Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes Recipe

Adorable Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes Recipe for Sweet Moments

Sweet, creamy mini strawberry cheesecakes dance with vibrant flavor in every delightful bite.

These individual desserts blend rich cream cheese with luscious strawberry essence perfectly.

Each mini cheesecake offers a luxurious experience that melts in your mouth.

Silky smooth textures complement the bright, fresh strawberry notes beautifully.

You’ll adore how simple these delectable treats are to prepare.

Compact and elegant, these mini cheesecakes promise to impress at any gathering.

Grab a fork and savor the irresistible combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberries.

Why Mini Cheesecakes Are Always a Favorite

Why Mini Cheesecakes Are Always a Favorite
  • Perfect for creating stunning mini cheesecakes with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Individually sized treats make serving and portion control super easy, ensuring everyone gets a delightful dessert without messy cutting.
  • Ideal for gatherings like bridal showers, birthday parties, or casual weekend get-togethers where guests appreciate beautiful, delectable sweets.
  • Prepare cheesecakes and strawberry sauce in advance, allowing stress-free entertaining and giving you more time to enjoy with your guests instead of last-minute cooking.

What You’ll Need for These Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Crackers or Digestive Cookies: The base that provides a classic sweet and crumbly foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps bind the crumbs together.
  • Unsalted Butter: Melts the cookie crumbs into a compact and flavorful crust.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the rich and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a smooth, velvety consistency.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the tangy cream cheese.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm and aromatic essence.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a subtle brightness and helps balance the richness.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and help the cheesecake set during baking.
Strawberry Sauce Ingredients:
  • Fresh Strawberries, Sugar, Lemon Juice, Salt: Work together to create a vibrant, sweet, and slightly tangy sauce that complements the creamy cheesecake.

Steps to Make Bite-Sized Strawberry Cheesecakes

Steps to Make Bite-Sized Strawberry Cheesecakes

Step 1: Create Cookie Crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line a muffin pan with paper liners.

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Crushed cookies
  • Sugar
  • Melted butter

Stir until the mixture holds together when pressed.

Distribute evenly into muffin cups, pressing firmly to form a compact base.

Bake for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 2: Prepare Cheesecake Filling

Lower oven temperature to 325°F.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.

Gradually incorporate:
  • Sour cream
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Lemon juice

Scrape bowl sides to ensure complete mixing.

Step 3: Add Eggs to Filling

Gently add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.

Avoid overmixing to prevent surface cracks.

Divide batter evenly among crust-lined cups.

Step 4: Bake and Cool Cheesecakes

Bake at 325°F for 18-20 minutes.

Cheesecakes should slightly puff and have a gentle center jiggle.

Turn off oven, crack door open, and let cool for 30 minutes.

Transfer to refrigerator and chill for at least 5 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Craft Strawberry Sauce

In a saucepan, combine:
  • Strawberries
  • Sugar
  • Lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt

Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes.

Sauce will thicken as it cools.

Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove cheesecakes from refrigerator and peel off paper liners.

Spoon strawberry sauce into the center of each mini cheesecake.

Serve chilled and savor the delightful treat.

Tips for Smooth Filling and Clean Removal

Tips for Smooth Filling and Clean Removal
  • Mix eggs gently and avoid overmixing to keep cheesecake surfaces smooth and crack-free.
  • Press cookie crumbs firmly into the muffin cups to create a compact, sturdy base that holds together perfectly.
  • Let cheesecakes cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked to minimize sudden temperature changes and potential cracks.
  • Simmer sauce until it reaches a thick, glossy consistency for a rich, concentrated flavor that complements the creamy cheesecake.
  • Refrigerate cheesecakes for at least 5 hours or overnight to develop a smooth, creamy texture and intensify the taste.

How to Store Mini Cheesecakes Without Cracking

  • Seal mini cheesecakes in an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their creamy texture and freshness.
  • Wrap each cheesecake individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months, preserving their delicate flavor and smooth consistency.
  • Transfer frozen cheesecakes to the refrigerator overnight, allowing them to defrost slowly and gently. Avoid room temperature thawing to prevent texture changes.
  • Warm briefly at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Skip microwave reheating, which can make the texture rubbery and compromise the delicate cheesecake structure.

