Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cups Recipe
These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cups are the perfect mix of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberry crunch, and a buttery graham cracker crust. This dessert is ideal for gatherings, as they come in individual servings and pack all the flavors of a classic cheesecake with a fun twist. The optional strawberry sauce adds a fresh fruity finish that will make every bite irresistible!
Ingredients for Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cups
Cheesecake Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- 12 Golden Oreo cookies, crushed
- 3 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Optional Strawberry Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions for Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cups
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner to create a crust layer.
- Bake for 5-6 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow the crusts to cool.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Mix in the sour cream and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Finally, add the egg and beat until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Divide the cheesecake mixture evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake Cups
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the centers are set and slightly jiggly.
- Allow the cheesecake cups to cool in the muffin tin for about 30 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreo cookies, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter.
- Stir until the mixture is evenly coated and forms a crunchy topping. Set aside until ready to assemble.
Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Sauce (Optional)
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
- Stir frequently and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the strawberries break down and the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely.
Step 6: Assemble the Cheesecake Cups
- Once the cheesecake cups are fully chilled, generously spoon the strawberry crunch topping over each cup.
- (Optional) Drizzle each cheesecake cup with a little strawberry sauce for an extra burst of strawberry flavor.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 cheesecake cups
Tips for the Best Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cups
- Stronger Strawberry Flavor: Swap out freeze-dried strawberries for strawberry-flavored gelatin powder in the crunch topping if you want a more intense strawberry taste.
- Storage: Store these cheesecake cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them fresh.
- Freezing Option: You can freeze these cheesecake cups for up to a month. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Enjoy these delightful Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cups, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!