Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes 🍓🧁
Ingredients
For the crust:
6 whole graham cracker rectangles (about 1 cup crumbs)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake batter:
16 ounces (2 x 8-ounce packages) cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
For the strawberry sauce topping:
2 cups fresh strawberries, stems removed and sliced
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup water
Directions
1️⃣ Prepare the Strawberry Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water, then pour into the saucepan.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat, strain through a mesh strainer to remove pulp, and set aside to cool.
2️⃣ Prepare the Crust:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with baking liners.
In a food processor, pulse graham crackers into fine crumbs.
Mix the crumbs with melted butter until combined.
Press 2 teaspoons of the mixture into each liner.
Bake for 5 minutes, then let cool on a wire rack.
Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
3️⃣ Make the Cheesecake Batter:
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add the heavy whipping cream and beat again until well combined.
Gradually mix in the cornstarch, egg, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
4️⃣ Assemble the Cheesecakes:
Divide the batter evenly over the prepared crusts, filling each liner almost to the top, leaving a 1/4-inch space.
Bake at 300°F for 20-25 minutes, until the centers are set and the tops are slightly dull.
Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecakes rest for 30 minutes to prevent cracking.
5️⃣ Cool and Chill:
Transfer the cheesecakes to a wire rack and cool at room temperature for 1 hour.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours be