Toppings and Pairings for Mini Cheesecakes

  • Pair Creamy Dessert with Sweet Sips: Moscato wine's light, fruity notes perfectly complement the strawberry cheesecake's richness.
  • Contrast Texture with Crisp Beverage: Sparkling rosé cuts through the creamy cheesecake, offering a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
  • Enhance Flavor with Herbal Tea: Chamomile or lavender tea provides a delicate, soothing counterpoint to the dessert's sweetness.
  • Highlight Dessert with Citrus Cocktail: A light limoncello spritzer echoes the lemon in the cheesecake and brightens the overall flavor profile.

Mini Cheesecake Variations You’ll Want to Try

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional cookies with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour-based cookies for the crust. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of sour cream, and replace eggs with cornstarch and aquafaba. Select plant-based butter for the crust.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use fresh strawberries for topping instead of sugary sauce, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining natural sweetness.
  • Keto-Friendly Approach: Create a crust using crushed pecans or almonds mixed with melted butter. Replace sugar with erythritol, use full-fat cream cheese, and top with fresh strawberry slices instead of sweet sauce.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, graham crackers or digestive biscuits work great as alternatives to the original cookie base. Just crush them finely and mix with melted butter and sugar.

  • How do I prevent my cheesecakes from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the batter, add eggs one at a time, and bake in a water bath if possible. Letting the cheesecakes cool slowly in the oven also helps prevent cracks.

  • Can I make these cheesecakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! These mini cheesecakes can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Keep them refrigerated and add the strawberry sauce just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

  • Is it necessary to use lemon juice in the cheesecake batter?

Lemon juice adds a subtle brightness and helps balance the richness of the cream cheese. However, you can omit it if you prefer, and the cheesecakes will still taste delicious.

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Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes Recipe

Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy mini strawberry cheesecakes bring delightful European dessert charm to home kitchens with irresistible individual portions. Silky cream cheese nestled on graham cracker bases promises sweet satisfaction for dessert enthusiasts craving a perfectly balanced treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 8 ounces (226 grams) packages of cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups of whole strawberries, stems removed (fresh or frozen)

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 cup finely crushed shortbread cookies
  • 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup of granulated sugar
  • 5 tablespoons of sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 dash of kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and arrange paper liners in a muffin pan. Pulverize cookies with sugar, then incorporate melted butter until crumbs become cohesive. Distribute the mixture evenly across muffin cups, pressing firmly to create a solid foundation. Bake for 5-7 minutes until edges turn golden.
  2. Lower oven temperature to 325°F. Whip cream cheese until silky smooth. Blend in sour cream, then gradually fold in sugar. Incorporate vanilla extract and lemon juice, ensuring uniform consistency. Carefully integrate eggs one at a time, mixing minimally to prevent potential surface fractures.
  3. Carefully allocate cheesecake batter among prepared crusts, filling each approximately ¼ cup. Position in preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Watch for subtle puffing and gentle center movement, indicating perfect doneness.
  4. After baking, deactivate oven and slightly open door. Allow cheesecakes to rest for 30 minutes, then transfer to refrigerator. Chill for minimum 5 hours, preferably overnight, to achieve optimal texture and flavor development.
  5. Construct strawberry sauce by combining fruit, sugar, lemon juice, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to boil, then reduce to gentle simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring periodically until sauce thickens and reaches desired consistency. Refrigerate until serving time.
  6. Remove chilled cheesecakes from refrigerator, carefully peel away paper liners. Artfully drizzle strawberry sauce across each miniature dessert. Serve immediately and savor the delicate, creamy indulgence.

Notes

  • Prevent cracking by avoiding overmixing eggs and using room temperature ingredients for a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Create a foolproof crust by pressing cookie crumbs firmly and evenly to ensure a stable base that won’t crumble.
  • Customize the recipe for dietary needs by substituting gluten-free cookies, using low-fat cream cheese, or making a vegan version with coconut cream and plant-based alternatives.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by experimenting with different cookie bases like graham crackers, chocolate wafers, or adding a hint of almond extract to the cheesecake batter.
  • Prep Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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