Cheesecake Cupcakes

Introduction & Inspiration

This recipe, “Cheesecake Cupcakes,” takes the classic, beloved cheesecake and transforms it into individual, perfectly portioned treats.

The inspiration came from a desire to make cheesecake more accessible and less intimidating than a full-sized cheesecake.

These cupcakes feature a simple graham cracker crust and a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling, topped with fresh berries and a glaze.

They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or any time you’re craving the deliciousness of cheesecake in a convenient, portable form.

Nostalgic Appeal

Cheesecake, in any form, often evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminding many of special occasions and family gatherings.

The graham cracker crust is a classic element of many cheesecakes, bringing back memories of childhood treats.

The individual cupcake format adds a touch of playfulness and convenience, making them even more appealing.

The fresh berries and glaze add a touch of elegance and freshness, elevating these cupcakes from a simple treat to a sophisticated dessert.

Homemade Focus with a Touch of Convenience

While this recipe involves making the cheesecake filling from scratch, it utilizes a simple graham cracker crust, which is a quick and easy alternative to a traditional pastry crust.

It’s a recipe that balances homemade goodness with a touch of convenience, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

The focus is on creating a delicious and impressive dessert with minimal fuss. It is perfect for beginners.

The individual cupcake format eliminates the need for slicing and serving a large cheesecake, making them perfect for parties or gatherings.

Flavor Goal

The primary flavor goal is a classic cheesecake experience: a creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet filling with a buttery, slightly salty graham cracker crust.

The cream cheese provides the signature tangy flavor and creamy texture of cheesecake.

The sugar adds sweetness, balanced by the tanginess of the cream cheese and the salt in the crust.

The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm, aromatic note.

The fresh berries add a burst of freshness and natural sweetness, complementing the richness of the cheesecake.

The orange marmalade or apricot jam glaze adds a touch of shine and a subtle fruity flavor.

It’s a flavor combination that’s both comforting and elegant, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down each ingredient:

Graham Cracker Crust:

• Graham Crackers (crushed): These form the base of the crust, providing a buttery, slightly sweet, and crunchy foundation.
• Melted Butter: This binds the graham cracker crumbs together, creating a cohesive crust.
• Kosher Salt: This balances the sweetness of the graham crackers and enhances the overall flavor.

Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream Cheese (softened): This is the key ingredient, providing the signature tangy flavor and creamy texture of cheesecake. Using full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best results.
• Large Eggs: These add richness and structure to the filling, helping it to set properly.
• Sour Cream: This adds extra tanginess and creaminess to the filling.
• Granulated Sugar: This provides sweetness and contributes to the filling’s texture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: This enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm, aromatic note.
• Pinch of Kosher Salt: This balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

Topping:

• Fresh Berries: These add a burst of freshness, natural sweetness, and visual appeal. You can use any type of berries you like, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
• Orange Marmalade or Apricot Jam: This is used to create a simple glaze for the berries, adding shine and a subtle fruity flavor.

Essential Equipment

Here’s the equipment you’ll need:

• Muffin tin (two 12-cup, to make 16): For baking the cheesecake cupcakes.
• Paper liners: To line the muffin tin and prevent sticking.
• Cooking spray: To ensure the liners do not stick.
• Large mixing bowls (2): One for the crust ingredients and one for the filling ingredients.
• Electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer): For beating the cream cheese and other filling ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
• Small microwave-safe bowl: For melting the butter and warming the jam.
• Pastry brush: For brushing the glaze over the berries.

That’s a pretty standard list of baking equipment!

List of Ingredients with Measurements

Here’s the ingredient list with precise measurements:

Graham Cracker Crust:

• 14 graham crackers, crushed
• 4 Tbsp. melted butter
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt

Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of kosher salt

Topping:

• Fresh berries, for garnish
• 2 Tbsp. orange marmalade or apricot jam

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through the process:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 325ºF (160°C) and line two 12-cup muffin tins with 16 paper liners. Spray the liners with cooking spray.
2. Make Crust: In a large bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and salt. Stir until evenly combined.
3. Press Crust: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the paper liners.
4. Make Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until combined and smooth.
5. Fill Crusts: Pour the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crusts, filling each liner almost to the top.
6. Bake: Bake until the center is slightly jiggly, about 20 minutes.
7. Cool: Let the cupcakes cool completely in the muffin tin, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.
8. Make Glaze (Optional): Combine the jam (orange marmalade or apricot jam) with 1 tablespoon of water in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power for 15 seconds.
9. Top and Serve: To serve, top the chilled cheesecake cupcakes with fresh berries. Brush the jam mixture over the fruit before serving.

Troubleshooting

Here are a few potential issues and solutions:

• Crust Too Crumbly: If the crust is too crumbly, add a bit more melted butter.
• Filling Too Runny: Make sure your cream cheese is softened and your ingredients are at room temperature. You can also try chilling the filling for a bit before adding it to the crusts.
• Cheesecake Cracking: Cheesecakes sometimes crack. Do not worry, they still taste great.
• Cupcakes Sticking: Make sure to use paper liners and spray them with cooking spray.

Tips and Variations

Here are some ways to customize this recipe:

• Different Crust: Use chocolate graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even crushed OREO®s for the crust.
• No Crust: Skip the crust entirely for a crustless option.
• Different Fruit: Use different types of fresh fruit for the topping, such as sliced peaches, mangoes, or kiwis.
• Add Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
• Add Chocolate: Swirl in some melted chocolate.
• Make it Mini: Use mini muffin tins for even smaller, bite-sized cheesecakes. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Skip the Glaze: Skip the glaze, if desired.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Cheesecake Cupcakes are perfect for:

• Dessert Buffets: Their individual portions make them ideal for parties and gatherings.
• Special Occasions: They’re an elegant and delicious dessert for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration.
• Afternoon Tea: They’re a perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea.
• Brunch They are the perfect addition to a brunch spread.
• Everyday Treats: They’re a great way to satisfy your cheesecake cravings any day of the week.

They pair well with coffee, tea, a glass of milk, or a sparkling beverage.

Nutritional Information

These cupcakes are a treat, so they contain sugar and fat from the graham crackers, butter, cream cheese, and sour cream.

The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use.

It’s best to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. They are meant to be enjoyed.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Recipe Summary: Cheesecake Cupcakes are individual cheesecakes with a graham cracker crust and a creamy, tangy filling, topped with fresh berries and an optional glaze. They’re a delicious and easy-to-make dessert!

Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make them 1-2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

Q: How long do they last? A: Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Q: Can I freeze them? A: You can freeze the cupcakes without the fresh fruit topping for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or container. Add the fresh fruit after thawing.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Cream cheese is essential for the classic cheesecake flavor, but you could experiment with adding a small amount of mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a different texture.

Q: What if I do not have muffin liners? A: Grease the muffin tins well.