Name: Miniature Strawberry Cheesecakes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 5 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 9 full sheets of graham crackers (about 1 cup); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted; Pinch of salt; 2 packages (16 oz total) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup sour cream (60 grams); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 2 large eggs; 1 pint fresh or frozen strawberries, sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you’re searching for a delightful, crowd-pleasing dessert that looks as charming as it tastes, this Miniature Strawberry Cheesecakes Recipe is exactly what you need. These bite-sized beauties offer a perfect balance of creamy, tangy cheesecake paired with a crisp graham cracker crust and topped with luscious strawberry sauce. They’re ideal for gatherings or simply indulging your sweet tooth with a personal-sized treat that is as impressive as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four steps of making a creamy mixture in a clear glass bowl placed on a white marbled surface. The first layer is thick and smooth pale yellow cream evenly spread in the bowl. The second layer has the same pale yellow cream with a dollop of white cream and dark brown vanilla extract added on top. The third layer adds a bright orange egg yolk and some more white cream on the pale yellow cream base. The final layer shows the mixture fully blended into a smooth, light creamy yellow liquid. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Miniature Strawberry Cheesecakes Recipe lies in a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor and texture—from the buttery, crumbly crust to the rich and smooth filling, and finally the fresh strawberry topping that adds a vibrant pop of color and natural sweetness.

Graham crackers (9 full sheets): Provides a crisp, slightly sweet base with the perfect crunch for the crust.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the cheesecake filling without overpowering the natural flavors.
Salted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Binds the crust crumbs together while adding richness.
Cream cheese (2 packages): The star ingredient that delivers that signature creamy and tangy cheesecake flavor.
Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and slight tartness that keeps the filling velvety and light.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons total): Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Lemon juice (1 teaspoon in filling, 1 teaspoon in strawberry sauce): Adds brightness and a subtle zing to balance the richness.
Eggs (2): Help the cheesecake set with a smooth, creamy texture.
Fresh or frozen strawberries (1 pint): The fresh fruit for the sauce, making it naturally sweet and tangy.

How to Make Miniature Strawberry Cheesecakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Crush the graham crackers until you get fine crumbs—either pulse them in a food processor or smash them in a sealed bag with a rolling pin. This step is crucial for a crumbly texture that holds the crust together.

Step 2: Mix and Bake the Crust

Combine the graham cracker crumbs with sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of this crumb mixture into each cup of your miniature cheesecake pan, pressing down firmly to form a compact base. Bake for 5 minutes, then let these cooled crusts await the luscious filling.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Beat the cream cheese and sugar together until completely smooth using a mixer to avoid lumps. Add sour cream, vanilla, and lemon juice, mixing gently to combine without overbeating. Gradually add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed only enough to blend. This attention to mixing ensures a creamy, silky texture without cracks.

Step 4: Fill and Bake the Mini Cheesecakes

Pour the cheesecake batter into each prepared crust, nearly to the top. For best results, let the batter rest for 15 minutes—it helps with even baking but is not mandatory. Bake mini cheesecakes for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers wiggle slightly. Let cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours before refrigerating for at least 4 hours to firm up completely.

Step 5: Cook the Strawberry Sauce

Combine sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Cook gently over medium-low heat, stirring often, until the strawberries break down and the sauce thickens, about 15-20 minutes. Let it cool fully—the sauce will thicken more as it chills, becoming the perfect topping.

How to Serve Miniature Strawberry Cheesecakes Recipe

The image shows small round cheesecakes on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each cheesecake has three clear layers: the bottom is a rough textured light brown crust, the middle is a smooth and creamy pale yellow cheesecake layer, and the top is a bright red, glossy strawberry jam filling. A spoon covered with thick red jam is pouring jam onto one cheesecake in the front center, with the jam slightly dripping. In the blurred background, there is a clear glass bowl filled with the same red jam. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top each mini cheesecake with a generous spoonful of the strawberry sauce and a fresh strawberry slice for an inviting and festive look. A tiny sprig of mint adds a splash of green and a refreshing aroma to tantalize the senses.

Side Dishes

Pair these mini cheesecakes with a light garden salad or a crisp sparkling beverage to balance the richness. Fresh berries or a simple fruit salad make excellent, complementary sides that keep your dessert plate fresh and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Miniature Strawberry Cheesecakes Recipe on a beautiful platter lined with parchment paper or arrange them in single-serve clear cups layered with whipped cream for an elegant, individual presentation. Another fun idea is to offer a DIY topping station with extra sauces, nuts, and whipped cream so guests can personalize their mini desserts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover mini cheesecakes covered in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain their moisture and prevent them from absorbing other odors. They stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them great for prepping ahead of time.

Freezing

You can freeze these mini cheesecakes by placing them on a baking sheet until firm and then transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to preserve their perfect texture.

Reheating

Since these cheesecakes are best enjoyed chilled, reheating is generally unnecessary. However, if you prefer a warmer dessert, allow them to come to room temperature before gently warming in the oven for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can affect texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the sauce?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work wonderfully, especially when fresh aren’t in season. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery sauce.

What pan should I use for making mini cheesecakes?

A mini cheesecake pan or a muffin tin lined with paper liners works best. These help create uniform mini cheesecakes that are easy to remove and serve.

How can I avoid cracking on the cheesecake tops?

Mix ingredients gently without overbeating and bake until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Cooling gradually and chilling overnight also minimizes cracking.

Can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on dairy products, but you can experiment with vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives. Keep in mind texture and flavor may differ slightly.

Is it necessary to rest the batter before baking?

Resting the batter for 15 minutes can help the mini cheesecakes bake more evenly, but it’s not mandatory. If you’re short on time, go ahead and bake right away—the results will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you fall in love with this Miniature Strawberry Cheesecakes Recipe as much as I have. These little desserts are more than just sweet treats—they’re tiny celebrations of flavor and texture that brighten any occasion. Give them a try, and watch how they become a fast favorite in your kitchen and with everyone lucky enough to taste them!