Mini Cherry Cheese Cakes
Mini Cherry Cheese Cakes are creamy, sweet treats with a cherry topping, perfect for parties or casual gatherings, combining rich cheese flavor with fruity cherries.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the Philadelphia cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Place a vanilla wafer in each cupcake liner.
- Fill each liner halfway with the cheese mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes and then cool.
- Top each mini cheesecake with a cherry and some juice from the pie filling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother cheesecake, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If you want a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese. You can substitute the cherry pie filling with any fruit topping, like blueberry or strawberry, for a different flavor. Adding a pinch of lemon zest can enhance the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these mini cheesecakes chilled, topped with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. They pair beautifully with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside Kay'S Chocolate Chip Cookies for a delightful dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, or microwave for a few seconds to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mini Cherry Cheese Cakes contains roughly 199 calories, with 3g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these mini cheesecakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! These mini cheesecakes can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This gives the flavors time to meld, resulting in an even tastier treat. Just remember to add the cherry topping right before serving to keep them fresh.
What can I use instead of vanilla wafers?
If you don't have vanilla wafers, you can substitute with graham crackers or even crushed cookies like Oreos for a different flavor profile. Just ensure they are finely crushed and mixed with a bit of melted butter to hold together as a crust.
How do I know when the mini cheesecakes are done baking?
The mini cheesecakes are done when the edges are set but the centers still have a slight jiggle. They will firm up as they cool. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, so keep an eye on them as they approach the 15-minute mark.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).