- Mini Tropical Cheesecakes – A Creamy Island-Inspired Dessert
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup crushed nuts (optional, for added crunch)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
For the Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Thin pineapple slices (fresh or dried)
- Fresh raspberries
- Crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and optional crushed nuts until well combined.
- Press about a tablespoon of the mixture firmly into the bottom of each greased muffin tin or mini cheesecake mold.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove and let cool while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and pineapple juice until fully combined and velvety.
- Spoon or pour the filling over the cooled crusts, filling each cavity nearly to the top.
3. Bake the Mini Cheesecakes:
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the centers are just set and the tops look slightly puffed.
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
4. Decorate and Serve:
- Once chilled, gently remove the cheesecakes from the molds.
- Pipe or dollop a swirl of whipped cream on top of each.
- Garnish with a slice of pineapple, a fresh raspberry, and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or nuts for extra texture.
Why You’ll Love These Mini Tropical Cheesecakes
These cheesecakes are the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet, with tropical notes from pineapple and a bright pop of raspberry. The individual servings make them ideal for parties, buffets, or picnics—no slicing required!