Name: Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Ingredients: 4 sheets Graham cracker; 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melted); 1 package Cream cheese (8-ounce, softened to room temperature); 1/2 cup Granulated sugar; 1/2 tablespoon All-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 1 large Egg; 1 large Lemon (zested and juiced); 6 tablespoons Blueberry jam (divided); 1/2 pint Fresh blueberries; Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

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There’s something undeniably delightful about mini desserts, and these Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes are no exception. They are perfect for any occasion—be it a summer gathering, a cozy dinner with friends, or simply a satisfying treat to enjoy at home. Creamy, rich, and oh-so-tasty, these little bites of heaven will make your taste buds sing. Plus, with the vibrant burst of fresh blueberries and the sweet-tart goodness of blueberry jam, every bite is a celebration of flavor!

The Upside of Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes

Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes are not just visually appealing; they also offer a multitude of benefits:

Portion Control: Each cheesecake is perfectly portioned, making it easier to indulge without overdoing it.
Easy to Serve: These individual servings can be a hit at parties, allowing guests to grab and go.
Versatile Toppings: You can customize these cheesecakes with various toppings, from fruit to chocolate, depending on your mood.
Quick to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.

Ingredient List

To create these delicious Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes, gather the following ingredients:

4 full graham cracker sheets
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 large lemon, zested and juiced
6 tablespoons blueberry jam, divided
1/2 pint fresh blueberries
Powdered sugar, optional, for dusting

What’s in the Gear List

Before you start mixing and baking, make sure you have the following gear:

Mixing bowl: For combining your ingredients.
Whisk: To beat the cream cheese and mix in the other components smoothly.
Mini muffin tin: The perfect size for these individual cheesecakes.
Paper liners: Optional, but they make removing the cheesecakes a breeze.
Microplane grater: For zesting the lemon.
Spatula: To ensure you get every last bit of cheesecake batter into the muffin tin.

Cooking Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes: The Process

Ready to bake? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes.

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Step 2: Form the crusts

Line your mini muffin tin with paper liners (if using) and press about a tablespoon of the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of each muffin cup. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to compact it down evenly.

Step 3: Make the cheesecake filling

In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a whisk until smooth. Gradually add in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 tablespoon of flour, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until combined.

Step 4: Add the egg and lemon

Add in the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Beat the mixture until just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can add too much air to the batter.

Step 5: Incorporate the blueberry jam

Spoon in 4 tablespoons of blueberry jam into the cheesecake mixture and gently fold it in with a spatula, creating a lovely marbled effect.

Step 6: Fill the crusts

Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crusts, filling each muffin cup about 3/4 of the way full.

Step 7: Bake

Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheesecakes are set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 8: Cool and chill

Once baked, remove the cheesecakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until completely set.

Step 9: Garnish and serve

Before serving, top each mini cheesecake with a dollop of the remaining 2 tablespoons of blueberry jam and a few fresh blueberries. If desired, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Make It Lighter

For those looking to make these Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes a bit lighter, here are some suggestions:

Swap cream cheese for low-fat or Neufchâtel cheese.
Use Greek yogurt in place of some of the cream cheese for added creaminess without the extra calories.
Reduce the sugar by using a sugar substitute or natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Try a nut-based crust with almond flour or oats instead of graham crackers.

Chef’s Notes

For a more intense blueberry flavor, consider using fresh blueberries throughout the filling instead of jam.
Make these cheesecakes a day in advance; they taste even better after chilling overnight.
If you prefer a firmer cheesecake, add an extra egg or a tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling.
Experiment with different jams or fruit purees for unique flavor combinations!

Best Ways to Store

To keep your Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes fresh and delicious:

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you want to freeze them, wrap each cheesecake in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Thaw frozen cheesecakes in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the cheesecakes.

Can I make these without a muffin tin?

If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can use a regular muffin tin or even a springform pan; just adjust the baking time accordingly.

What if I don’t have graham crackers?

You can substitute graham crackers with crushed cookies such as digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafers for a different flavor profile.

How can I make these cheesecakes dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and coconut oil in place of butter for the crust. Ensure your other ingredients are dairy-free as well.

Desserts to Finish

If you’re looking for more delightful desserts to complement your Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes, check out these tasty options:

Final Thoughts

Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes are a delicious and charming dessert that can brighten up any day. Their creamy texture combined with the sweet-tart blueberry flavor creates a delightful treat that is both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just for yourself, these mini cheesecakes are sure to impress. Try them out, and enjoy the delightful explosion of flavors in every bite!