Name: Mini Cranberry Cheesecakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup graham cracker crumbs; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1 tsp orange zest (optional)

Creamy individual cheesecakes with a buttery graham cracker crust and a sweet-tart cranberry topping, these Mini Cranberry Cheesecakes are a delightful dessert perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a festive treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it combines rich, creamy cheesecake with a vibrant cranberry topping that adds a burst of sweet and tangy flavor. The individual portions are ideal for entertaining, easy to serve, and make a beautiful addition to any dessert table. These cheesecakes are versatile, simple to prepare, and always impress guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

graham cracker crumbs

unsalted butter, melted

sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

cream cheese, softened

granulated sugar

large eggs

vanilla extract

For the Cranberry Topping:

fresh or frozen cranberries

sugar

water

orange zest (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Crust:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each liner and bake for 5 minutes. Cool completely.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:
Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla. Spoon the filling onto the cooled crusts, filling about three-quarters full.

Bake:
Bake the cheesecakes for 18-20 minutes, until the centers are just set. Cool to room temperature and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Prepare the Cranberry Topping:
Simmer cranberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until thickened. Add orange zest if using. Let cool completely.

Assemble:
Spoon the cooled cranberry topping over the chilled cheesecakes. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 mini cheesecakes

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Variations

Berry Swirl Cheesecakes: Replace the cranberry topping with a swirl of blueberry or raspberry compote for a different flavor profile.

Chocolate Lovers’ Cheesecakes: Add 1/4 cup of melted chocolate to the cheesecake batter for a rich twist.

Lemon Cranberry Cheesecakes: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake batter for extra zing.

Nut Crust Alternative: Use finely chopped pecans or almonds instead of graham cracker crumbs for a nutty crust.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store the cheesecakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Wrap each cheesecake individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating: These cheesecakes are best served chilled and don’t require reheating.

Related Recipes:

Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes

FAQs

How can I make these ahead of time?

I often prepare these a day in advance, storing the baked cheesecakes without the cranberry topping in the refrigerator. I add the topping just before serving for the best texture.

Can I use frozen cranberries for the topping?

Yes, frozen cranberries work wonderfully. There’s no need to thaw them; just cook them straight from the freezer.

What can I substitute for graham crackers in the crust?

I like using digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed gingersnap cookies for a flavorful twist.

How do I know when the cheesecakes are done baking?

The centers should be slightly jiggly but not wet. They will firm up as they cool. Overbaking can lead to cracks, so keep an eye on them.

Can I omit the orange zest in the cranberry topping?

Absolutely! The orange zest adds brightness, but the topping is still delicious without it.

Conclusion

Mini Cranberry Cheesecakes are an elegant and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their creamy filling, buttery crust, and vibrant cranberry topping, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful as they are delicious. Try them for your next gathering, and I think you’ll find they become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.

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