Description
Mini cheesecakes by Paula Deen showcase creamy indulgence with graham cracker crusts and delicate textures. Sweet dessert perfection delivers simple elegance through classic ingredients carefully combined for memorable results.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, full-fat, softened to room temperature
- 1 egg, large, at room temperature
- ¼ cup (60g) sour cream, full-fat, at room temperature
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup (80g) graham cracker crumbs (about 5 ½ full sheet graham crackers)
- 2 tbsps (28g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp (12g) granulated sugar
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Merge graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until sandy. Press 1 1/2 tablespoons into each muffin liner, pre-baking at 350°F for 5 minutes to solidify the foundation.
- Filling Creation: Using a mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar until silky. Blend in sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Gently fold in egg, maintaining a thick, smooth consistency without overmixing.
- Baking Process: Evenly distribute batter across lined muffin pan, filling each cup carefully. Bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for firm edges and slightly jiggly centers, indicating perfect cheesecake texture.
- Cooling and Setting: Remove from oven and cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Transfer to refrigerator and chill for minimum 2 hours, allowing complete structural stabilization. Cover loosely if extending refrigeration time.
- Finishing Touch: Garnish with preferred toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate drizzle just before serving. Store remaining mini cheesecakes in sealed container within refrigerator for up to 5 days to preserve freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Crust Compression Technique: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid base that prevents crumbling and ensures perfect texture.
- Mixing Mindfulness: Blend cream cheese ingredients at medium-high speed, stopping just when combined to avoid overbeating, which can cause cracking during baking.
- Baking Border Watch: Monitor cheesecake edges for firmness while keeping centers slightly jiggly; this prevents overbaking and maintains a creamy, smooth consistency.
- Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours, covering loosely if extending beyond that time to prevent moisture accumulation and preserve delicate surface quality.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 224
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 56 mg