Cheesecake cupcakes offer all the creamy and luscious goodness of traditional cheesecakes in a convenient single-serving form. These delectable treats combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a velvety cream cheese filling, creating a delightful dessert that is perfect for any occasion.

The history of cheesecake dates back to ancient times, with its origins traced to the ancient Greeks and Romans. However, the modern version of cheesecake, as we know it today, evolved during the 19th and 20th centuries in the United States. The creamy and indulgent dessert quickly gained popularity and became a staple in many dessert menus.

The concept of turning cheesecake into cupcakes is a relatively recent trend, reflecting the modern desire for convenience and individual-sized treats. The introduction of cheesecake cupcakes offers several advantages, such as portion control, ease of serving, and a fun twist on the classic dessert.

The Cheesecake Cupcakes are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be customized with various toppings, including fruity sauces like strawberry sauce or decadent caramel sauce. The addition of these flavorful toppings enhances the overall experience, making Cheesecake Cupcakes a crowd-pleasing and delightful dessert option.

INGREDIENTS

For Mini Cheesecake Cupcakes:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Caramel sauce or strawberry sauce for topping (optional)

For 3-Ingredient Strawberry Sauce:

• 1 cup strawberries, halved
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons sugar

For Easy Caramel Sauce:

• 2 cups light brown sugar
• 1 stick plus 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Sea salt for serving (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Mini Cheesecake Cupcakes:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line a muffin pan with paper liners.
2. In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar to create a crust resembling wet sand. Divide the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the lined muffin tin.
3. Bake the crust for 5-6 minutes until it turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
4. In the meantime, prepare the cheesecake filling. Beat softened cream cheese in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
5. Add sour cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla to the cream cheese, mixing until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
6. Pour the cheesecake mixture into the cooled muffin tin, filling each cavity almost to the top. It should be about 2 tablespoons of filling per cupcake.
7. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheesecakes are set. They should still jiggle slightly in the center. Avoid overcooking, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
8. Allow the cheesecakes to cool completely in the muffin tin, then refrigerate them to chill. Serve cold and top with your favorite toppings like caramel sauce or strawberry sauce.

3-Ingredient Strawberry Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, add halved strawberries, lemon juice, and sugar. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, mashing the strawberries with the back of a wooden spoon.
2. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
3. Place the cooked strawberries in a food processor and pulse until creamy and thick. Return the sauce to the refrigerator and serve it cold.

Easy Caramel Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, combine all the ingredients except for the vanilla. Cook over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens (about 8 minutes). If the sauce doesn’t thicken significantly, increase the heat slightly and continue stirring constantly. The sauce will further thicken as it cools in the refrigerator.
2. Stir in the vanilla and remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the caramel sauce to cool in the pan, then transfer it to a container and refrigerate until it firms up and cools.

Now you have a delightful batch of Cheesecake Cupcakes ready to enjoy, topped with your choice of strawberry or caramel sauce. The creamy texture and delicious flavors make these cupcakes an irresistible treat for any dessert lover.