🍓🍰 Mini Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites 🍰🍓
📋 **Ingredients**
- **For the Crust:**
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- **For the Cheesecake Filling:**
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- **For the Strawberry Topping:**
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- **For the Crunch Topping:**
- 1/2 cup crushed strawberry cereal (like Strawberry Crunch)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
👩🍳 **Directions**
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. **Prepare the Crust:**
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a mini cheesecake pan or muffin tin lined with cupcake liners. Bake for 5-7 minutes until set, then remove from the oven and let cool.
3. **Make the Cheesecake Filling:**
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add the egg and sour cream, mixing on low speed until the filling is smooth and creamy.
4. **Fill the Cheesecake Bites:**
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crusts, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
5. **Bake the Cheesecakes:**
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
6. **Prepare the Strawberry Topping:**
In a small saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch (if using). Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the strawberries soften and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
7. **Prepare the Crunch Topping:**
In a small bowl, mix together the crushed strawberry cereal and melted butter until well combined.
8. **Assemble the Mini Cheesecakes:**
Once the cheesecakes are chilled, spoon a layer of strawberry topping over each cheesecake and sprinkle the crunch topping on top.
9. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Serve your Mini Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites chilled for a delightful, refreshing treat!
💡 **Tips**
- For easy removal, use a silicone mini muffin tin or cupcake liners.
- Try different berry toppings like raspberry or blueberry for variety.
**Nutritional Information:**
- ⏰ Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours including chilling
- 🔥 Kcal: 150 kcal per bite | 🍽️ Servings: 12 bites