Blackberry Cheesecake Bites with a Purple Layer.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the cheesecake filling:
16 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream (whipped to stiff peaks)
For the blackberry layer:
1 1/2 cups fresh blackberries
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For decoration:
Fresh blackberries
Edible flowers (e.g., violets or pansies)
Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the crust
In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon (if using), and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are well coated.
Press the mixture into the bottom of mini cheesecake pans or muffin tins (lined with paper or with removable bottoms) to form the base. Use a spoon or your fingers to pack it down tightly.
Refrigerate the crusts while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the cheesecake filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Add vanilla extract and continue mixing until incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the chilled crusts, smoothing the tops. Place the cheesecakes back in the fridge to chill while you make the blackberry layer.
Step 3: Make the blackberry layer
In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blackberries break down and release their juice (about 5-7 minutes).
If you prefer a thicker layer, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the berry mixture. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat and let it cool completely before spooning over the cheesecake layer.
Step 4: Assemble the mini cheesecakes
Once the cheesecake and blackberry layers have cooled, spoon the blackberry mixture over the cheesecake filling, creating a purple layer on top.
Chill the cheesecakes in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow them to set.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Before serving, garnish each mini cheesecake with fresh blackberries, a small edible flower (like violets or pansies), and mint leaves if desired.
Carefully remove the cheesecakes from their molds and transfer them to serving plates.
Step 6: Enjoy!
These Blackberry Cheesecake Bites are a delightful, light, and creamy dessert with the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. They're beautiful and perfect for any gathering or special occasion!