Description
Delight in these mini coffee cheesecakes, a perfect blend of creamy, rich cheesecake infused with the bold flavor of strong brewed coffee, set atop a buttery graham cracker crust. These individual-sized treats are easy to make and ideal for a coffee lover’s dessert craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings
- Whipped cream
- A dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures the crust will bake evenly and the cheesecake filling will cook perfectly.
- Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture is fully blended and resembles wet sand.
- Press and Bake Crust: Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of each muffin cup to create an even layer. Bake the crust for 5 minutes, then remove from oven and let it cool completely.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, cooled brewed coffee, and vanilla extract, blending until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Assemble Cheesecakes: Spoon the filling over the cooled crusts, filling each muffin cup about three-quarters full. This allows room for the filling to set without overflowing.
- Bake the Cheesecakes: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the centers of the cheesecakes are just set but still slightly jiggly to the touch.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the cheesecakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for at least 2 hours to let them firm up nicely.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Before serving, top each cheesecake with a generous dollop of whipped cream and garnish with a light dusting of cocoa powder or some chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Use strong brewed coffee for a more pronounced coffee flavor.
- Do not overbake to maintain a creamy texture in the cheesecakes.
- Chilling time of at least 2 hours is essential for the best texture and flavor.
- These mini cheesecakes can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
