Mini Cheesecakes with Amarena Cherries are an easy go to dessert for the holidays. They are not only delicious but they freeze great. So you can make them in advance!! Have to love that!!
Mini Cheesecakes
(Make 24 Cupcakes)
For the Crust
2 Cups (About 18 Graham Crackers) Crushed Graham Cracker Crumbs
6 Tbsp. Melted Butter
3 Tbsp. Sugar
24 Cupcake Liners
Amarena Cherries – I use Fabbri
Filling
3 (8oz) Bars of Philadelphia Cream Cheese
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Heavy Cream
3 Eggs
1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
1 ½ tbsp. Vanilla Extract
Preheat the oven the 350 degrees and line cupcake pans with cupcake liners
In a bowl, combine the graham crackers, melted butter and sugar. Put about 2 tbsp. Of the graham cracker mixture in each liner. Press down the mixture in each liner very well to form the crust or base of your cheesecake. Put in the oven for 5 minutes. Remove and cool. Lower the oven temp to 325 degrees.
In a mixing bowl, whisk the cream cheese and sugar. You can even use a mixer for this as well. Mix until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time. In a small bowl, mix the heavy cream with the lemon juice and vanilla. You will notice that it will thicken. Slowly add this to the cream cheese mixture. Next fill each of the cupcake liners with the filling about ¾ of the way full. Place the cupcake pan in a larger baking sheet. Pour water into the baking sheet to give the cupcakes a water bath. Carefully put in the oven and bake for about 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from a cupcake.Remove from the oven and cool for 30 minutes and chill. These freeze very well, just make sure they are wrapped tightly. Defrost a few hours before needed. Before serving, top with the cherries or another topping of your choice.