Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes: Easy Valentine’s Day Dessert Recipe
These Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes are the perfect easy Valentine’s Day dessert recipe made with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberry swirl. Simple, elegant, and perfect for parties, date nights, or holiday baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 full sheets)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup sour cream
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For the Strawberry Swirl:
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners or grease well.
Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until combined. Divide evenly among muffin cups and press down firmly.
Pre-Bake: Bake crusts for 5 minutes. Remove and let cool.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/2 cup sugar, sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Beat until creamy and lump-free.
Fill Cups: Divide cheesecake batter evenly among muffin cups, filling almost to the top. Tap tin gently to release air bubbles.
Prepare Strawberry Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine diced strawberries, powdered sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring until strawberries break down and sauce thickens. Mash gently and cool slightly.
Swirl: Spoon 1–2 teaspoons of strawberry sauce onto each cheesecake. Swirl gently using a toothpick or skewer.
Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, until centers are set but still slightly jiggly.
Cool & Chill: Cool cheesecakes in the tin for 30 minutes. Transfer to refrigerator and chill at least 1 hour (overnight is best).
Serve: Remove liners and serve topped with extra strawberry sauce and fresh berries if desired.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth, creamy batter.
Do not overmix after adding eggs to prevent cracks.
Chill overnight for best flavor and texture.
You can substitute strawberries with raspberries or cherries for variation.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
