Description
These mini strawberry cheesecakes are creamy, delicious, and topped with a homemade strawberry sauce. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Cheesecake Crust
-
- 1 cup finely crushed shortbread cookies
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 2– 8 oz packages of cream cheese, at room temperature
- 5 tablespoons of sour cream
- 2/3 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
Strawberry Sauce
- 2 cups of whole strawberries, stems removed (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of fresh squeezed lemon juice
- a dash of kosher salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan with paper liners. Mix the finely crushed shortbread cookies with sugar, then stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press about a tablespoon of crust into each liner, making sure it’s compact.
Bake for 5-7 minutes until slightly golden, then let cool. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
Beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, then mix in sour cream. Add sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice, blending well. Taste and adjust if needed—more lemon for tang, more vanilla for warmth.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Scrape down the sides to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter into each crust, filling almost to the top. Bake at 325°F for 18-20 minutes until puffed up with a slight jiggle in the center.
Turn off the oven and crack the door open, letting them cool inside for 30 minutes. Then, transfer to the fridge for at least 5 hours (overnight is best). The centers will sink slightly—this is normal and perfect for the strawberry topping!
While the cheesecakes chill, cook the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt over medium heat. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until thick and syrupy. Let cool completely before using.
Once the cheesecakes are fully chilled, remove the liners and spoon the strawberry sauce into the centers.
Notes
How to serve these beauties
For an elegant touch, garnish each cheesecake with a fresh strawberry slice or a dollop of whipped cream. Serving them on a cake stand or a wooden board makes for a beautiful presentation at parties.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert