Blackberry Cobbler Highlights

Irresistible Mini Cheesecakes with Cherry Topping Recipe

Creamy, decadent mini cheesecakes with cherry topping dance with pure indulgence.

These bite-sized desserts blend smooth cream cheese and sweet cherries into a delightful treat.

Each petite cheesecake promises a burst of rich flavor that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

The delicate graham cracker crust provides a perfect crisp foundation for the silky filling.

Bright red cherries crown these miniature delights, adding a vibrant pop of color and tangy sweetness.

Perfectly portioned and elegantly presented, these mini cheesecakes are sure to impress at any gathering.

You’ll find yourself falling in love with every single delectable bite.

Cherry-Topped Mini Cheesecakes: Sweet Bites Of Joy

  • Perfect for busy bakers who want a delightful dessert without spending hours in the kitchen, these mini cheesecakes come together effortlessly and satisfy sweet cravings in no time.
  • Ideal for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, these bite-sized desserts are sure to impress guests with their adorable presentation and rich, creamy texture.
  • Swap cherry topping for other fruit preserves, chocolate drizzle, or fresh berries to create endless flavor variations that suit every taste preference.
  • Requires basic pantry staples like cream cheese, eggs, and vanilla wafers, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels without hunting for exotic ingredients.

Delectable Ingredients In Every Mini Cheesecake

Crust Base:
  • Vanilla Wafers: Classic cookies that provide a crisp and sweet foundation for the mini cheesecakes.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth and rich dairy product that creates the creamy texture of the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the tangy cream cheese.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help the cheesecake set during baking.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dessert.
Topping:
  • Cherry Pie Filling: Sweet and fruity topping that adds a vibrant color and complementary flavor to the mini cheesecakes.

Mini Cheesecake Tools For Effortless Baking

  • Mixing Bowl: Large bowl for blending cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
  • Electric Mixer: Essential for beating ingredients until light and fluffy.
  • Muffin Tins: Two 24-cup miniature muffin tins for baking mini cheesecakes.
  • Paper Liners: Necessary for easy removal and neat presentation of mini cheesecakes.
  • Measuring Spoons: For precise measuring of crushed vanilla wafers and cherry pie filling.
  • Spatula: Helpful for scraping and spreading mixture evenly into muffin cups.
  • Food Processor or Rolling Pin: For crushing vanilla wafers into fine crumbs.

Easy Steps For Baking Cherry Cheesecake Minis

Step 1: Set Up the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab two miniature muffin tins and line them completely with cute paper liners.

This will make removing your tiny cheesecakes super easy later.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Base

Smash vanilla wafers into fine, delicate crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.

Gently press about a half teaspoon of these crumbs into the bottom of each paper liner, creating a delightful crispy foundation for your mini cheesecakes.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend your ingredients until they transform into a smooth, cloud-like mixture:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly until the filling looks light, airy, and completely free of lumps.

This will ensure your mini cheesecakes are silky and perfect.

Step 4: Fill and Prepare for Baking

Carefully spoon the creamy filling into each paper liner, filling them almost to the very top.

The mixture will slightly settle during baking, creating a beautiful, professional look.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tins into the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 15 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when the centers look set and slightly firm to the touch.

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Allow the mini cheesecakes to cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, crown each tiny cheesecake with a generous dollop of vibrant cherry pie filling, adding a burst of fruity flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange these bite-sized treasures on a beautiful platter.

Watch as your guests delight in these miniature cheesecake wonders that are perfect for any gathering or sweet craving!

Pro Secrets For Creamy, Smooth Cheesecakes

  • Use the bottom of a glass to press vanilla wafer crumbs evenly into each mini cup for a compact, uniform crust.
  • Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and don't overbake to keep the surface smooth and crack-free.
  • Refrigerate mini cheesecakes for at least 2 hours before serving to enhance flavor and help them set properly.
  • Use a small cookie scoop or piping bag to distribute filling evenly and create consistently sized mini cheesecakes.
  • Replace cherry pie filling with fresh berries, chocolate ganache, or caramel sauce for variety and personal taste.

