Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes

Delight in these adorable Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes that combine a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, homemade strawberry pie filling, and a crunchy streusel topping. Perfect for summer gatherings or any strawberry lover’s dessert table!

Ingredients:

For the Strawberry Pie Filling:

• 3 cups diced fresh strawberries 🍓
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1¼ cups graham cracker crumbs (finely processed)
• 1½ tbsp sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Streusel Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup light brown sugar (or ¼ cup light brown sugar + ¼ cup granulated sugar)
• Dash of salt
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Vanilla Cheesecake Filling:

• 12 oz cream cheese, softened
• 6 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg, slightly beaten

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Strawberry Pie Filling:
   • In a heavy saucepan, combine half of the diced strawberries and lemon juice. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until the strawberries begin to burst and release their juices.
   • In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and cornstarch, then stir into the strawberry mixture. Add the remaining strawberries and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
   • In a bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Mix in the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
   • Divide the mixture among the prepared liners (about 1½ tbsp each) and press firmly into the bottom. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
3. Make the Streusel Crumb Topping:
   • In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a dash of salt. Add the melted butter and mix with a fork until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.
4. Prepare the Vanilla Cheesecake Filling:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, and vanilla until smooth. Add the egg and mix just until combined (be careful not to overmix!).
   • Spread the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crusts, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
   • Top each with the cooled strawberry pie filling, filling them almost to the top.
   • Sprinkle the streusel crumb topping over each cup and gently press down with your palm.
5. Bake:
   • Place the cupcake pan on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until set.
   • Cool the cheesecakes in the pan for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Storage:
   • For longer storage, keep the mini cheesecakes in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Enjoy these delightful mini strawberry cheesecakes—they’re sure to impress at any gathering! 🍰✨ #MiniCheesecakes #StrawberryDesserts #BakingJoy