Description
Delight in these decadent Mini Cheesecakes topped with luscious chocolate-covered strawberries. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, silky chocolate-infused cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberries dipped in rich semisweet chocolate, this dessert offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and fruity sweetness ideal for special occasions or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 9 ounces graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- 1 pound strawberries, stems intact
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for the mini cheesecakes.
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened and crumbly.
- Press Crust into Liners: Press a heaping tablespoon of the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each paper liner, forming a firm and even crust base for the cheesecakes.
- Beat Cream Cheese: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy, removing any lumps.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Incorporate the granulated sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese, beating continuously until fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing each before adding the next to ensure a creamy and consistent filling.
- Melt Semisweet Chocolate: Gently melt 6 ounces of semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring frequently until smooth.
- Combine Chocolate with Mixture: Fold the melted chocolate gently into the cream cheese mixture until evenly incorporated, creating a rich chocolate cheesecake batter.
- Fill Muffin Liners: Divide the chocolate cheesecake mixture evenly among the prepared crust-lined muffin liners, smoothing the tops.
- Bake Cheesecakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheesecakes are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Remove cheesecakes from oven and allow them to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours to achieve firm texture.
- Prepare Strawberries: While cheesecakes cool, wash and dry the strawberries carefully, keeping the stems intact for dipping.
- Melt Chocolate Chips: Melt 4 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Dip Strawberries: Dip each strawberry fully into the melted chocolate, ensuring an even coating, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet to allow chocolate to set.
- Assemble Dessert: Once the mini cheesecakes are chilled and strawberries are set, top each cheesecake with a chocolate-covered strawberry for an elegant finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these mini cheesecakes topped with chocolate-covered strawberries chilled, savoring the creamy, chocolaty, and fruity combination.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth batter without lumps.
- Do not overbake the mini cheesecakes; they should be set but still have a slight jiggle to avoid dryness.
- Chocolate melting should be done gently over simmering water to prevent burning or seizing.
- Allow chocolate-covered strawberries to fully set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly before assembly.
- These mini cheesecakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best freshness.
