Name: Mini Cheesecakes with Fresh Berries Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: PT-489501H27M54S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 Graham Crackers; 1/4 lb. melted butter; 1/4 cup sugar; 16 ounces cream cheese (room temperature); 2 eggs; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 pint sour cream; 1/3 cup sugar; 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1 cup fresh raspberries

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 55 reviews

There is nothing quite as delightful as a dessert that bursts with creamy richness and bright, juicy freshness all at once. This Mini Cheesecakes with Fresh Berries Recipe is exactly that little slice of heaven you’ve been waiting for. Perfectly sized for individual servings, these cheesecakes combine a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a tangy sour cream topping, all crowned with a colorful mix of fresh blueberries and raspberries. It’s an irresistible treat that’s as fun to make as it is to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A gray metal muffin tin holds four white cupcake liners filled with batter; three liners are filled with smooth, pale yellow batter with a slightly textured surface, and one liner is topped with a crumbly, light brown crust. To the right of the tin, a metal ice cream scoop filled with pale yellow batter rests on a white marbled surface. In the top right corner, there is a partial view of another muffin tin with liners also topped with the crumbly brown crust. At the top left is a folded white cloth with blue stripes on the same white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Mini Cheesecakes with Fresh Berries Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, creating a balance of flavor and texture that’s both comforting and refreshing.

Graham Crackers: Crumbled to form a sturdy and flavorful crust that holds everything together.
Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust, making it perfectly firm yet tender.
Sugar: Used in the crust, filling, and topping to provide just the right touch of sweetness.
Cream Cheese: The star of the filling, it creates that creamy, dreamy texture cheesecake lovers crave.
Eggs: Essential for structure, helping the filling set just right without being too dense.
Vanilla Extract: Elevates the flavor of the cream cheese, adding a warm, inviting aroma.
Sour Cream: Gives a silky, tangy layer that brightens up the richness of the cheesecake.
Fresh Blueberries and Raspberries: The crowning jewels that add vibrant color, natural sweetness, and a burst of fresh flavor.

How to Make Mini Cheesecakes with Fresh Berries Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step ensures everything cooks evenly once you place your cheesecakes inside. Next, set up your cupcake pan with paper liners sprayed lightly with non-stick cooking spray. This simple prep step guarantees your mini cheesecakes will slide right out when they’re ready to be devoured.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs and combine them with melted butter and sugar. Once mixed, press a tablespoon of this mixture firmly into the base of each cupcake liner. Use the back of a glass or spoon to make sure the crust is compact and even. This creates a deliciously crisp and buttery foundation that perfectly complements the creamy filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, beat together the room-temperature cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This smoothness is key—it ensures that your mini cheesecakes bake to a silky texture without cracks or lumps. Pour this mixture carefully over the crusts, filling each cupcake liner about two-thirds full.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecakes

Pop the cupcake pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This first bake sets the filling just enough so it holds its shape but is still soft. After removing the pan from the oven, it’s time to add the next layer: the tangy sour cream topping.

Step 5: Add the Sour Cream Layer and Final Bake

Mix together sour cream and sugar until smooth, then spoon it over each partially baked cheesecake, filling each liner to the top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 8 minutes. This topping creates a lovely, slightly tangy finish that balances the richness beneath it.

Step 6: Chill and Top with Fresh Berries

Allow the mini cheesecakes to cool completely and then refrigerate until firm—this step is crucial if you want them to hold their shape beautifully when you remove the paper liner. Just before serving, top each cheesecake with a generous handful of fresh blueberries and raspberries, adding a colorful and juicy contrast that’s both pretty and delicious.

How to Serve Mini Cheesecakes with Fresh Berries Recipe

The image shows several mini cheesecakes on a white marbled surface, each with three layers: a golden brown crumbly base, a thick creamy light yellow middle layer, and a smooth white top layer. Each cheesecake is topped with bright red raspberries and deep blue blueberries arranged in small clusters. One mini cheesecake in the front has a bite taken out, revealing the soft texture inside. More cheesecakes and a white cloth with blue lines are blurry in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Besides the fresh blueberries and raspberries, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a mint leaf to each cheesecake for an elegant touch. A drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream can also elevate the dessert’s richness and charm.

Side Dishes

These mini cheesecakes are quite the showstopper on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of sparkling wine. If you want to lighten things up, a small mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette balances the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party platter, arrange the mini cheesecakes on a tiered dessert stand alongside other bite-sized treats. You can also serve them in clear mini jars or small glass cups for a rustic, charming look that highlights the layers. Experiment with layering different berries or adding a raspberry coulis drizzle for added flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover mini cheesecakes refrigerated in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and creamy for up to three days, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert for any occasion.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these mini treats in advance, you can freeze them. Place the cheesecakes in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Since these are best served chilled, reheating isn’t typically necessary. However, if you prefer a slightly softer texture, let them rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwave heating as it can cause the filling to become grainy or separate.

FAQs

Can I use other types of berries for this recipe?

Absolutely! While blueberries and raspberries are classic choices, strawberries, blackberries, or even a mix of tropical fruits can work beautifully. Just be sure to use fresh, firm berries to avoid excess moisture.

Do I need to use full-fat cream cheese?

For the richest and creamiest texture, full-fat cream cheese is best. Lower-fat options can lead to a less smooth filling and may affect the overall structure of your mini cheesecakes.

Can I make the crust gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies. Just be mindful that the flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on the brand.

What’s the best way to remove the mini cheesecakes from the liners?

Gently peel away the paper liners once the cheesecakes are fully chilled and firm. Running a knife around the edge can help loosen them if they stick, but the key is letting them cool thoroughly before lifting.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

This Mini Cheesecakes with Fresh Berries Recipe is very adaptable. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly, keeping the same baking times in mind, although larger or smaller cupcake pans may require slight timing tweaks.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking mini cheesecakes from scratch, especially when paired with fresh berries that bring a bright and natural sweetness to the table. This Mini Cheesecakes with Fresh Berries Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any gathering or a special everyday treat. So grab your mixing bowl and cupcake pan, and get ready to bake your new favorite dessert!