Easy Valentine's Day Cheesecake Bites

Featured in Sweet Endings: Irresistible Desserts.

These rich mini strawberry cheesecakes are a loveable dessert option. They start with crispy graham cracker crusts, followed by soft cheesecake filling, and are topped with a jam-like fresh strawberry sauce. The key is keeping your ingredients at room temperature for a smooth mix and baking low and slow. While they take time to chill, the effort is minimal, making them an elegant, romantic treat that’s great for prepping in advance.
A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Fri, 28 Feb 2025 17:53:49 GMT
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Mini strawberry cheesecakes are the perfect blend of classic dessert elements - a crisp graham cracker base, velvety cheesecake center, and fresh strawberry topping. Each personal-sized treat delivers balanced flavors and textures in every bite. These have become a signature dessert in professional kitchens for both casual gatherings and upscale events.

These mini cheesecakes consistently impress guests at gatherings. The professional quality comes from careful attention to technique and proper cooling time.

Key Ingredients Guide

  • Cream Cheese: Use full-fat, softened
  • Graham Crackers: Freshly crushed
  • Strawberries: Select ripe, sweet berries
  • Sour Cream: Full-fat for richness
  • Eggs: Bring to room temperature
  • Vanilla: Pure extract recommended

Preparation Method

Initial Preparation
1. Set ingredients out to reach room temperature. Heat oven to 325°F. Set up muffin tin with paper liners.
Crust Creation
2. Mix graham crumbs with sugar and butter until well combined. Press mixture firmly into liners.
Cheesecake Mixture
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Incorporate sugar and sour cream. Add vanilla and eggs individually, mixing gently.
Baking
4. Fill liners two-thirds full. Remove air bubbles. Bake until centers are nearly set.
Topping
5. Prepare strawberry sauce by cooking berries with sugar until thickened.
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Easy Mini Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe | linacooks.com

Professional Techniques

  • Prepare extra liners
  • Never substitute low-fat cheese
  • Monitor sauce consistency
  • Strain sauce if desired
  • Reserve extra topping
  • Use foil sling for removal
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Storage Guidelines

Store cheesecakes in airtight containers for up to 5 days refrigerated. Keep topping separate until serving. Freeze untopped cheesecakes up to one month.

Recipe Variations

Enhance the base recipe by adding citrus zest to the filling or marbling strawberry sauce throughout. Consider white chocolate accents or mixed berry variations.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with powdered sugar and fresh mint. Display on tiered platters with fresh berries for special occasions.

Temperature Guide

Proper temperatures are crucial throughout preparation. Room temperature ingredients, correct baking heat, and thorough chilling ensure professional results.

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Recipe Summary

These miniature strawberry cheesecakes elevate any dessert menu. Their perfect portion size and professional presentation make them ideal for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can these be made a couple of days in advance?
Absolutely! Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days, and drizzle on the strawberry topping just before serving.
→ Why do I need warm ingredients for the filling?
It helps everything blend together for a silky, lump-free result.
→ Can frozen strawberries work for the topping?
Yes, they’ll work fine! Just cook them for 8 to 10 minutes instead.
→ How do I keep the crust from breaking up?
Use the base of a glass to press the crumbs down firmly into the liners.
→ Can these cheesecakes be frozen?
They sure can! Freeze them minus the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and spoon on the sauce once they’re ready.

Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes

Creamy little cheesecakes layered on graham cracker crusts and crowned with sweet strawberry topping—ideal for Valentine's celebrations.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 individual cheesecakes)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Crust

01 1 cup of crushed graham crackers
02 3 tablespoons melted butter (unsalted)
03 3 tablespoons white sugar

→ Cheesecake Filling

04 16 ounces of softened cream cheese
05 1/3 cup granulated white sugar
06 2 eggs, at room temperature
07 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
08 1/3 cup of sour cream (also room temp)

→ Strawberry Sauce

09 16 ounces of fresh strawberries, sliced after removing stems
10 1/3 cup sugar
11 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

Step 01

Start by lining a muffin tin with paper liners. Combine the crushed crackers, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press this into the liners firmly. Preheat your oven to 325°F, then bake the crust for 5-6 minutes.

Step 02

Whip the cream cheese until it’s silky smooth. Blend in the sugar, vanilla, and sour cream. Add the eggs, one at a time, but keep the mixer on a low setting while doing so.

Step 03

Pour the filling evenly over the crusts. Bake everything at 325°F for about 17-20 minutes until the centers are set. Let them cool for 60 minutes, then pop them in the fridge for 3-4 hours to chill.

Step 04

Cook the strawberries along with the sugar and lemon juice on medium heat. Stir frequently until it thickens up nicely, which should take 5-8 minutes. Allow it to cool completely.

Step 05

Once chilled, spread a spoonful of the strawberry topping over each cheesecake. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  1. If your ingredients are room temp, your filling will mix up smooth and creamy.
  2. Really press that crust down or it might fall apart later.
  3. Cook the sauce until it gets nice and thick, like a jam—not watery.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 12-section muffin tin
  • Paper liners for cupcakes or muffins
  • Electric hand mixer
  • A few mixing bowls for prep
  • A saucepan for the strawberry topping

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy (cream cheese and sour cream)
  • Contains wheat from the graham crackers
  • Includes eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 275
  • Total Fat: 19 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
  • Protein: 4 g