Mini Tropical Cheesecakes

Ingredients

*For the Crust:*
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 cup crushed nuts (optional, for added texture)

*For the Cheesecake Filling:*
– 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)

*For the Topping:*
– Whipped cream
– Thin slices of pineapple, dried or fresh
– Fresh raspberries
– Crushed graham crackers or nuts for sprinkling

Preparation

1. **Prepare the Crust:**
– Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
– In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and crushed nuts (if using) until well combined.
– Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased muffin tin or individual mini cheesecake pans to form the crust.
– Bake for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool.

2. **Make the Cheesecake Filling:**
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
– Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
– Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and pineapple juice until fully combined.
– Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust in the muffin tin or pans, filling each one nearly to the top.

3. **Bake the Cheesecakes:**
– Bake the mini cheesecakes for 18-22 minutes, or until the centers are set and the tops are slightly puffed.
– Remove from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

4. **Decorate and Serve:**
– Once the cheesecakes are chilled, carefully remove them from the muffin tin or pans.
– Top each cheesecake with a swirl of whipped cream.
– Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a fresh raspberry.
– Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers or nuts for added texture.

These mini tropical cheesecakes are not only visually stunning but also offer a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake with the refreshing taste of pineapple and the tartness of raspberries. Perfect for any special occasion!