Cupcake-sized cheesecakes are a great way to serve individual portions of this rich and creamy dessert for a party; alternatively, you can place uneaten portion into the freezer and serve them to yourself one modest portion at a time. Mini-cheesecakes also make excellent additions to a bake sale. The next time you are preparing desserts for a group, consider altering your favorite cheesecake recipe or recipes to make a delightful and simple presentation of individually sized cheesecakes.
Step 1.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2.
Line two 12-count cupcake pans with paper liners.
Step 3.
Melt the butter or margarine in the microwave in a medium, microwave-safe mixing bowl.
Step 4.
Add 2 tbsp. sugar and 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, stirring until all of the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
Step 5.
Spoon the graham cracker crust mixture into the cupcake liners so that it is evenly divided among all 24 cakes. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of each cupcake liner.
Step 6.
Beat the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl until they are well-mixed and smooth.
Step 7.
Add the eggs one at a time and beat the mixture after each addition until it is smooth.
Step 8.
Fold the sour cream into the mixture with a large spoon or spatula.
Step 9.
Pour the cheesecake batter over the graham cracker crust in each cupcake liner. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake molds, leaving 1/4 inch of space at the top of each liner for the cheesecake to rise.
Step 10.
Bake the cheesecakes for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each comes out clean.
Step 11.
Remove the cheesecakes from the oven and allow them to cool before adding the toppings of your choice.
Things You Will Need
Cupcake liners
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
2 tbsp. sugar
½ cup butter or margarine
Medium microwave-safe mixing bowl
Large mixing bowl
Hand mixer
Mixing spoon or spatula
24 oz. cream cheese
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tbsp. vanilla
1 cup sour cream
Cheesecake toppings, optional
Tip
Use chocolate sandwich cookies in place of graham crackers for a chocolate crust.
For a party, set out plain cheesecakes with an assortment of toppings so that guests can choose their own flavors.
Any of your favorite cheesecake recipes can be made cupcake-style; however, their baking times will be much shorter. Although 20 minutes is the average baking time, when you are trying a new recipe, start checking the cakes after 15 minutes to ensure that they don't burn.
