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners and set aside.
- Make the Graham Cracker Crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until crumbs are evenly moistened. Divide the mixture among the prepared liners (about 1 1/2 tablespoons per cupcake) and firmly press to form the crust base. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the Vanilla Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, flour, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually add the slightly beaten egg and blend gently until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cheesecakes: Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crusts in the cupcake liners.
- Make Streusel Crumb Topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl. Stir in melted butter until crumbly and evenly mixed.
- Add Streusel Topping & Bake: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over each cheesecake cup. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 22-25 minutes or until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles when gently shaken.
- Cool and Chill: Remove from oven and cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set completely before serving.
- Top with Strawberry Pie Filling: Spoon a generous amount of the cooled strawberry pie filling over each mini cheesecake before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor in the pie filling; frozen strawberries might release too much water.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Press the graham cracker crust firmly to prevent it from crumbling when eating.
- Do not overbake the cheesecakes; they should have a slight jiggle to stay creamy.
- These mini cheesecakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For easier removal from liners, use foil liners or gently peel paper liners before serving.
Keywords: mini strawberry cheesecakes, strawberry cheesecake cups, individual cheesecakes, easy cheesecake recipe, graham cracker crust, homemade strawberry pie filling, streusel topping