Since my father passed away earlier in December, this Christmas was bittersweet. I think my cooking and baking has reflected my sadness. So these mini blueberry cheesecakes I made weren’t given the usual attention and detail that I normally like to give my recipes that I post. So I apologize if the pictures aren’t as appealing as the mini cheesecakes really are.
CRUST INGREDIENTS:
- 6 graham cracker sheets
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 stick of melted butter
FILLING INGREDIENTS:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered (confectioners) sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
TOPPING INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
DIRECTIONS:
To make the crust:
- Using a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they are crumbs.
- Add sugar and melted butter and pulse until well combined.
- Press 1-2 tablespoons into the bottom of your cupcake liners.
To make the filling:
- Using an electric hand mixer, combine cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth
- Add heavy whipping cream, vanilla and almond extract, and lemon juice. Mix on high for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Pour filling over crusts to the rim of each cupcake liner.
- Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours. I made mine the night before, so it was refrigerated for 12 hours.
To make the topping:
- Combine the blueberries, sugar, butter, cornstarch, vanilla extract and lemon juice into a small saucepan.
- Cook over medium high heat for about five minutes. Stir frequently until the blueberries breakdown and the sauce thickens.
- Let cool down and refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
Are you ready to serve? Let’s go:
- Carefully remove the mini cheesecakes from the cupcake liners.
- Arrange on a platter and spoon the blueberry sauce over the top of each mini cheesecake.
This recipe yields 12 mini cheesecakes. Double the recipe if you have a larger crowd to feed. You can substitute any berry for the topping. I just like blueberries the most.