Description
These Mini Cheesecakes with Vanilla Wafer Crust are a delightful bite-sized dessert perfect for parties or a sweet treat. Featuring a buttery vanilla wafer base and a creamy, smooth cheesecake filling, they are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. Top them with fresh fruit or pie filling for extra flavor and presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 12 vanilla wafer cookies
Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping (Optional)
- Fresh fruit or pie filling
Other
- Paper cupcake liners
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and clean-up.
- Form the Crust: Place one vanilla wafer cookie flat side down into the bottom of each paper liner to create an even crust base for each mini cheesecake.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until it’s smooth without lumps. Gradually add granulated sugar and blend until fully combined.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time to maintain a creamy texture. Then add vanilla extract, sour cream, and salt, mixing until the batter is smooth and creamy.
- Fill the Muffin Cups: Evenly divide the cheesecake batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for slight rising.
- Bake: Bake the mini cheesecakes in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the centers are just set and not jiggly.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and let cheesecakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature.
- Chill: Refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for at least 2 hours to set fully and enhance flavor.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally top each mini cheesecake with fresh fruit, fruit preserves, or pie filling for added sweetness and appeal.
Notes
- Prepare these mini cheesecakes up to a day in advance and keep refrigerated; add toppings just before serving to maintain freshness.
- For variety, you can substitute vanilla wafers with flavored wafer cookies such as chocolate or lemon.
- Add an extra twist by swirling in chocolate or caramel sauce into the batter before baking for a marbled effect and richer flavor.