Cherry Cheesecake Mini Variations For Fun Flavors

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace vanilla wafers with almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for a celiac-friendly option.
  • Vegan Cheesecake Bites: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use silken tofu instead of eggs, and swap sugar with maple syrup for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar, and top with fresh berries instead of cherry pie filling to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Chocolate Lover's Mini Cheesecakes: Add cocoa powder to the filling and use chocolate wafer cookies for the crust, then garnish with chocolate shavings on top.

Party-Ready Ways To Serve Mini Cheesecakes

  • Party Platter Paradise: Arrange mini cheesecakes on a decorative tiered serving tray for elegant gatherings, creating a stunning dessert centerpiece that guests will adore.
  • Berry Bliss Variation: Swap cherry topping with fresh seasonal berries like raspberries or blueberries for a vibrant, colorful twist that adds natural sweetness and visual appeal.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Enhance the mini cheesecakes by drizzling melted dark or white chocolate over the cherry topping, adding a luxurious gourmet touch that elevates the dessert's presentation.
  • Brunch Companion: Pair these bite-sized treats with a light cappuccino or fresh mimosa for a delightful weekend brunch spread that impresses friends and family.

Tips For Keeping Mini Cheesecakes Fresh

  • Store mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them flat to preserve the cherry topping and prevent crushing.
  • Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at 50% power to maintain creamy texture. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery consistency.
  • Add fresh cherry topping after reheating to maintain its vibrant color and fresh taste.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent my mini cheesecakes from cracking?

To prevent cracking, avoid overmixing the batter, use room temperature ingredients, and don’t overbake. Remove the cheesecakes from the oven when the centers are slightly jiggly.

  • Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, graham crackers or digestive biscuits work great as alternatives to vanilla wafers. Just crush them finely and press into the muffin liners.

  • How do I get the cheesecakes out of the tin easily?

Use paper liners and let the cheesecakes cool completely before removing. If they stick, gently run a knife around the edges to loosen them.

  • Can I make these mini cheesecakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

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Blackberry Cobbler Highlights

Delicious Mini Cheesecakes with Cherry Topping Recipe


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4.9 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Mini cheesecakes with cherry topping showcase creamy New York-style dessert perfection. Delicate graham cracker crusts complement rich cream cheese filling, while sweet-tart cherry compote adds elegant finishing touches you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 8-ounce (226 grams) packages cream cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 12-ounce (340 grams) package vanilla wafers
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) white sugar

Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

  • 1 21-ounce (595 grams) can cherry pie filling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the workspace by gathering all necessary utensils and ingredients for mini cheesecakes.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line miniature muffin tins with paper liners for easy removal.
  3. Pulverize vanilla wafers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin, creating a crisp base.
  4. Gently press approximately 1/2 teaspoon of crushed wafer crumbs into the bottom of each paper liner, forming a compact foundation.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and airy.
  6. Carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture into each lined muffin cup, filling them nearly to the top edge.
  7. Place muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, watching for a set texture and slightly golden surface.
  8. Remove cheesecakes from oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature.
  9. Once cooled, delicately top each mini cheesecake with a teaspoon of vibrant cherry pie filling.
  10. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to enhance flavor and firmness before serving.

Notes

  • Make crust extra crispy by toasting vanilla wafer crumbs in a skillet for 2-3 minutes before pressing into liners, enhancing the base’s texture and nutty flavor.
  • Prevent cracking by using room temperature ingredients and avoiding overmixing the cheesecake batter, which introduces excess air and can cause surface splits.
  • Create dairy-free version by substituting cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew-based cream cheese and using plant-based egg replacer for a vegan-friendly option.
  • Customize toppings by swapping cherry pie filling with fresh berries, chocolate ganache, or caramel sauce to match different taste preferences and seasonal ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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